BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 01:32 PM

Next month's thread (getting a jump on the new year).

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 12:54 PM

Freya's gone home with her mum, and the toys are more or less tidied away. She's left me with her cold, so I just spent a few hours wallowing on the sofa. I think I may go to bed early with paracetamol and Vicks!

I have to be well enough to be a "nun" called Morticia in a murder mystery party tomorrow night! The mind boggled, and then hit the fancy dress store in alnwick this morning!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 12:47 PM

I'm waiting for Rob to install the new toilet seat so I can use it. The antique one split and dumped me about 5 am - not funny at the time. It took two trips; the first one was broken when we took it out of the packaging. The second is more expensive but has metal fittings and looks rather like the old one. HE wanted to glue it back together....

I got the recycling out, cooked the cranberries, will add honey and orange juice. We might make it to the gathering. Seems others have nothing to do but get there. Rob still has things necessary to do and we have an hours drive. Doubt we will make "mid-afternoon".

Yesterday, I rearranged the plants and got the big one front and centre, ready to go to its upstairs home - higher ceiling - on this mild day. Maybe tomorrow; it is a two person job.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 11:56 AM

For the first time since Christmas Eve I washed the dishes. Ran out of forks and didn't have a choice. Now I'll go back to flopping around and being pathetic.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 11:46 AM

This morning it took at least 45 minutes to clean up the kitchen after piling the dishes and pots for a couple of days. I'm eating healthy again, I made myself a smoothie of a couple of very ripe bananas, strawberries, and a couple of dollops of plain yogurt. I still have a fridge full of food, but I'm gradually using this up in a healthy way. (I'm giving it away or feeding other people here.) I'm down to the last 2 or 3 spirals on that ham now.

This morning is overcast and humid and it is warmer outside than in. We've had enough rain in the last week that there are a couple of inches standing in a bucket outside the back door. I have a few errands to do to wrap up the year, but nothing extremely pressing. I'll probably work on the center path into the keyhole garden this afternoon. It isn't very big, but it will make a big difference in how that project looks.

It has been amazing to read about how fast maeve's house is going up. She hands-down wins the award for most productive couple of weeks over the holiday season!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 01:35 AM

Got out for a little while this evening and picked up the BluRay writer that was on sale for $60 less than usual. The sale brought it into the realm of affordable, and I also found a small spool of BD disks on sale at 40% of the original price. They hold 25GB instead of the usual 4.something GB of a regular DVD (the double layer ones are about 9GB). This will be for backup of things on the computer.

So, I came home opened up the computer, plugged in a couple of things, slid in the new drive, then started looking at the software disk that came with it. I ended up installing about half of the features, then uninstalling half of I'd installed. I may take the rest out also, since the software that comes with these things are usually "value added" for people who don't have all of the software I'm already using. And it's pushy, all wanting to queue up in the auto start menu. That slows the computer. I booted several out of the start menu. (There's a wonderful little program that Bill D told me about, called WinPatrol, that is good for this kind of thing.)

That's it for the computer purchases for now. It is complete, up to the size and speed and specs I wanted, and the total for this comes out at about $1100 if you include the software I bought at work to use with it. It would have cost a couple hundred more if I'd had all of these features added at HP, and a lot more than that if I'd bought the software through them. Being able to get under the hood can be very satisfying!

I'm going to be scanning a lot of stuff and going to be adding a lot of audio files to this computer, getting started on those projects to do with my parents and grandparents that I've planned for a while.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 06:32 PM

I've been meaning to get out to walk, but today the sinuses and allergies caught up with me. Maybe this evening if the headache goes away, because it is supposed to stay fairly warm through tomorrow.

A friend spent the night last night and we watched several movies; this morning we worked on her new computer (I showed her how to make folders for her photos in Windows Explorer - she loves this - I know I've tried to show her this before, but this time it stuck). She lost her handbag somehow and we concluded that it must be locked in the car. AAA came and opened it, but no bag. We finally got smart and I called her cell phone and we found her purse on the bedpost in the guest room. It was a dark small bag hanging against the dark wood and was virtually invisible. Funny, and lucky that no more trouble was involved than this.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 05:08 PM

Dropped Rob at work, stopped in a dressmaking shop to find out where I might obtain a zipper for ski jacket, nice chat with woman, replenished supply of Romano, stopped at Home Depot to look for a new cheery plant - after New Year's said the nice clerk, nothing in cheery yellow, not even a special african violet to go in my beautiful A. v. planter recovered from the chaos last week.

Succeeded at the Sally Ann in obtaining a 9 inch square pan; mine disappeared some time ago and I really wanted one. Also a cute leather pair of tiny new red leather moccasins for new grand-nephew, a lovely blue pansy ring made by a potter (signed!) in BC and two books, including a Peterson's bird guide.

OK, what did I get rid of? The big bag for the thrift shop has things added to it almost daily and will leave after the holidays. Two wooden chairs are marked for the friend we visited last night who has none! only stools, very hard on the back on a long evening.

Sorted two more boxes in the shed. Washed big basket of fresh Quebec cranberries in prep for making sauce for freezer and for tomorrow's gathering. Since I defrosted the freezer and Rob put the frig interior together properly, it actually works! Before I realized that, stuff I was keeping in the non-freezing part of the freezer FROZE! But it is a nice change anyway. The freezer freezes and the frig refrigerates!

But now we have to get rid of the mouse who DOES get into the frig!??? Loves lettuce and .... I found mouse poison in the shed left over from rat infested place I lived on Whidbey. put it under the frig and hope.... I hate to do it but I will. My auto mechanic on Whidbey showed me a photo of what the rats could do my vehicle - hundreds of dollars in damage! He found rat manure inside the engine compartment. Hence, the poison.

Forgot I was thinking of a walk along the canal this aft. It was warm enough but by the time I got home and had lunch.... Good weather to last another few days so I'll try again.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 02:56 PM

Last two gifts sent (a third yesterday), and replies to cards rec'd-- underway. (May repair old broken relationship.) Santee has gift; info to go with has begin to flow her way.

Anniversary observed. Parish reminded not to step on our anniversary unless emergency.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 04:33 PM

I asked Morgan back over this morning, bright and early. I wanted to watch the Mousehole Cat with him, then maybe do some other things over here. We watched it and he loved it, same as before, then I couldn't stay awake! I've been up and down at night, for various reasons, and falling asleep during the day, trying to catch up. He was going to go home, but I was really sad and, sensitive that he can be, he offered to stay until lunchtime. He did and we had fun, after I slept a tiny bit. He went home after lunch, which reminds me, I need to do some laundry.

After he left, I was more awake, finally, so sat down and paid a few bills, one of which gave me great pleasure. We have a local hospital which assigns a new acct. number every time someone stubs their toe. Each time we see the doc who is affiliated with them and for whom they bill, they assign a new number, for that visit, then send out a bill with a return envelope. It drives me nuts, because the bill is usually for less than $25, but they get caught up between insurance payments, etc. so I will get eight of them all at once, in their own envelopes, each with a return envelope. And, they cry about the cost of doing business! So, today, I added all eight up, wrote out one check, stuffed that, with the pay receipts and ALL of the return envelopes in a manilla envelope and am sending it out, tomorrow. I just hate to see the waste. It's a stupid, inefficient system. Also paid the lights and gas, so, for once, we will be starting off the new year all caught up on bills. Phew!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 02:10 PM

I'm on the 5th load of laundry...clothes are done (still need to be put away) and I'm now doing sheets and rugs. Hopefully I'll get to the last few loads of odds and ends that need to be washed separately. All but 4 Christmas gifts have been opened, toys have been assembled, all packaging material has been taken out and the rest of the gifts have been put away. My kitchen counters and table are clear...YAY! I do have a box of paper *clutter* that I need to sort out and either put it where it belongs, pay it or ditch it.

Yoga was great yesterday but I am SORE today...abs, thighs, shoulers...whew. No matter, it's just my body letting me know I've exercised parts that have been been still for awhile. When I groaned this morning while getting up, my husband said, "So what?!?!? You came home with a HUGE smile on your face!" You know what? He's right!!!

Tomorrow we are running away for the day...something we haven't done in MONTHS...maybe even a year. I am EXCITED!!! PLAY TIME!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 01:41 PM

Well, a quick read reminded me to move the laundry into the dryer, have lunch, after I put a focaccia from a mix into the oven for today's supper at friends. Before I started checking FB, quite a while ago, I sorted a pile of stuff that had accumulated, higgeldy, piggeldy. Piles go to different places but not there yet - while I nuke lunch. Ski jacket zipper dead; worth fixing - later if I can find an appropriate zipper. Nice shirt needs two buttons - thread found and buttons too - after lunch. Then time to leave.

Beautiful sunny day for a trip to the country! COLD though. Darn, went to check outdoor temp and remote has quit. Will have to go out to shed and recover it, check battery - after lunch.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 11:43 AM

Decluttering my gmail this morning. I don't read it online, I load it all into the computer in my Thunderbird program. I leave it on the server, but every so often it pays to go in and get rid of some of the junk.

It's one of those heavy overcast days that benefits from lights on and good music or an old movie playing in the background. The effects of SAD are less down here in Texas, but we still have glimpses of it. I'm drinking tea, eating a couple of clementines and my half-a-bagel for breakfast as I get myself back to my low or no-sugar existence again. It simply feels better to not assault myself with sweets. And this time of year I don't always remember to drink enough fluid, but I have a 6-ounce Bert and Ernie tumbler from when my kids were tiny that I've always used in the kitchen for taking pills and vitamins. I drink one of those full of water each time I pass through the kitchen.

I loaded a lot of movies into my instant queue on NetFlix; a friend is coming over to spend the night. We're going to spend the evening watching movies. I have the large coffee table that she had for years but was going to leave behind when she moved from Fort Worth to Arizona. She was giving each of us something, so I asked for that table. A couple of times now her kids have remarked on that table when they've been over for our big meals. This year I told them that I really treasured having this artifact of all of those Mulley movies (the television feet scratched the finish) because the family and friends would get together for movies usually once a week. I think they understood finally that it represents all of them for me (no one was asking for it back, but they did kind of always grumble at their mother that she gave it away.) As noted above, this was a good year for important conversations. :)

I need to go check out the garage. Last night dogs must have been chasing a mouse or a rat; they shredded some of the newspaper in a bag of paper I keep for gardening (I lay it down as a weed barrier after I till and before I put down mulch). I think I'll take to recycle, if it is becoming too tempting for rodents to nest over the winter.

Much more to do, but I won't get to it if I sit here and write about it. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 11:29 PM

Guiding children through those years and ending up with a great adult at the end means guidance along the way. Time out isn't a bad thing, just as important a part of the process as the hug.

Found the photos I was looking for, sized them down and put them in the Dirt Doctor site. You'd think someone who grows tomatoes every year would know about this way to process them for juice and sauce! I spoke with him a couple of weeks ago and he asked for the photos. I finally found his facebook page, so I'll post there also.

Why doesn't facebook just have a list of my "favorite" sites that aren't friend sites right on the front page? I shouldn't have to be in an editing mode to find them!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 10:06 PM

I did the dishes from Christmas, all but two pans Rog left to rot, so he gets to clean them up!:-) Also, a load of laundry. Had a wonderful long phone visit with our son and in between a Morgan-can-I-come-over-call which resulted in him learning to be patient and wait for "Mama" to call back. He did come over and we were having fun playing Monopoly, but he got mad when I asked him to *try* reading a Chance card.(He's doing really great at math, which comes easily and dragging his feet at reading which requires a little work:-) He turned into a two year old right before my eyes and had a fit which landed him in time-out. When he's good, he's an angel, then, once in awhile, the little "divil" comes out. Have to keep an eye on that. We did have a hug before he left.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 09:18 PM

Did some running this afternoon, but not as much as planned. Had a bit of a headache so I headed home after a couple of stops, but with motrin and a nap, I'm now feeling like getting some work done around here.

I need to photograph the steam juicer in action (I thought I had, but I can't find the photos - I've just wandered down memory lane looking for them - it will be faster to steam juice the tomatoes in my freezer now and retake the photos.) There is a lot of blog stuff I need to finish, and sorting and such. Easy to overwhelm the vacation if I list everything, better to simply DO a few things and settle for that. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 07:14 PM

YOGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I left puddles of sweat on my (own personal) mat and absolutely melted onto the floor for savasana. LOVE LOVE LOVED IT. I want more!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 06:50 PM

Good to hear about others Christmases!

Now that I have survived Christmas, I look around and realize how far we have come, homewise, since bringing my stuff home from the West coast in November. As the distiller provides me with clean water, the heavy duty air cleaner with clean air, and some nice furniture, as will fit, more comfortable bed, cosy sofa and rocking love seat, we enjoyed a couple quiet days.

An open house at the home of friends, on the Day, solved the toxic brother problem and we enjoyed about 7 hours with mostly unknown, but interesting people. Then came home and watched movies on TV until almost 4 am! Well, once Chocolat started.... What an interesting movie! But then we lazed around, sleeping and talking for the next 12 hours! Supper at a "Yuppie" restaurant, about 4 pm, was pleasant (our only meal!) and home to laze around some more, read and computer by turns.

Now, I am feeling motivated to make more improvements: started by nailing down the board over the hole in the floor so it does not bounce each time I walk on it! Delighted to be able to find two nails for this without having to go out into the shed on a 17 degree day! Also, talked 30 min with my friend/health consultant in Penna, mostly about what might help Rob's anxiety induced depression, researched a couple supplements, went to the vitamin shop for supplies and picked up groceries in 3 dif places. Also fertilized the plants, now that the days are getting longer.

Rob has started to get more serious about taking on the second floor. Would be so nice to have twice the space and a real bathtub!!!! As soon as we have a warmer day, I will ask for help to get the very tall plant up there. The ceiling is higher and the poor plant is scrunched down here, but otherwise looks very healthy. Moving the plant could be a catalyst for further movement.

The Clivia still has three flowers!

Supper with friends tomorrow. I'll take bread and cheese again. M is making Spaghetti.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 12:14 PM

It was quite cold overnight, down to 20. The dogs slept in again and loved every minute of their new beds in the house. It rained a couple of days ago so there is ice where there was standing water, but the roads are clear and today it thawed when the sun rose.

Time again for the end of year assessment of bills. I did this last year and saved a lot on both insurance and electric. I didn't save a lot on the phone, because that company pushed the envelope with the FCC portion of the bill and fiddled the amount. They're still playing games, but I took the phone away and now have that at a flat rate. Since my daytime minutes count, I wait to make my customer service calls in the evening after 7pm when I have unlimited minutes (evenings and weekends). This is the only accommodation I've felt it necessary to make regarding the new phone setup. (Some of those calls can run very long, so best to do it on their dime!)

My electric will go down again this year, and the insurance will stay down where the new company priced it last year at this time (which lowered from the previous company by half). I'm sure I did this at the end of the year last year because I had this time during the holiday break. It becomes a worthwhile activity each year, to shop around for good prices.

The last bit of equipment I need to add to the computer is on a good sale this week, but the store may have run out if the hoards of apres-holiday shoppers denuded the store. I'll go take a look later.

Filing, picking up, laundry, the usual activities also apply today.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 02:39 AM

I'll be heading back north later this morning with my little passenger. I shall watch very carefully to see what toys she ignores at my place and remove them from the stash.
I went on my customary visit to friends in a lovely rural cottage yesterday. They have an extension with a very modern living room, complete with under-floor heating. Oh so cosy! I was wondering if that would be a good idea for the kitchen floor in my place, as it will be built from scratch. It will save losing storage space to a radiator.

Michelle, it's funny how a child can be a catalyst.

I hope you aren't all being hammered by snow out there in the US. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we've seen the last of it for a while, but as usual the BBC radio and the met office are saying the opposite to the local weather prediction on the BBC website....

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 11:01 PM

Michelle, I used to have mixed emotions about visits with my mother, but having children changed everything. Suddenly she had a different place to focus, not just on me. It made a big difference for both of us in her last years.

Kat, it seems to have been a year for important conversations. And I'm glad Morgan has all of that safety gear to go with the skateboard.

I have been working on my daughter's room this evening. A friend is coming over on Tuesday, and I use that room for sewing as well as guests. Changing linens since my daughter was here on Friday night.

I've been preparing to do some sewing, so I thought I'd streamline some of the drawers in a dresser there that I use just for fabric. Amazing how much I have - this is a testament to uncompleted projects, I'm afraid, along with the ones I did finish. I'm going to take out the contents and arrange them by type of fabric, so all of the muslin and backing and trim is in one place, the fancy large pieces in another, etc. And then put the small television I moved out of my office in there. I've emptied a couple of plastic bins so far. They'll be handy when I pick up my son at the end of spring semester.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 09:33 PM

Wow! That's awesome, Michelle!!

It is a time for reflection. I just got off the phone with Morgan's mom after telling her thank you for being there six years ago when I went in hospital. Here she was a brand-new mom of one year, helping her dad get me to the hospital with baby in tow; then all of the stuff she did before I had surgery; took over the household, worked part-time, and took care of me and Morgan whilst Rog was at work. We couldn't have done it without her. I really appreciate all that she did then and throughout it all, she has been steadfast in having Morgan in our lives. I am most gratefull.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 07:34 PM

I very happy to post that I was wrong. The visit to my MIL's house went VERY well. Something has changed...maybe for both of us...a softening of sorts. We had a beautiful visit, great conversation and a genuine feeling of friendship. Maybe a new start?

I hope so. We all left happy....something that I've not been able to say in years.

YAY.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 07:14 PM

Our daughter surprised us this morning when she, her husband, and Morgan came over. They brought a gift for Morgan to open over here, which happened to be the board game, Clue. When I asked if they''d like to stay and play it, they said yes! It's been updated, so no library! but it was still fun to play. I helped Morgan the first time as it is a bit complicated to start out. It was a lot of fun and I hope we can have more times like that.

Morgan also came over later, today with the skateboard Santa left for him with elbow and knee pads, helmet and wrist guards. Boy, does he look grown up in all that gear. He's thrilled with it. We gave him a memory stick in the shape of a Tony Hawk skateboard so that was pretty kewl, plus we gave him an mp3 player.
So, we had skateboard practising going up and down our hallway today. I've never minded my kids doing such in the houses we've had as I remember how much fun it was when my mom let me ride my tricycle in the house.

Not much for decluttering going on, but I will get back to eating better...letting go of some sugar, too, SRS. I'll do some clean up, tomorrow, after Rog goes to work.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stringsinger
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 01:43 PM

Maggie,

Vitamins are for the most part just expensive urine.

A sensible approach to the right veggies, fruits and for some, grains, offering variety,
selectivity and that are preferably organic will prolong health.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 11:35 AM

It got down to 23^o here in Fort Worth last night, and the dogs spent the night in the house on their new beds. During the day they weren't interested in trying them, because they weren't ready for sleep, but last night, they plopped down, curled up, and stayed right there all night. Even when I got up for a drink in the middle of the night, they stayed in place. (Usually when they slept on the blanket and towel pallet they'd wander into the bathroom with me.)

For accountability, I am kicking the Scarsdale diet into gear in order to get off of the sugar that has crept into my diet. Last night we watched Julie and Julia, which makes cooking seem awfully tempting, but I'll have to stick to the healthy gourmet cooking and avoid the sauces and desserts. :)

SRS

Subject: Look back: 2010 & forward: 2011 Declut&Acc
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 09:17 AM

On what feels like the third Sunday in three days (Fri., Sat., Sun services), my Sunday morning at home is the usual for-the-Church melange of tasks and quiet reflection. Today I spent it re-binderizing the year's-worth of studies I've zoomed thru in the last six months-- making reference binders out of what had been the material-in-use. These amount to, in one sense, my "preschool-level" of Old Testament. Next year I will begin the frosh course in OT. But first I will spend the next several months preschooling the New Testament. Because next year will also include frosh-level NT. The new glasses making READING finally possible-- priceless!

Looking back I see God's hand leading my studies and prep: not a page wasted, not a resource missed, not a friend/support-person lacking. It has been an abundantly rich 6 months and I look forward to the similar treatment of the NT, very much. (Bonus: the resources and home-habits-of-health are all organized this time around, to make it even more fun and a better fit into the busy life of a fulltime Presbytera.)

A new friendship that is bearing adorable fruit is with a young raised-Uke man and his partner as they contemplate entering The Fishbowl of Ordained Ministry... J's Orthodox background fits so well with the Greek Orthodox worldview that has become increasingly a comfort zone for me. I identify more and more as an Ecupalian or Ecupanglican. :~)

The OT year was rich, also, in Anti-Racism source material, new AR insights, and new ways of looking at this multicultural world amidst which I minister.

New health initiatives should result in a a really interesting year to come: at some point yet to plan I will be undergoing long-needed surgery to remediate longstanding health barriers.

Later this week we will get and install the first of two dust filters to make home a much better place for everyone. I've identified several cleaning people to support a plan to paint the LR, and a painter. By summer I hope to have doors we can throw wide open.

TBTG, I wish you all an equally joyous and fulfilling year. Slavite Jeho!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 11:51 PM

Busy day, but nice to have both kids under the roof overnight. That doesn't happen very often any more. We had our breakfast, opened gifts, and then watched a couple of movies. Might seem an odd mix, but I had a bluray version of Rocky Horror Picture Show and then we watched Julie and Julia. I think we spent as much time watching to see how they played games to make Meryl Streep look 8 inches taller than she really is as actually following the story.

Moonglow and I went through an old trunk, looking for a hat I was going to give her, but I couldn't find it. We did find a couple of antique sterling pins that she polished and took with her. Considering the price of silver these days, and antiques, she took a fairly high-dollar gift home. And she's welcome to it - I think she'll go ahead and wear them. I may wear a couple of others myself. My great aunt had several pins with her initials, and that would be a nice touch, to honor her memory.

Time for another movie, I think, and puttering around the house. Have a good weekend, all!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 11:18 PM

We had a wonderful Christmas Day. :) We spent this morning at home...just the 3 of us. We started the day by reading the story of how Jesus was born (from Jeremiah's own little Bible) while Jeremiah ate his Cheerios. Pete and I exchanged stockings and the Wee One had his own stocking too. Santa didn't wrap the goodies in Jeremiah's stocking and he had fun pulling things out. He played with the first few things and stopped there. I think he was a bit overwhelmed. No matter, he will enjoy everything as the days go on. He opened one of his gifts....tugged the paper right off and promptly put it in his mouth. When he couldn't get the paper to tear anymore, he turned the box and started chewing on the box! :) Classic!!! Mommy got some great photos and video! Jeremiah still has 5 more gifts to open but we decided he'd had enough for this morning. He had a short nap and we went to visit his nana. He opened maybe 2 of his gifts there, played a lot on the floor with me while we opened the rest of our gifts (Jeremiah's too). He had great fun playing with an empty box and one of his new toys and then he was down again for a much longer nap.
    Pete, Mom and I had a very relaxed Christmas lunch/dinner, great conversation and we played cards. My favorite part of Christmas? Being healthy enough (and still here) to be with the people I love most. :) :) :)
    Tomorrow our niece is visiting (her very first break from the Army)...we haven't seen her since June and she hasn't met Jeremiah yet....should be a fun visit. The later part of the day will be spent at Pete's mother's house for Christmas. I don't like going there and frankly neither does he. It is totally a courtesy visit. I know that's not very nice but she and her husband (Uncle Pappy) smoke like chimneys in a small space with no open windows....it smells so bad and burns our eyes....ugh. In addition, she has no interest in Jeremiah so I can't seem to find any interest or enthusiasm for visiting her. If I was a good liar, I might be feeling a cold coming on *cough cough*......but since I'm not, I'll be going and doing my best to just be. There's no need to pretend to like her as she knows in no uncertain terms that I do not. I will be polite as I look right through her and her gift goes directly in the yard sale pile no matter what it is....I'm just not interested.
    Anyway, TODAY was wonderful. How often do you get to spend the entire day together with the people you love most in this world?
    I even got some laundry finished and some sweeping done...emptied out my car too!!! :)

Here's hoping you all had whatever makes your heart happy on this day. Merry Christmas!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 06:59 AM

Total chaos ensued as Freya got overwhelmed with gifts.
My older daughter has bought me a carved John Barleycorn, made out of an old oak tableleg. The guy who made it has put runes down the side, about JB, and has kept the carving in his house for a year. He wants a photograph of where he eventually ends up in my house. I have a feeling he may be striking up a close relationship with my harvest lady corn dolly. She was carefully packed and arrived safely. This is remarkable, given that she has a headdress of free-standing oats, wheat and barley!

I hope the day has been kindness in its many guises to all.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 12:17 AM

Cheerleading is right! Maggie, you DO so much it is inspiring and sometimes tiring! But mostly inspiring. I love reading about what the rest of you are doing.

I have bought no gifts; it is not what I do. During the year I will give small gifts as the right thing appears. I did provide paper (from my stash in the shed!) and tape for Rob to wrap a couple and encouraged him to go visit friends and spend time with brother this Christmas Eve. I stayed home, comfortably, with a book and the computer.

For me, our time at the Cafe last night with our wonderful community of friends was my Christmas celebration. There were 25 wonderful musicians participating in the open mike. Adrien/Beer encouraged me to sing and he accompanied me for O Tannenbaum, in German. The evening raised funds for the ADDA music lessons for youngsters program - $584! And a friend talked with excitement about his upcoming CD - still very much in the works. I delight in his excitement! The group picture on the Cafe NamasThe FB site tells it all! We (I) drive over an hour each way for to be part of the Cafe family and it is worth every bit of it.

I have cooked nothing. I even forgot to go the the bakery today but called Rob and he managed to get there, before going to Church with his bro, and picked up two loaves of that wonderful chocolate cranberry bread to take to our friend's Open House tomorrow. We have two more invites next week; another one down in the country. I may or may not feel like baking or cooking for them; there is the bakery.   

I think I am finding it somewhat tiring to support Rob as he believes he is getting depressed. Sometimes I am scared, sometimes feeling inadequate, just plain foundering - Then he comes in cheerful. A yo-yo! I too have been there; I suppose most of us have. so I just hang on, reading, connecting with friends on phone and computer, finding support but not doing much else. I find it hard to be a psychotherapist who has done so much good work with people and to have a partner who feels as though he is sinking. How dare he be depressed when he has me! But that is reality and I am dealing with it- with the help of friends. That, too, is what life, and Christmas, is about, for me.

This, too will pass. I do not feel badly about doing "nothing". I am doing what is necessary and have made enough order out of the chaos that was in this house six months ago that Rob feels happy to come into "a home". And peace/silence, a calm environment, is healing. I am mostly OK but it does take a lot of energy. I always need the peace of silence. I give myself permission to do only that which I feel is essential, what I feel I can do comfortably.

As I wrote this, I remembered this poem by a wonderful Scottish musician, a beautiful human being. It buoyed me up a couple years ago when I was feeling like a yo-yo. So I pass this gift along; perhaps it will speak to others.

"Like the power of the ocean
You may feel you are falling
But it's been there all the time
You may think your boat is sinking
But it's not it's just you've been thinking
You have been drifting on another tide

If you look to distant horizons
The answers you may find them
Don't expect them to wash ashore
Your dreams will last forever
And one day you will remember
The life you lived here once before"

David V Taylor 1994

BUT, ABOVE ALL, I HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING THE BEST HOLIDAY SEASON ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN NEEDS.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 11:51 PM

Sounds lovely, SRS. I won't have much to report about Morgan until Sunday as they left this morning to go to his other grandma's since this is her first Christmas as a widow. I did talk with him a few minutes ago and he is sure Santa is real and will find him. They will be over sometime on Sunday, late morning, I hope, to unwrap the few things we have for him. We adults don't exchange presents, except for my siblings and we will do those with my brother, tomorrow, when he comes over for breakfast and/or dinner. The kids will have leftovers if they want them, on Sunday. I'd told my dau. I didn't mind letting her dogs out this evening, but I would not do it tomorrow...it would just seem too sad, but I am sure, with Rog able to help now, we'll go let them out in the morning. They will be fine after that until the kids get home.

I expect some happy phone calls from our grandsons back East, tomorrow, as we bought them mp3 players and they don't have a clue (fortunately they are not online and can't read this!*bg*)

I racked up points at paperbackswap.com and was able to order four books for my two sisters in WY and two books for the one in AK. It's pretty neat...still have four points to use and more books to list.

Morgan and I did spend a lot of time together, yesterday. He is too funny. Bought him a PaperJamz guitar and amp. Lots of fun..."early" Christmas present of which he paid $5.00 towards the strap he wanted for it. So, he's all decked out for rock and roll for now. And, he has got the m-o-o-o-ves! I'll see if I can get a video up, soon.

We were at the kitchen table and he asked me where "Papa" was. I told him at work. He moaned about wanting to see more of him. I told him we are working out a retirement thing and he said he had three (holding up his fingers) questions for me, with a big grin. I said, what? 1. Your bills! (We're both laughing.) 2. Your bills! (By now, we're really LOL) and, 3. Your dog! Well, that stopped me cold and I said "What dog?!" To which he laughed and laughed...he thought it was too funny throwing that in there. Then we settled down and I reassured him that WE would take care of our bills, he didn't need to concern himself with such. But, he wouldn't let it go until I explained the government would give us some money. Well. he thought that sounded just dandy...the gov. giving us money...why'd we wait so long for that?! Then, I explained about Papa paying into Social Security all of his working life and he said, "Oh and now they give it back to him?" He's still thinking this is pretty slick. Anyway, I reassured him some more and we went on to other things,. but it is a good reminder that he does not miss a thing and we all need to be careful of what we discuss around him. I wish his parents understood that better. Ah well...there's the Morgan story for the week or so.:-) Thanks for asking and listening. It is fun to share with you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 10:32 PM

I wasn't thinking about the cheerleading aspect of this thread. Thanks for pointing that out!

I spent almost five hours on my feet this afternoon, started cooking at 3 and finished just after 7:30, when Moonglow picked up a pan filled with Puerto Rican meat pies called "empanadillas" to deliver to her Dad. His mother gave me this recipe and showed me how she made them about 22 years ago. We got together at the brother-in-law's house in San Diego, and between five of us (his father was still alive then) we made the sofrito (part of the sauce), cut up meat (pork in that instance, chicken in this one), made the pastry (kind of like a PR tortilla) and made the pies. I took notes, and I transcribed them and sent a copy over. It's one of those vague recipes that lists 2 cups of flour and no quantities of anything else listed. Definitely one of those "you had to be there" recipes! :-)

I have the evening to putter; the kids will come in late, and then I'll do stockings and we'll have breakfast of pancakes and bacon (a rare treat) and then exchange a few gifts. It's a slim stack this year, to be sure, but the money is going to a good cause - flying my son back and forth, and putting both of them through college.

Please let us know how it goes with you - Jeremiah, Morgan, all of the small folks who have kept us so entertained are on center stage right now. Please let us know how it goes!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 08:06 PM

As of this morning, I did not have any gifts in this house wrapped. I had wrapped and delivered 4 gifts yesterday to a long time friend and her family...we met for lunch, the babies played and we had a nice time. However, I can't wait for later this month when Jeremiah and I can go visit at her house so the babies can be down on the floor and play...sitting in a restaurant is so hard for them...just happened to be a good spot to meet and exchange gifts yesterday.

I am happy to say that all the gifts in this house are wrapped. It's a small Christmas in our house this year package wise but we are blessed in so many other ways that the other things just don't seem as important. We also put up a small tree this afternoon. It still needs to be wrapped in lights and decorated but that will wait until Jeremiah is in bed. At the moment he is playing on a blanket with his daddy and his favorite race car. I love watching the two of them play together. LOVE IT.

I just finished putting wrapping paper, boxes and bows away. Laundry is going, dishes are going, my kitchen table is clear, floor swept and half mopped and I have a new shower curtain liner to go up this evening. The old fabric one has had it.

I'll be reading the story of Christmas to Jeremiah before he goes to bed too...I'm excited to begin that tradition. :)

Merry Christmas and Much Love to All,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 06:36 PM

These threads have helped me a lot-- just knowing that other folks were going thru the same things was a big help. And I love hearing stories about other people's children & grandchilden. I hope to realy buckle down next year, and get serious about learning new music. I've coasted thru this year. Maybe I'll post the song titles as I learn them. There are still a lot of things I could box up & store away, so I'll get back to work on that. But when I look back on how far I've come, it is amazing! Thank you all for the encouragement.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 04:54 PM

You've done a lot of nurturing in these thread, Maggie. Thanks for that, esp. sharing your thinking processes. (And, those snowmen are really kewl!)

I don't have a lot planned until after the holidays, but I do enjoy reading along as Andrea gets moved in and unpacked and Dorothy discovers old stuff like new, etc.

I think the decision we made about the books, finally, is a grand gesture, as you speak of, which will show us we've really done more than it feels like. This is going to be a year of big change for us as Roger plans for part-time retirement. We will be working on budgeting, planning ahead, etc. and whittling down the household which is what this has all been about, anyway. It will be fun to see where we are with it next year.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 01:22 PM

An addition to the note above; cold turkey isn't my way of stopping many things, but I do think I'll slack off the posts, enumerate more than describe after a while. I can see that my house looks so much better now than it did when all of this started. I'm sure some of that will reflect in the January thread. But I do need to stand back and see if there are any grand gestures that might speed this along. More furniture out the door? Move book shelves? Hold a garage sale?

This morning I packed for shipping an eBay item that sold this week. And the eBay page that greeted me tells me I can give eBay gift certificates. I won't be doing that, but I will be listing some things this week, hoping that in the down time between the holidays when people are home playing on the computer (new or not), that they might go shopping at eBay for useful or decorative items.

It's raining today, we haven't had rain since before Thanksgiving. Sounds wonderful! We don't need a white christmas, but at winter-time one does feel right (it hit 80 here one day this week!) All of you Santa's helpers, pace yourselves today. I don't put out the stockings contents until the kids have gone to bed, and that is pretty late some years. At least they sleep late, so tomorrow's breakfast (a favorite for all of us - pancakes and bacon) doesn't come at the crack of dawn.

It is a modest holiday, compared to years past, but still wonderful. My gift to myself is to have both kids here this year. And when I watch and listen to them talk and laugh and enjoy each others' company, I know I managed to accomplish something very important to me that my parents didn't manage (in their own lives or in ours) - to have a family that gets along, regardless of if we live together or not, if we're still married or not. This year was very important for me, when I had long, detailed conversations with two of my siblings and managed to finally set aside the last of the misunderstandings dating from my father's death. There is still one who is out there, not getting along with anyone, but that is due to nature, not nurture. Undiagnosed, untreated mental health issues are hard on families.

Here's hoping your houses, large, small, or temporary, smell good with favorite foods, with your choice of candles, fireplace, mulled drinks, baking, whatever. Give each of yourselves a hug for being the wonderful people you are, and thank you for sharing your gifts of insight and hard work with all of us over the last couple of years. It really has been a big help.

☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 01:16 PM

I spend time here that I think I'd like to use in other pursuits. I might go to more lists, less prose.

We all go thru that cycle. It's good to know it and use it intentionally.

Me, I'm just glad I have been finding the bra's that needed elastic added to the straps and have been sewing one per day and have had clean bra's that FIT and FEEL good. When the shoulders were shot, the girls paid for it! :~) So I can't wait to dry and folds the laundry that's in the wash now, and count how many I netted, cuz that bag of to-do's is empty.

But first, others' Chrismases continue.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 12:23 AM

Went to take tapes and CDs back to the library but they've locked the return chutes and are closed for several days. There will be fines. I am not sure why, though I have a sneaking hunch the city is trying to grow fines by making it impossible to return stuff after hours. Stinky policy.

I've removed the spare keyboard, the favorite one and adapter are up and running. I have a lot of clearing up to do over the holiday, but I also have a lot of other stuff. Sewing, writing, photo-editing, etc.

I'm thinking it's getting to be time to step down the de-clutter threads, I spend time here that I think I'd like to use in other pursuits. I might go to more lists, less prose.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:04 PM

Fam and Santee pkgs all mailed but two: one will go tomorrow and one is awaiting a mail delivery here first for us to repackage and ship.

LR cleanup underway. One local gift, maybe two, to deliver over the weekend.

Our annual Big Surprise for a local vendor was yesterday-- food this year, since that is what they needed, and the surprise aspect of it. I should write about this sometime-- our unique way of gifting our "bizpeeeps" (friends).

Hardi and I both have wrapped and set in place each other's gifts and we each stocked up on critterkibbles this week; friends in "the life" are as busy as we are and plans are underway to do lunches, etc., during or right after the 12 days.

A new friend of Uke Orthodox heritage and I have been tee-heemailing holiday cheer that is hilarious but you'd have to be Greek or western Orthodox to get any of it. But I got a new name there you may see here sometime.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 07:41 PM

Ripping CDs from the library into my mp3 player (recorded books) because they're due and I should have done this a while back. Several Agatha Christie. I had some tapes with Rex Stout, but never got to listening to them, as much as I love them. I'll probably listen to these as I sew.

The weather is seasonal now, cold, dreary, humid, with rain for tomorrow. Rain on what might be a busy driving day; fingers crossed the roads stay safe!

Ten days off seem like a lot now, but the time flies. Still, I'll take it!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 06:38 PM

We're very glad of the yurt. Sometimes we miss our other life, that's all.

I hope your Christmas surprises you with unexpected pleasures, simple pleasures, and moments of peace to balance the inevitable, but passing, stresses.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 06:31 PM

Gosh, Maeve, to me your yurt is the best Christmas of all! And the prep has been breathtaking! And your candlelight service a great way to celebrate.

I had a long talk today with Rob's toxic brother. His call and insistence: so I explained, somewhat tearfully, why I have trouble dealing with him and how I, too, am worried about R and have been trying very hard to get him out to do the things which bro thinks need to be done. As this is at least the 4th explanation over the last 18 months, I am hoping he actually heard me and that our Christmas can be less stressful. Last year's was dreadful due to him.

No prep other than concern about how to deal with the logistics. I hope the brothers can do something together Christmas eve and we can all go to a friend's open house on Christmas day. She too is a psychotherapist and willing to have J. There will be others as a buffer. I will take a special loaf of choc, cranberry from our favourite bakery. Maybe something else if I feel like cooking tomorrow.

Right now, I await Rob, already late for our trip to the Cafe for Christmas program (I really wanted to be on time tonight)-- He took his brother to pick up his car. ---because his brother was talking on his cell while driving without a license a few days ago. $1000 in fines and car was impounded. Sure, he was on his way to get his license... This is at least his second for using cell... They could not have done this two hours ago?? Am I frustrated?? Discouraged?? Will I let it go and keep on - SURE!

Yet one more stressful Christmas. Yes, I am down right now BUT I am so glad to hear about others' preps and family doings. You give me hope and something to hold on to. There are cheerful Christmases out there! I am thankful for your words of happy preps.

Maybe next year...

Thank you all and do have the best possible holiday season!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 05:13 PM

No Christmas preparations here. Lots of big plastic-wrapped pallets outside waiting to be turned into a home.

I wish the rest of you a joyful time with family and friends.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 05:00 PM

Last night I picked up a different adapter for my keyboard - and this one gets it right. The other had a slight lag, and it would quit every so often. Happy the typist with the great keyboard!

Must get things wrapped and out of sight. Not sure what time kids will be around tomorrow, though they usually spend xmas eve with their Dad. And I have to double check my recipes for the next couple of days, to be sure I have everything I need.

How's it working out, holiday preparation-wise, for everyone?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:43 AM

I have a favorite photo of my children when my son was about 9 months old and my daughter just over 4 years. They had a plastic child's "shopping cart" and a cardboard box - he was sitting in the box like a canoe and she was loading up the cart with stuff. They were equally happy with their conveyances.

There is so much food in my fridge right now it's embarrassing. I need to drop some ham off at a couple of friends' houses. My shopping this evening, in addition to the food, included picking up another converter for my favorite keyboard - this one says " "Windows 7 ready." The other didn't, so maybe this one won't hit a wall every so often and stop sending the signal through. This IBM keyboard is so much easier to type on - the keys are each concave, your fingers don't slide all over the place. Fingers crossed this takes care of the problem.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 01:45 AM

Oh that was the time the tree had to be a smaller one up out of reach on a table, and barricaded by chairs! (Michelle, you are now on the cusp of the "nail-everything-halfway-up-the-wall" stage!)

Wonderful memories! Alex cut his first tooth on Boxing Day by biting down hard on a new rattle.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 11:45 PM

Preparing for another afternoon of cooking on Friday, as I work on consumable gifts. Empanadillas are a meat pie from Puerto Rico (and other Spanish regions) that have pork or chicken simmered in a sauce and then put in the pastry with olive and pimento and fried in shallow oil. I'll make a batch and send them over with the kids to their Dad's house for christmas eve. They can eat some and he can freeze the rest. This is his main gift this year. It's so difficult to buy for someone who can get what he needs during the year, but he can't buy these, not locally, anyway.

I shopped some today, and made the executive decision to get a couple of dog beds (they're on sale at Big Lots). These won't go in the garage dog cave - they'd tear them up as a game, but in the house in my room when they come in on really cold nights these can go on the floor and I won't have to put down several layers of towels (that still seem pretty un-cosy, as bedding goes). These are washable and will live on the trunk in my room.

Time to clear a couple of tables and get ready to do some sewing. I have a couple of projects to work on tomorrow.

Michelle, I saw those photos of Jeremiah on facebook. He is such a healthy happy looking little boy! Your christmas this year is going to be remarkable (he might get a little over-stimulated - that can happen, but other than that, let 'er rip!) And remember, the paper and the box (especially large ones) are more fun than the toys that come in them. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 06:51 PM

Nice job, SRS. I did our cards the other night and sent them off with Rog after Morgan helped me put on the return labels and stamps.

I also did qi gong yesterday morning.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 06:29 PM

I need to unkink my neck and body. I have been hunched over three different computer keyboards today to create, save, and send the library holiday message. The card itself underwent some editing this morning, after the draft was sent yesterday. Putting the citation in the proper format, and shifting the font just a little on the card to make it more readable for older eyes.

Original 2009 card from my brother

Yesterday's first draft

Today's final card (without the table it was sent in - that had links to larger versions).

The first one was a little squashed, but the gray contrast looked better. I forgot to see if I could find a tweak for that today, but it will still fly.

Don't even ask how many hours this took.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 09:34 AM

Unf***ing--

We hit on a new strategy for moving Christmas gifting forward I will repeat (earlier) next year-- a table where we can't miss it, in an intersection in the house, where items can pile up till critical mass for jointly-done wrapping/shipping can occur. This year it's a card table in the front entryway, but next year it will be the DR table we seldom use but leave set with linens and silver to remind us not to junk it up-- whip off dusty linens/place settings at the start of Advent, let the items pile up there, and re-stage the table once the shipping is done with clean stuff for the private Christmas brekky / dinner we always squeeze in somedamnwhar.

Email to close friends is out and about. The table is full. The tape has been bought. Tonight is pack/wrap night. Hardi's legs are good. My Santee's stuff will go to the post office tomorrow along with distant-fam gifts. Today a local drop will be made where need is great. Hardi's gifts are on order and one here for Christmas opening. (It's so handy to have our anniversary a few days after Christmas!) I have BRAS I can WEAR!!! Life is good, after all.

KISS is a new motto. I also figgered out how to get info to doc ahead of appts (using existing tools), which will take care of the odd thing growing on my skin I found last night.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 12:10 AM

Andrea, I used to have a mix of highlights and lowlights in my hair, but the gray was showing through enough that we decided to switch to just lowlights so the gray kind of looks like the highlights part. :-/

It was up to at least 70 here today, and for the accountability portion of my report, this evening shortly after dark I took the girls for a lovely walk so we could look at some of the holiday lights. They still manage to find acorns in the street even in the dark, so were happy.

I've been photographing a card on a table with strategically placed antique ornaments and layering in a historic photo to make the old photo look like it is part of a modern card. Took me a few days to land on this approach after the others proved too difficult to manage with my fairly basic grasp of InDesign. I did the card in Photoshop instead. Here's what it looks like. I hope they like this one, it took me a while to get here, but I think it works. The background is dark on purpose, with the ornaments and brass lamp simply for a little atmosphere. The card is actually one my brother sent last year (here's the original).

Time to wrap this up.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:59 PM

I've decided to go down to Yorkshire a day early, so now I only have tomorrow to blitz through this place prior to it being attacked by Freya next Monday.

I got the washing done today, but it's been a bit of a subdued day - my glands are a bit swollen, and I'm distinctly viral, plus they eventually held Ian's inquest this morning. A "narrative" verdict was recorded: the coroner read out the findings of the enquiry which, according to my lawyer, was a catalogue of disasters on the part of the coal company. There was no "accidental death" or "misadventure" verdict given, and it was very much obvious what had happened. He has to remain impartial, however, and also has no real authority in another country.

The cat's going to the cattery early Thursday morning, and I am going to get red lowlights put in my hair prior to braving the winter weather down the A1 again.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:43 PM

Too cloudy in SE Michigan to see the eclipse. I've decided that I'm just going to coast through the rest of the week until Christmas. The cards have all been sent, and no more shopping to do (very little at that) and no huge meal to prepare. Take care, everybody.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:18 PM

Oh happy day! I just love the solstice. Now the days are getting longer. This alone got me out of bed a number of years ago when nothing else would. So today, I keep thinking of it and am starting to move again, as though I have been jump started!

Finding places in the kitchen and laundry room for all the wonderful food from the shed - brought all the way from the state of Washington to Montreal. Tons of staples and wonderful herb teas, dried beans, and ---how much cocoa do two people need!!!!???? Oh my! Anyway, I will only need perishables for the next month!

Also found mending stuff and iron on patches and....So this is a wonderful treasure hunt. Of course now I have no excuse not to get to that mending but I also feel as though I WANT to! Also found a couple embroidery projects that could be finished while watching TV - a rare occasion, or visiting.

I looked to get some yarn out of the large plastic garbage can in which it has resided for years but I had not put on my boots and the snow was deep over there. Next time. I plan to focus on small, easily completed projects - hats and scarves- and mostly crocheted if my wrist will cooperate. I quit in 1972 when picking up the hook sent pain up my arm. I can knit in the movies as long as I keep it simple.

Feels so good to feel good after the last while. I believe I really was just hanging on for the solstice to get started again. Have to watch out for that next year. That is not really very helpful.

Guess I will have to make choc cake and cookies and... Not hot choc because we have a wonderful organic mix with chili and other spices in it; so good!

Going to a friend's open house Christmas Day; can take choc something and maybe some baklava. Maybe there is such a thing as chocolate baklava?? NAH, doesn't seem right but maybe a drizzle on some of it. I make everything with less sugar or honey than called for; no complaints.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 12:36 PM

I stumbled out of the bedroom for my morning tea thinking "I wonder what the kitchen looks like?" I set the convection oven to soak, but all of the food was put away and the dishes had been washed. I have a lot of food in the fridge, so I hope my son comes by occasionally for a hot turkey sandwich. That's what I'm planning for me for lunch.

This occasion was just different enough, food-wise (ham and turkey, for example, and roast veggies instead of mashed potatoes) that it wasn't just a late Thanksgiving. I had several chilled bottles of Martinelli's sparkling cider, and I picked up a couple dozen plastic snap-together plastic wine glasses at the restaurant supply. There was a gale of laughter when my son returned from a trip to the kitchen with a tumbler and proceeded to pour himself a larger amount of the cider. A dinky 4 ounces at a time was too slow for him!

Moonglow has been making some hats, and there was a poignant moment late in the evening when we talked about her project. I remarked that one of our friends at dinner had tried to teach her to knit. "But Deanna taught me to crochet, and this is the needle she gave me." Deanna was the friend who committed suicide in September and her project was transformed into a sort of personal ceremony. There are some tools I use in sewing, in cooking, and such, that still remind me of the person (often a parent) who taught me how to use it, and there is a small moment of pleasure tinged with sadness that they're gone. And a reminder that we need to pass along their memory with stories about those activities.

I need to get some actual work done today, but I'll go check in for progress reports on Spaw and on maeve's house. Interesting reading!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 11:44 AM

Things at MY house are SO f**ked up.... but "I wanna be an unf**ker," as the YouTube song goes. TBTG the one item I had to charge online went via PayPal so I did not have to dig up the actual plastic. My Santee should get her item by the end of Crimmistide, and for our stuff I MAY catch up by the end of the 12 days of Christmas, but this looks to be one of those Xmas-in-Feb. years at our house. Painting the LR now seems like a nightmare, not a dream.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: GUEST,LilyFestre
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 07:32 AM

Too cloudy to see anything here either except the faintest of reds which could have been the eclipse or the flaming off of one of the nearby gas wells.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:54 AM

I've got hills in the way, but saw some coverage on TV.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 01:26 AM

We've got freaky clouds in "sunny" Colorado..no eclipse visible, dang it!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 12:18 AM

Sitting down for a few minutes to finish my glass of wine and check my email, etc. Feet are tired, appliances were a bit dodgy this afternoon, seeming to not heat much. I had to leave the meat in longer, but in the end, it was okay. A lot of leftovers mean no serious cooking for a few days.

The house looked good. We ate, visited, exchanged gifts, talked about playing a game, then ended up watching part of the Judy Garland version of A Star Is Born. This came about as a demonstration of how nice it is to stream NetFlix through the BluRay player (mine is wired, but you can set them up as wireless) on the new television.

Everyone left a little while ago. Several of them are setting alarms in order to get up to look at tonight's lunar eclipse. We realized we'd set our dinner on, or just about on, the solstice, which was fine with all of us. A nice coincidence. And an eclipse. :)

Off to bed. I probably won't get up, but who knows. Maybe my dogs will bay at the moon and wake me.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 07:00 PM

Found on FB a few minutes ago:

"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials."
-- Lin Yutang

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." -- Hans Hofmann

I particularly fancy that bit about leaving things undone!

The Christmas lights, however, got done and while not artistic are still pretty and cheerful and Done!

I found not one but three boxes of food in the shed! Trying to figure out how to integrate them into the already crowded Kitchen. That too will happen. Found other neat stuff too, a real treasure hunt into things packed away almost two years ago. Life improves by small increments.

Rob just spent a happy hour figuring out how a mouse was getting into the frig. As the frig does not work anyway, I would not spend 5 minutes on it. On the other hand, maybe he will also convince it to work. THAT would be exciting!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 04:41 PM

Well I sorted out some of Freya's toys and drum/percussion bits, and hung some of the pictures that have been lying around. I then went and got 2 new front tyres on the car, as they were on the limit of legality.

I am starting with some sort of virus/sore throat, so I haven't been firing on all cylinders. Right now I am sipping my way through a lowland malt that has a honey taste. Most comforting.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 01:37 PM

The sun is shining. The temp is almost up to freezing. After I finish this post, having reached the probable warmest part of the day, I will go out to the shed and sort stuff, have a few things I would like to find sooner... Then upstairs to put those Christmas lights on the balcony railing and look at what needs to be done to make it habitable - imo. Have not seen nor heard from the - non-rent paying - tenant since early November. We are planning to take over he space. THEN there will be room for stuff, as well as a good bathtub!!!

If I manage the above, and even if I don't, I will read for awhile. Yesterday I finished Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt, a memoir of the 16 months after his daughter died suddenly at 38. On receiving the phone call from son in law, he and wife threw some things in the car and drove from Long Island to Maryland and moved in. Grandma took over the mothering and Boppo the Great enjoyed the three kids under 6. In the ordinariness of everyday life, the grieving process progressed. Only 166 pp of a good read.

SRS: Love those rosemary potatoes! We wrap scarves around our faces until the only thing showing is enough eyes to see where we are going! Winter in Montreal! - There were times in the 70s when two pairs of mitts, two hats and, even, two winter coats...
Roof de-icing: my problem was a heated space and an unheated space. Insufficient insulation meant the snow melted and ran down onto the unheated space and froze - as much as 6 inches before I figured it out. Wire on the unheated would have solved the problem but I had no electric!
Much is said about sinus headaches. my two cents: I used to get them from heavy weather until someone suggested drinking green tea. Have not had one in last 20 years. I also get them from a weak cup of black tea. It took years to figure this out as the headache starts 24 hours after I drink the tea, then lasts 24 hours. Set the clock by it! Very sneaky these causes for headaches!
Mention of a coal oil lamp: I had fever, chills, sore throat and headache off and on for 7 months in 1986. Moved to the city and had no problem. Moved back to the country and - the first day after the first night that I read by coal oil lamp .... I switched to candles. Petroleum products are my worst sensitivity.

Now -to it!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:34 AM

Well done, Tam, Stilly, Andrea, Michelle, Maryanne, Dorothy, kat...you are all making a difference for yourselves and those around you. If I missed anyone: (Your names here) are included. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:18 AM

The butterflies of the morning of a big dinner are here. Timing the breads, veggies, turkey, and I'll pick up a ham. There's no way a 14 pound bird is enough meat for 13 - 15 people.

Oy.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 03:07 AM

Virginia, I hope the decorations bring good memories, and help lay down new traditions and memories for you. Good girl - and lean on us if you need to. I was watching a movie tonight - Love, Actually, and it brought memories of my kids in airports. Bittersweet, yes, but powerful, and in the end, good memories. (And isn't it nice when the place is "mostly clean!") Our loved ones are with us when we make the effort to honor them. I put all clear crystal on the mantle this year, with ornaments in them, but this evening I added a small goblet with ruby-red color. Years ago my husband said, as I unpacked family glassware, that this glass was the type is mother collected. She died last week. "If she had a knife, and saw this glass, she'd probably mug you for it" he joked. So Rosa, this one's for you!

Andrea, I've driven in those kind of conditions several times. It tests you, but leaves you feeling strong, doesn't it, when you manage to get home through difficult conditions.

Night night, everyone! You've earned a good night's sleep.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 02:47 AM

I can't believe it. I gout out the tree and decorations. I put up decorations. Didn't think it would happen. Flat is mostly clean too.

I am chuffed.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 02:36 AM

I have till Thursday to toddler-proof the house as much as possible. This equates to a proper putting away of stuff that I have just left lying about until I find somewhere for it....well now's the time!

It was an awful drive back yesterday afternoon once I got north of Newcastle. Almost a white-out at one point (perhaps an exaggeration, but it was bad). Then a slow drive over fresh snow for about 20 miles. I then found there was an area-wide power cut when I got back. Luckily it came back on about an hour later, but the Victorian oil lamp came into use and the camping stove was brought into use.

The Christmas run is going to be interesting. Last night the long range forecast was for much snow down the east side of the country, whereas the local forecast on the BBC website (my homepage) has rain for the end of the week...

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 02:25 AM

I've been hiding the evidence, aka wrapping presents, so folks who are here tomorrow won't see things intended for them. Mostly I've been to the book store - if I can't afford anything else, I can give people good words. I'm even tempted to have us read aloud from some favorite book. Make it a game somehow? Roald Dahl comes to mind - one of his short stories could be quite entertaining.

The living room is looking good. I bought two matching lamps at a garage sale 2 years ago, and I left them in the garage to air out (both had cigarette smoke scent). The one I initially brought in has a faulty switch, but tonight I tested and brought the other one in. Set up opposite my God of Long-Life it looks elegant.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 09:32 PM

Michelle, you never cease to amaze me with how much you accomplish in a day. :)

The kids are together this evening at a party at my daughter's house, an annual party she and her college roommates throw. They send out invitations, and make it clear that the party is open to invitees only (they've had people try to crash) and it is lots of food but no alcohol. They cluster together in different rooms and play a lot of different games - it really looks like a lot of fun. And of course, now my son is himself a college student and is taller than most of the group, so even more than before he fits right in.

They'll come back tomorrow and then we do our big multi-family dinner. Not sure how many will be here, and I'm thinking I need to go in the morning and get a ham to go along with the turkey, because I'm going to make bread and gravy and if people want they can have an open face hot turkey sandwich.

The house is coming along, but I still have some filing and arranging to do.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 08:30 PM

Bills paid, several loads of laundry done, 2 loads of dishes done, dinner fixed (early for us), hosted company today, swept and of course all the things that Jeremiah has needed for the day (and then some!). I have an intense sinus headache and an aching spot on my abdomen...pulled something I think.

Anyway....I did a lot today and am happy with my accomplishments!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 10:52 AM

Funny how a lot of my facebook friends from work were all kind of wired, up really late last night. I got up by my alarm this morning and will make a point of taking a midday nap.

This morning I started packaging cookies to give to neighbors. I think I'm going to go out of the cookie baking business, at least, not making so many varieties. I've been eating a few, and I find that after an autumn of a low-sugar diet that I don't like the way I feel after eating the sugar (and it seems to be hitting the flora and giving me a hint of Spaw's existence!) I'll spread these around so no one takes too big of a glycemic hit from the sugar, and I'll take some to work later in the week.

I am trying to eat less meat, more veggies. Yesterday I poked around for various recipes and then picked up some produce to make a tray of roasted root vegetables for tomorrow's dinner. I'm going to take the turkey apart so it won't take long to bake; the recipe for veggies says you can bake it several hours ahead and simply warm from room temperature before serving, so I think I can pop it back in the oven while the turkey is resting. It calls for tossing them in olive oil and rosemary, then baking in a single layer on the sheet for an hour or more. Sounds wonderful and healthy.

It's warmer today so the dogs and I will go for a walk, and I'm going to try to get out more often (in the winter I have to pick my times because the cold air makes my eyes water a lot. I end up with a chapped face.) I'm not waiting for the new year to resolve to keep up the exercise and eating healthier. Once these sweets are out of the house, I'm not letting them back in, and the dogs and I all benefit from regular walks.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 09:40 AM

Got the best night's sleep in ages, helped by having put flannel sheets on the bed last night. All cozy, no cold spots when you move, and no need for a second blanket. Wish I could have stayed in bed all day.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 04:24 AM

At the moment the roof de-ices itself with the wasted heat, then the snow above justs skids off! The movement is towards insulation and power saving as a result. They might be useful on fragile roofs which can't take the weight of much snow, such as conservatories. A blanket of snow on a roof is seen as a good sign!

We have more of a problem with freezing temperatures at the moment. We are all together in Yorkshire at the moment, but Ruth and i are heading off in our opposite directions in a couple of hours. I'm heading to no more than -4C; Ruth's home area had -19C last night!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 04:00 AM

I'm checking in late, turning off the computer, after cleaning and moving stuff in the living room and kitchen. I have this great Chinese bronze sculpture (cast) of Shou Xin Gong that I picked up at an estate sale a couple of years ago. It looks quite old, the patina on it is lovely, and the previous owner had a felt base put on the bottom. So as I was watching Dial M for Murder as I worked, I paused at one point to admire the apartment where almost the entire film takes place. And there is this rather large ceramic on one table and looks great. Aha! moment - I took my bronze and put it on the library table behind my couch. And balanced it with a tall brass lamp. Looks very nice!

Off to bed, and I'll see in the morning if this was inspired or insanity. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 11:38 PM

Wow, almost three years later and I am still struggling with what to do with some of the books! Arrgghh!

Morgan came over and decorated our live tree this morning. He did a pretty good job, though there is one whole side which is kind of bare.:-) We returned some shirts to kmart, a wrist rest thingie to office max, and stopped at the health food store, then went to the grocery store. I did a load of laundry, again, and Rog got the trash done, finally. It's been a low week for me with Morgan home sick, Spaw being worrisome, and getting over a bug myself. Tomorrow looks good for cleaning, though, and we have decided to spend a little bit of the extra we have from WC to have our used-to-be cleaning lady come in to do the floors, wipes the walls and get the cobwebs down, for a one-time deal. I don't know if she will have time before Christmas, but I'll call her this week and see.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 06:12 PM

That's it! It refused to appear in my search on that name, and I knew it had been back up to the top this year but I couldn't see it in my list. Thanks!

Must. Force. Myself. Out. To. Shop. There's no other option, but this time of year, I don't like the traffic. At least I'm going with a list, that should help some.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 04:25 PM

This thread, Stilly? Mudcat Crafters

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 03:22 PM

Andrea, I was looking for a thermostat for the garage to run the dogs' heater, and I came across this:

It's a thermostat and a roof de-icing cable.I was thinking about using something like this to use, but I went and looked at their heater and it has a thermostat. I'd just gotten into the habit of turning it on when it gets cold, but I've adjusted it so it only comes on below about 45.

I wonder if there is something comparable that you could run on your Euro power on your roof?

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 02:54 PM

My dogs would eat them. They adore pecans. Do you have a pooch? Use them for a high-brow dog snack.

Dishes out of the way, shopping list growing. Laundry needs to go in. Letter needs to be finished to mail with the holiday cards. And I should walk the dogs while it's still warm.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 02:45 PM

Things are not working out the way I'd planned. I was making candied pecans this morning, and I scorched them. Not so bad that it set off the smoke alarm, but too "crispy" to take to the party tonight. Now I need to figure out something else.

It's still only 21F (-6C) so I have no interest in going out, even though there is only one week left until Christmas.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 02:06 PM

I was poking around for that Mudcat Crafters thread (can't find it) and found the first declutter thread from March of 2008. Hard to believe these have been running so long. I have made a difference, but not as much as I hoped. Still, it is forward movement.

I was looking for the crafters thread to post a photo for Kat of a necklace in an advertisement that came in the mail recently. That tangled look you were talking about, and in this catalog that necklace sells for $45. I wish there was more detail, it's cropped from a near full-length view of the model.

I do some running and I'm sure the stores will be crowded so I'll try my best to skirt the intersections around the mall. This evening I'll take some cookies around. The holiday dominates these days.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 01:31 AM

Well, the kitchen isn't clean yet, but I finished several of the projects in there. My feet are tired, my eyes are tired, and I'm finished for the day.

I have a little shopping to do, but I'll wait till Monday and go in the middle of the day, hoping to miss the industrial strength late shoppers. Hoping for a quiet weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 08:47 PM

Okay. Tonight is a night to clean the kitchen. It's not bad, but there is a lot of stuff going on. Things that need to be finished and put in the freezer or ground and put in containers, etc. I have people coming over on Monday and I don't want to spend the entire visit cooking, I'd like to have a lot of things out of the way already so I can visit. It's harder and harder to get this group together every year, so we need to cherish these moments by making the most of them.

I have a couple of movies to put in the player, there are a couple of interesting PBS programs on tonight, so there is plenty to go in the background. And when I get tired of that, I'll finish up some work on the computer that I've been putzing around with all day.

Busy night.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 05:41 PM

Just a note. Looks as though exercising before breakfast may be really helpful: CLICK HERE.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 03:18 PM

I'm down at my daughter's. I've done the washing up and am about to make a second bowl of jelly (jello for you lot over the pond) for Freya's second birthday party tomorrow. Ruth has snuck upstairs to make a "pass the parcel" for 13.
Tomorrow Ruth and I will be taking her to Baby Ballet in the morning so that her mum can get some more prep work done. At the moment she's doing an evening's locum work, and her husband's gone to a football match. Grandma and Aunty are babysitting.

oh well...back to the kitchen!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 01:18 PM

That party idea sounds neat!

Interesting that you planted evergreens. In the NW, I LOVED every deciduous tree - there were so few! The ubiquitous evergreens were dark and forbidding all through the long wet gloomy winter! Variety seems the key!.

We have sun today - most of the time. First time in about a week. Oh joy! It sure does help!!!

Now to get those Christmas lights up.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 10:20 AM

I should get Sprint to pay me for that last little rant. :)

Cool, overcast. Nothing like the rest of you have been encountered, but we are reminded that it is winter. The trees in the region are mostly deciduous, so this is a gloomy time of year when there is no green and no snow, just grown and gray. That's why I planted several evergreens in my yard. The juniper, several pines, and an Italian cypress keep the place more cheerful this time of year.

This morning I emailed an organization that sent a donation solicitation to a former tenant at this address. The house history has the original builder living here for about 10 years, then they rented it out to several parties, the last family was here for 10 years. They tried to buy it but the owners weren't interested at the time. It was on the market for nearly 2 years when I came along, and I found a house that hadn't been updated by "investors," it was one that needed updating, and I convinced the owners that they couldn't ask the full price as if the updating had already been done. I still haven't finished the work, but I still have managed to make it look a lot different. I've had this nagging idea that one of these days I'll have a party and along with a few of the nearby long-term neighbors, invite back the old renters. Has anyone else ever done anything like that?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 11:39 PM

Right now we don't use Skype because with Sprint, all of us in our family plan can talk to each other with no draw-down on our minutes. We can talk to anyone else evenings or weekends free.

Sprint makes it very easy to stay with their plan. I pay for unlimited text, we share 1500 prime minutes talking time (Mon-Fri, 8am - 7pm) a month between us. Last time I checked, Dean used about 500 minutes (not all during the day), my son sent about 1000 texts, and my daughter and I are somewhere in between those numbers. At most we've managed to use about 750 prime minutes in a month. My house is now a cell and my cell is still a cell, and I can only talk on one at a time, so it's pretty much a wash. We haven't had to go to Skype. My friend Dean is on the plan because it is the only way I can be sure he always has a phone, and because for $10 a month, it is easy. And sometimes charity needs to begin at home.

I do pay for the convenience of all of these phones - my bill is about $130 a month. But average that out with 5 phones, and it isn't bad. I'd have to pay almost this much just for my children and me (it's $90 for the first two phones in the plan, then $10 a month for each additional phone up to the limit of 5). And paying for my children to have phones is important - they're in college, they can stay in touch with me, with their father, with friends. They can call 911 if they have to. It is a bridge back to their support system at home, it is all of the good things a phone can be in this day and age.

Pardon my waxing positive on the cell phone plan, but for us, it works very well. When they get to the point when they have jobs and houses and such, then they can take their numbers and pay for their own plans.

Made a great batch of beef vegetable soup this evening. Backed up a couple of favorite movies on DVDs. Cleaned up the kitchen. And tomorrow I'll make a big push to finish an art project and a newsletter for work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 07:56 PM

Thanks, SRS, I will do that.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 07:56 PM

Don't you guys Skype? I have unlimited long distance in US/Canada for $30/year. Call everyone from my computer. I was actually able to tell my brilliant son something he did not know so...

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 07:51 PM

The Google calendar has some of those same features, when used with Google docs and the email. Finding one to stick with is the goal!

I put a lot more hay into the dogs houses this evening. They seem to keep knocking it out, but there is enough in there to last a while, I hope. I'll check every couple of days, but it's an adventure to head into their space. They're like excited pre-schoolers, they both want your attention, they want to show you everything, they want you to sit on their bed - they wag and lick any skin they can reach. Glasses also. :)

I made the cash donation to the Humane Society food fund at my feed store; not everyone responded but several did, and that's probably as much as I could expect. I feel good giving money to that group instead of adding more calories to some who don't need it and contributing to the discomfort of others who can't eat this stuff and are around it for days on end over the holidays. Some people give hand lotion or other toiletries, I gave a little good will in the community. It's all good. :)

Kat, you have my number, give me a call one of these days. If you're not on Sprint, then evenings (after 6 your time) or weekends don't count against my minutes.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 06:24 PM

In a continuing effort to chase off last year's depression, I managed to talk myself into doing the dishes late this morning! There were quite a few, so it felt like quite an accomplishment, once again.

After lunch, I thought about what I could do differently to keep the momentum going. With Morgan out sick this week, I haven't even had him to perk me up. So, I called a girlfriend, the only one I really have here. We've known each other since the end of my first marriage, years and years ago. We don't see a lot of each other but we talk often. She's about twenty years older than I and has some great wisdom. Anyway, she was game for riding along to the health food store and keeping me awake. (Something which keeps me from going out too much alone, brought on by meds, partly.) We had a good time. I gave her a bag of hardback books I didn't want to put in the swap thing, so that was a bit more clutter gone.

At the health food store, I consulted with their expert and decided to try oil of oregano to treat what I suspect is candida.

Also, I thought of us all when I heard an interview on NPR, today. A couple of ways to keep everything organized. Check these out, they seem pretty neat from what I can tell:

Evernote.com and HootSuite.com a "social media dashboard."

I am esp. interested in the Evernote.

later,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 05:30 PM

Moved stuff in my office, so the scanner is right beside the desk and not behind it on one of the antique trunks. It's easy to reach from my chair now. A small television and peripheral stuff were moved to the front room, and I need to rearrange that room since I may have several guests at once for a couple of days and my good futon is in there. We're going to try for a multi-family dinner on Monday. The turkey is out of the freezer, in the sink for the moment, but I'll let it defrost in the fridge until I need it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 05:24 PM

"Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say let your affairs be as one, two, three and not a hundred or a thousand… We are happy in proportion to the things we can do without." – Henry David Thoreau

Perhaps a framed version would help - on the wall where it is the first thing I see in the morning.

Good things: YAYYY! found the Christmas lights - in one of the two boxes I managed to sort into better places today. And my good winter socks.

Also found a new pair of winter boots at the Sally Ann this week- bright red! And this makes Rob feel better about finding that the boots I bought - at the thrift shop - last year, when my good ones were still out west, fit him perfectly! So the ones that rubbed his heel raw on Monday are on the way out the door. Warm foot happiness prevails.

Beef stew on the stove for the next time he wanders in hungry - sometime between now and midnight. And split pea soup in the slow cooker for a change of pace. Learning to cook things that can stay on the stove for whenever.

Little by little, I am able to organize, and then accomplish these small things. Even remembering to cut open the onion bag while I had the scissors in my hand gave me a feeling that I am stealing back to my same old used to be. However, I also stand by, "I'm retired. I don't HAVE to do anything." I LOVE it!

Two houses two blocks away burned last night. Really nice Victorian era semi-detached. The one adjacent to ours has caught fire three times since '96; the most recent in September. Makes one think hard. Fire fighters stopped by this morning to check our smoke detectors.

Now to figure out how to use that cheery string of lights to let the world know we are a cheery home. Even though staying warm is challenging and I put my foot right through the kitchen floor last week! Put a piece of plywood and a throw rug over it and keep hoping the rest holds 'til spring.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 11:07 AM

Thanks for the cheers...thank goodness it isn't a competition! :)

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 10:50 AM

Maeve, you have put in quite a year! The amount of work is exponential compared to what all of the rest of us have accomplished. You and LilyFestre have been way out front, setting a great example.

This year I've decided I can't inflict the holiday calories on the office, no matter how charming and traditional. I'm headed down to my feed store in a few minutes, where I will give them $40 that they will match and add to the account that they run for the Humane Society. (N. TX Humane Society is a couple of blocks down the street from there, and is where I got my sweetheart Poppy). The donation will be in the name off the library administration. I'll scan the form and email everyone this afternoon. :)

I'll still make the rest of the holiday cookies, but I'll pass them out on modest sized plates to most neighbors, so the calories aren't an assault on good health. And I can probably time it so when the smallish-herd of grandchildren arrive next door, I'll be delivering a bit larger plate.

The box for the new computer has been flattened, and the inside box that contains the supporting styrofoam is up in the attic. I need to put the file cabinet that is in the hall in a more permanent place, and clear the front room of things set in there to get them out of the way.

I have a sewing project for over the holiday break, and I am glad that the decluttering has resulted in a well-appointed sewing room. My son agrees that swapping out the large table for the smaller comfortable office table with the keyboard tray underneath is a good move. I didn't report - we walked in and I heard "There's more room in here!" I'd taken out a set of shelves and put his big honker television (for his games) on a table I moved in, so that was just a swap, but by rearranging after the large table was out I gave him a lot of exposed floor, and that makes the room seem larger, not just less-full. The room is set now so if he has friends over, they'll have an easier time hanging out and playing games, whether on the computer or the TV. And I have more table space in the living room and kitchen for feeding them.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 05:09 AM

Seconded!
We all think we have the world on our shoulders from time to time, but there are many other people who are carrying much bigger planets quite cheerfully!

It's good to step back from time to time and just get a sense of perspective. It's not the amount you carry - it's how you carry it that makes it seem easy. There are welcome helping hands here.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Dec 10 - 12:05 AM

Much gratitude here that you, maeve, and TL are here with us this year and the new foundation is coming along.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 05:16 PM

YAY Maeve!!!!!

    You are absolutely right about knowing what's important!!!! I'm right there with you!

    I forgot a few key ingredients yesterday so the Wee One and I went to town today. At the moment, I have chicken bones simmering to make broth for a soup I am taking to a luncheon tomorrow and also I'm taking some for Tracy (who is now home and doing well!).

      I'm feeling kind of froggy today...think I might be coming down with a cold (BOO HISS...GO AWAY!!!)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maeve
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 02:26 PM

We have decluttered one burned house foundation, and are watching another being built. No special cooking or presents here. We know to be thankful for what we have. We're being careful with propane and with water, since one is costly and our source for the other is frozen.

Congratulations on your individual progress, and may you each have a peaceful time over the next few weeks. Thanks for your continued encouragement, especially the kind private messages.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 02:11 PM

Got the grocery shopping done, and one batch of Swedish Ginger Cooky dough is chilling in the refrigerator.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 11:33 AM

We don't end up this warm very often in the winter, and we get some blasts out of the Arctic reaches several times a winter. This is a gift, so we'll enjoy it. (Last winter we had a snowfall like no one from here has seen in modern memory. It looked like something from my home state of Washington.)

My friend from Arizona will be in this area by late afternoon. We'll try to work out when to have the large get-together for her family and mine. I'll keep moving forward decluttering the living room. I broke down the new computer's packing box and put the inside box and styrofoam supports in the attic. That cleared up the hall!

Heading to the office holiday lunch.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 01:54 AM

80 degrees! I think it's going to be at least 6 months before we see anything like that! The next lot of cold(er) weather is due to start today with the airflow from the arctic. I am heading for Yorkshire this weekend, but have decided to go from Friday to Sunday, rather than up and down just on Saturday. I'm going to take quite a bit of Christmas stuff withme, just in case I get snowed in up here again later on.

I've got an aromatherapy session this morning, and I think I'll spend the rest of the day putting flat-pack together and putting more stuff out of the way.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 10:04 PM

Kat,

I'm so happy that you had a great experience with your yoga!!!!   YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Your teacher sounds like she has the same philosophy as my yoga teacher....do you know what kind of yoga she teaches? My teacher follows Kripalu and PranaKria yoga ways. Can't wait to hear more!!!

Namaste!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 09:10 PM

Tomorrow is supposed to be near 80 again. Maybe I can make the last push to finish that one garden. It's a staff lunch tomorrow and I'm taking some of my homemade tomato juice as my "appetizer" contribution. I'm sure that unless they make their own juice, they've never ever tasted tomato juice as good as this. What a lucky group they are!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 08:07 PM

Got the laundry all finished & put away. I'm staying inside except to fetch in the mail. The high temp has been about 8F (-13C) for the last two days, and the streets are very icy. It's supposed to be a little better tomorrow, so I'll do some grocery shopping.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 05:44 PM

Congrats, Kat! We can often do so much more than we think.

Functional Wisdom! It reminds me of Robert Wolff's wonderful book, Original Wisdom. Short and FULL. Also thinking of The Gift of Fear in which the author exhorts us to pay attention to ourselves - our "intuition", our vague feelings of discomfort, etc. I feel it needs to be read by every young person, and any older one who might need it. Most of us? I realized long ago that I did not pay enough attention to my body. Do somewhat better now.

I succumbed to the weather. My great plan on Saturday to go shopping and dancing did not come to fruition as I sat here feeling as though there was a mountain sitting on top of me. The air was so heavy with unexpressed precipitation, my body refused to move, even for dancing. I chose to go with the feeling without regret at missing one of my favourite activities.

Sunday was a quiet day at home. It snowed and that helped clear the air. Rob read most of What I Eat, totally enthralled by it while I read my novel and provided food breaks. Good to take a whole day off! It snowed lightly all day for a few inches accumulation. We did, however, not heed the snow removal sirens. His truck was towed and it took an hour of a friend driving him up and down streets to find it on Monday! And they did not even clear the street so we had to wary again on Monday night!

I was delighted on Monday to have my energy back and did all manner of errands and even defrosted the frig. By evening it was nasty again. As I drove back into the city from the burbs, the rain turned to sleet and then snow - in minutes. The temp dropped 8 degrees in about 2 hours. So I chose not to go out on the streets to go to dancing.

I deal better with bad roads in the country where there are fewer drivers and more room to maneuver. That is: no problem going 30 miles into the country Friday for our music/social event even though it snowed the whole time - but lightly. But two miles in the city... Only if I must. I am concerned for how others drive!

I bought another basket of fresh cranberries at the Market. She is the only outdoor booth left, except for the trees, and expect she will soon be gone. She does dried cranberries also so I bought a packet of those for nibbles. She gave me a small maple leaf of maple sugar, which they also do, and syrup. I would like to work on a recipe booklet for the "cranberry woman" - for next year. I would need someone to collaborate: a booklet in English and one in French also. Guess I have a project of trying out recipes this winter; I have a bunch from Nova Scotia in my file.

One more week to the solstice!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 05:16 PM

Yay! Well done Kat! So glad you had a good class.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 03:37 PM

BIG step, today. I woke worried and asking Rog if he could just drive me all the way to the yoga consult, then bring me home. He didn't outright refuse, bless his heart. I felt better after breakfast and decided I would follow him to work and he could take me from there. As soon as I got in the car and started driving, I knew I had to do this for myself, by myself. I called him on his cell and told him thanks, but I was going to do it. The directions were great, I'd typed them out so they were readable and I got there early!:-) The teacher is great...she teaches what she calls "Functional Wisdom" and is all about each individual listening to their bodies and learning the ways to move so that everything is connected and in unison. It's a bit difficult to describe but she did two simple things with me, very subtle, which quickly demonstrated how efficacious this program will be for me. I am optimistic. We will probably have a couple more private lessons, then I will probably take a class she is doing for women which starts in January.

Anyway, I did it!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 03:25 PM

I just finished compiling some obscure facts about myself for a game at the office holiday party luncheon tomorrow. They may be so obscure they'll automatically guess it's me. Who knows?

Mom's taxi is back in business, taking son to friends house for a while.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 12:42 PM

I cut twice into one side of the battens, and the whole lot wrenched out! I have washed down the cast iron insert and now have to deal with the soot and crap in the beige carpet...silly girl forgot to sheet up..... (looks nice with the candles arranged on it, even though they aren't exactly right for it).

I've sprayed half a can of carpet foam onto it, and I'll give it a good vacuuming tomorrow.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 11:31 AM

That is so Charles Dickens! Burning coal in the fireplace? I didn't think people still did that. It's usually wood or wood by-products here. Also, I Googled "batten" to see how you were using it (we usually hear "batten down the hatches" and I hadn't even thought that a batten was a thing, I thought it was an act, to fasten the covers, etc. Now I get it!)

We learn so much here some days!

I had a letter from the electric company saying our year contract is about up, so I can choose to go with them again, or find a new company. I'll do a little shopping to see how the rates look. This year has been a lot more affordable since I dropped the default local company.

Fighting an annoying canker (sp?) sore. The sweets and nuts of holiday baking can make it worse, another reason to avoid the calories. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 02:00 AM

Had a letter from the water company saying that as nobody had registered for the payments the water would shortly be cut off. As I rang them 5 weeks ago and (so I thought) set up the debit payments from my account, I was somewhat miffed. Even more so when there was no record of me when I called them. Anyway, it's all sorted, and they apologised.

Put the gutter up yesterday. It's slightly smaller than the previous one, which was quite old and more than likely an obsolete size, but it's working. Also got 8 collapsed boxes and about 12 sacks of paper to the recycling centre. Only about another 25 boxes to go, once they are collapsed, paper bagged up, and the rest unpacked!

Today I am going to try and get my jig-saw unpacked and get the battens out of that fireplace so I can clean it up a bit. I will also go and see Ernie at the stove shop down the road, and see about getting a stove sorted out for the living room. He sells ones like I had in my last house. I would think it would be some time next month before anything could be done, as the flue has to be swept and lined as well. I've got fed up with having to re-light the fire every day, and deal with half-burnt coal left in the grate, due to the awful quality of most coal these days.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 01:16 AM

Drive to the airport went well, my handsome young man was there retrieving his guitar case (his xmas present from me, purchased as needed, and I'll pay him back) as I drove past the baggage area, so I went around the loop once and he was ready. This was a great time of day for driving to Dallas and through Love Field. Very easy, not crowded at all. And I managed to get in a big hug at the curb, and a couple since.

I made a batch of his favorite breaded chicken breast strips. Moms know the way to their kids' hearts, via cooking, so of course I exploited that move. ;-D

Megadeth is playing in the corner room, and I know that tonight I'll sleep easily. I've missed having someone else in the house.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 06:29 PM

Got some good sleep, last night, so this morning was productive in that I paid more bills and balanced the checkbook. Also did a load of laundry. By lunch, I was ready for a nap, but finished up a few things before snuggling with the cats on the bed. I thought I'd wake up and go get Morgan, but I fell asleep until the phone woke me. By then it was getting late for me going, so I called my SIL, took a pass on the kid for today and read some more of the book which I'd fallen asleep reading!

Tomorrow I am supposed to be at the yoga teacher's home studio at 830a and it's about 30-40 minutes away. Rog has agreed to take me from his workplace, if I drive that far, then come pick me up after. I haven't had the chance to drive over to make sure I can find her place okay and don't want to get all nervous about finding it. I know I could do it without him, but it feels like less of a huge step this way. I like baby steps. This feels like a big step towards winning back my confidence.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 04:50 PM

Michelle, I used to dance with the kids to old rock n' roll songs (you know how many of them are sung to "my baby") and a lot of the songs on Sesame Street. I recorded them separately and made a tape of songs we'd put on and sing and dance to. "Put Down the Duckie if you want to play the saxophone!"

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 03:58 PM

Laundry is going. Dishes mostly done (lunch dishes are still in the sink), rug vaccuumed, kitchen floor swept, the cats knocked over a potted plant in the kitchen window and broke the pot so that's cleaned up, cobwebs sucked up in the bathroom and hallway, Pack & Play first level had to be taken out as our little boy can now pull himself to standing and I'm afraid he'd tumble out...so now he's on the bottom floor of the pack and play having himself a good old time playing and singing. Baby's floor play blankets are in the washing machine, old dog beds changed out of living room to their kennels and new dog beds are being enjoyed by all our 4 legged critters. One dog bed is 30x40 and the other bed is oval, very plush with high sides...looks like a giant cat bed but our Bernese Mtn. dog loves curling up in it. I also vacuumed my chair today and Pete's with a *Power Paw*...works great! I also swept the front porch....leaves, hay...dust...pieces of bark from the firewood...all gone! :)

Roasted Chicken, Couscous (or baked potato...depends what we feel like later), carrots and squash for dinner. YUM.

Also...lots of up and down activity daily as the baby likes to play on the floor and to dance with Mommy to the Sirious Holiday Traditions channel! :) He's absolutely a music baby....so far he loves just about everything....especially the blues which he listens to and watches in the morning with Daddy (I love that!!!).

Michelle whose treadmill is now accessible but has yet to be used....I think tomorrow will be the day!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 02:45 PM

What an adventure, Maryanne! And the chilly return probably makes Rome seem all the more appealing!

I've done dishes, baked bread, and chicken breasts are thawing for dinner. My son's favorite meal is homemade chicken strips.

Laundry is finished, the bathroom has been cleaned since the dogs left a lot of hair in there. I'm packing up the boxes still out from decorating, and I'm packed up to the eyeballs with food for the next month.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 09:00 AM

Getting ready to throw a load of laundry into the washing machine. Got back last night from 6 days in Rome (yes, Italy), and arrived to find a nasty snowstorm. It being Sunday night, there weren't many salt trucks out yet either. Thankful that my car started, I got home safely, and was able to get up my driveway and into the garage. Once I'm over the jet-lag, I'll post pics on FB.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 02:22 AM

I'm going to collapse more boxes and get them and the packing paper to the tip before the next (literally) Arctic weather arrives later this week...just in time for me to have to drive to Yorkshire for Freya's birthday! Managed to get another length of gutter and some brackets, so that can go up this week too.

Let's hope the weather settles before Christmas, when I have to go back down to Yorkshire again!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 09:50 PM

LOL, lucky I got ours done. Rog has just been called out to work..something wrong with the equipment. Second time this weekend. It's like now they know he's walking it's okay to call for the most trivial of things!

Everything is going better...so I can't figure out why I don't feel happier. The therapist said it's the economy...everyone's hunkered down and not "making a joyful noise," but rather taking care of practical things and watching to see what will happen in the coming year. I expect I'll feel better once I get a decent night's sleep..let it be tonight, please!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 08:39 PM

Beans are making their way into the freezer, in 12 oz jars, just enough for a meal or two. Krumkaka batter is mixed, ready to start cooking later. My feet and legs are getting rather tired, as happens when I'm walking around the kitchen for a long time.

Kat, if you need to work out your mood some more, my bathroom needs cleaning also. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 05:52 PM

Well, it was too cold last night for me to do anything but stand there and yell, plus they were playing their music inside their house, but that is what I felt like doing, SRS! I cannot imagine the decibel levels they had it at!

I surprised myself. Got up from a supposed nap which was just depressing, scrubbed the bathroom, put in another load of laundry and emptied the bathroom and bedroom trash bins. I think I will go fold some more laundry, now and put some of it away.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 05:40 PM

I think I've told some of you about one night in the parking lot outside our apartment in 1999, 11pm. A woman pulled into the parking lot next to my son's room then leaned on the horn, looking at a path about three buildings down. I walked over and stood beside her door. She didn't even notice me as she honked and peered to her right. I used the flat of my hand and I pounded on her hood a half dozen times.

She immediately stopped, clutched her chest, and looked shocked. I was frankly quite rude. Along the lines of "Get out of your fucking car and go knock on the door . . ." She evidently didn't die of a heart attack because I wasn't disturbed by an ambulance. :-/

I've been on my feet all afternoon. Pot of beans is simmering, tortillas made, most of them now in the freezer. Roasted a squash and some of that will thicken the beans. I'll be baking tonight - the serious family cookies come next, krumkaka (the photos look like they use a pin to roll them up on, I just use my fingers) and spritz. Our spritz are made with a press feeds a long ridged row of dough and you cut them into pieces when they come out of the oven. And other cookie press shapes are used for almond cookies and such.

The dogs are now bathed and treated. I'll do a load of laundry, and need to clean that hall bathroom to clear up the dog hair in the tub.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 03:27 PM

Can't wait to see pix, SRS, of that garden!

Today has been a wash. I couldn't sleep last night, then, after finally falling asleep about 330a, the neighbours woke me about 4a with loud, deep bass booming music and a trying-to-be-quiet argument in their driveway. I was so distraught by the boom-boom, I went out to the LR, opened the front door and yelled to please turn it down. No one could hear me, of course, but I felt better. Then, when I went back to bed, is when they started to argue. That was it, I reached up and rapped on the window and lo and behold, they stopped. Not another peep out of them. Not being able to get back to sleep, I was up at 630a, then went back to bed at 730a and fell into a deep and dreamless sleep until the phone woke me at 903a sharp. "Hi, Mama, can I come over now? You said we'd decorate the tree and I could call you at nine o'clock." Aarrghhh...usually I can wake up fast and go, no problem. Told the puir kid he'd have to wait for us to get up and moving.

Well, he came over about 10a, showed us what a good shot he is with Roger's bow and his own plastic non-pointed arrow - crack shot! and then played around with Rog and by himself as I went back to bed! I got up about 1130a and sent him home about 1230p. He and Rog did find the decorations bin and brought it in. Morgan put the star on the top of the tree and there it sits. No decorating for me, no nothing, today. Ugh...I hate nights like last night. I don't feel up to doing anything the next day and I had high hopes for today!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 12:41 PM

Keyboard is still a bit bonkers; stops typing every so often.

It's cold out, but the dogs are going to get baths and will hang out in the house till they're dry. It's the day for their Revolution (heart worm and flea monthly treatment), and it's also a day before company comes, so it's nice if they're sweet smelling.

For accountability, I've gotten to where I switch on the rock station after my favorite gardening program ends at 11 on Sunday mornings. I dance around the house, or just move more when I'm doing things and it all adds up to more exercise than just sitting or standing.

Beans simmering and I'll bottle these up in jars to freeze the extra. I have some venison sausage in the freezer that I save for these beans - it's so good! The freezer is looking pretty well stocked. I created a couple of cubic feet of empty space when I took out all of those tomatoes, but the door rack is now full of quart canning jars of frozen juice.

If it warms up enough later this afternoon I'll work a little more on that keyhole garden, it's almost finished. I need to put a few garden trimmings in the trash (stuff that is toxic to the dogs if it is in the compost). Looking good!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 02:20 AM

It is hard to lose pets. It's really hard to lose pets when your children have spent their entire lives with them.

I finished a lot of stuff today, and had my quota of chocolate chip cookies this evening. They are addictive. And they're in the freezer now. Laundry is finished and folded and put away, and the tomatoes are all either frozen juice (ambrosia!) or canned and cooling overnight on the counter. I watched Rebecca while baking and folding.

I brought in a potting table from the garage, to see if I can finish organizing the gardening stuff I have in the house. Store the bird seed under it, etc. If not, back to the garage it goes. I bought it at a garage sale last summer.

As I finished projects around the house and yard. I decided I'd get at least one wheelbarrow full of rock hauled to the front for that keyhole garden. I brought enough pieces of rock to do several more feet of the wall, and I dug out a lot of Bermuda roots in the new bed. There's one small section of weeds left along the low wall, and then I need to clear out the center of it. And plant the darned thing!

Now I'm off to bed. Kitchen is clean, tomorrow the rest of the house will catch up. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 12:22 AM

Little Guy had cancer. :( He's resting peacefully now and is being missed.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 12:10 AM

Sorry to hear that about your dog, Michelle.

I forgot all of the running around we did. Got the tree, first, then vet's for cat food, but they didn't have any, so backtrack to pet store where they have it, with prescription in hand, (hypo-allergenic...keeps the Siamese from pulling his fur out), then to the post office, grocery store, and home. Took us about 3 hours. My Rog got worried I was in the vet's so long, he came in to check on me! They were calling around town for me to find the right food. So I got a lot of walking done and had a great salad bar salad from the grocery store.

Two loads of wash done and put away.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 11:59 PM

Ran errands this morning with my family, out to breakfast, Jeremiah had his photo taken with Santa, a friend from church stopped by and I did some tidying up.

Found out that a woman I met this summer at a consignment shop (30 miles from our home)with a baby boy the same age as Jeremiah lives just over the hill from us!!! Excellent!

We also buried one of dogs this week under a pear tree in our orchard.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 11:43 PM

I FINALLY got some clean laundry put away. I had wrecked my shoulder, which made lifting, reaching, and putting into shelves impossible..... I took a shot of cortisone for it last week and only today was I able to DO anything, but TBTG and cortisone I have been able to sleep at least....

Two big administrative thingies got decluttered Friday with agreements about some projects and a higher-up's fervent go-ahead. Lays out my work in two pursuits for the next year, including a trip for a training workshop in March to be held at a dearly-loved place that has been calling and calling me.-- Sewanee. It will be great to go back there. In the meeting, I recommended a Number Two to work with me who was accepted readily; so she will be invited to come share that drive and event. We may detour to see Beaubear.

We pick out a new scooter Tuesday, then visit a class I will be resourcing, to see how they are doing and what they need. Both of these things are in the same college town-- a nice day trip with Hardi.

Then it's back to the Anti-Racism project; I met yesterday with a communications person who can get my stuff up on the diocesan website; this will be an article I already wrote plus pix from the event it describes, which another participant sent to all of us who were there to use as we see fit-- and VIOLA! Another project moving forward.

The highlight of the week was not getting these bottlenecks cleared, but ALSO having dinner with a great new friend I recently met who is wacky and inspired in all the same ways I am. Many points of mutual support and laffter were identified, so it looks to be a good long-distance email and phone thing supplemented by visits when I have to go down-diocese anyway for Stuff.

And what a relief to get the damn laundry put away. I HATE it when I cannot find what I want to wear and the baskets are surrounding me!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 09:03 PM

Good to see you VTam and Alice. You've been missed.

I think I have finally figured out why I just can't seem to get things listed in my online bookstore and on etsy. None of the stuff I have was bought/acquired with the thought that someday it might be worth "this much" and I shouldn't let it go unless I actually sell it. I have given treasures away and been fine with it. It's the selling which is bothering me...so, Rog and I talked it over. We are going to box up the books and some other things for giveaway. Then, I will call a local humane society which has a second-hand shop and ask them to come pick it all up. I know it will all go for an excellent cause and have good homes which is what is most important to me.

I feel a lot of relief and lifting of a burden just having finally figured that out. I've been feeling so guilty, again, for not getting them listed. I will keep my etsy shop, but probably focus more on my own jewellery and other things I make.

Once the books are out of the old office, I will be able to set up a love seat, hope to find one which folds out into a bed and that can be where Morgan can sleep when he stays over, which he wants to do every weekend. (Doesn't get to, though:-) He is almost as long as the camp cot we have for him, so really do need to get something else for him to use.

We bought the last, inexpensive (well, relatively) live, potted Spruce tree in town, today. Forty bucks at Home Depot. The garden centres wanted $150 plus unless we wanted to dig one up for $12 per foot, which wouldn't be too bad except for frozen ground and Rog's formerly broken heel, still healing. It's a pretty little tree with a good sized root ball in a huge pot. I think the top has been broken, so it may wind up branching off, but we like Charlie Brown trees anyway. Morgan will be over tomorrow to help me decorate it. It is only about five feet at the most, so he'll be able to reach all of it! It will be a beautiful addition to our yard next spring.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 09:01 PM

I found a bag of kids clothes in the garage bagged and labeled "keep" and have to look through them soon. I have a box of telephones, but I don't think I'll give them away. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years I'll go back to a wired phone. So not everything is headed out of the house.

I was busy this afternoon. There are about 2 1/2 gallons of tomato juice out of the two full batches of steamed fruit (had been in the freezer). And there will probably be about 3 quarts of sauce. The water bath is heating right now. I'm going to freeze the juice in quart jars (I ran to the store to get another case since I ran out) and the sauce in 1/2 pints. Plenty of those around here. I'll be set with sauce for some time to come (I'm working on finishing last year's sauce and juice now).

I need to finish my holiday letter this weekend and be ready to mail it on Monday. There are people who haven't heard from me in quite a while. I'd like to surprise them with a card before christmas.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Alice
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 03:19 PM

Gave away some toys and a kid's snow suit... more to go soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 12:40 PM

"Thistle munching." Good term! Take care!

Rolled out of bed early to start work around the house. Laundry is in. I have packed up some now-dry herbs drying in the laundry room and have run the first batch of tomatoes through the steam juicer. I'd like to finish with these projects so the freezer has more space and the counter tops clear.

The rest of the work, housecleaning, is so the house looks good once my son is here and his dad is back in town and my daughter and friends of both kids come by. A friend who lives in Arizona is on her way to Fort Worth, after a stop with her son in West Texas, and she'll stay at least one night, I hope. So since several parts of the house will be in use for guests and festivities, I feel the need to clean it all and in a few places, organize the stuff in the middle of the room.

On the tech end of things, I've finally figured out how to answer my house cell phone using the base station/wireless (blutooth) phone, so now I can bring that handset into my office and leave the cell phone near the base in the kitchen and it's at least like having two house phones (and there is a cell phone in my pocket, with a separate number). Not the same as a wired phone in every room, but functional. I have quite a collection of unused wired and wireless phones right now.

Baking today also, another type of cookie. I may break down and get chocolate. The kids do like chocolate chip cookies, but alas, so do I, so it might be the most difficult to resist. Into the freezer. Oh, and next week, the frozen smoked salmon I made for the kids will come out of the freezer. That's their high-end gift, because smoked salmon is always such a premium purchase if you don't make it yourself.

Lots going on. I hope you're all staying warm and putting in productive days!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 12:23 PM

SRS: That is indeed my flower and that picture - somewhat fuller than my current bloom group - reminds me to put on the calendar to start feeding in January. But it is still a joy to behold as I hang on for the solstice - my favourite day of the year - "NOW the days start getting longer!!!!

I do not suffer from serious SAD but I do need lots of light and in this gloomy gray weather we have been having, almost every light is on. We only have windows at the front and rear. The three along the side - that's a long story - fire next door several years ago, fire fighters broke windows, Rob's parents ended up in hospital in their 90s, he ended up taking care of them and basically abandoning this abode until we moved in last April. LOTS needs to be done. (Parents died at 95 and 97 one and two years ago.)

VT: we all feel like Eeyore some of the time. Anyway, I just love Eeyore - even have a sweat shirt with him on it.

I use chlorpheniramine maleate for allergies. Cheap and works well for me and, my brother, too.

I have a rug rake - plastic tines. Have never seen one anywhere but found it in a home I was sorting out for someone. It rakes up animal hairs like magic. I have also used the magic sponge sort of thing found in pet stores for cleaning hairs off furniture. Washable and wonderful.

Chick peas are on for tomorrow's potluck - Gingered chick peas.

International Dance Workshop at 2 pm. Shall I?

Stopped taking MSM/Glucosamine for two days and shoulders started hurting. Back to it.

Had to park six blocks away last night when we got home from our music event in the country. The streets were being cleared. Nice walk as it was warming; almost up to freezing at moment. And half of each street is clear. Maybe they will do the other half tonight.

Need to do some groceries but hate to shop on Saturday - but it only became necessary... Do it on way to workshop - warm enough to leave in car. OK. That's a plan.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 11:48 AM

I have been taking vitamins for about a week now. Got most of the flat organised and clean. Learning some new songs. Bought ingredients to make my Christmas candies. Feeling a bit better.

Sorry I have been a bit of an Eyore in some of the threads. Thistle munching ended for the time being.

Love you guys.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 02:16 AM

Sneezes all around today and tonight. I finally figured it out, the south wind brought the "mountain cedar" pollen into the neighborhood yesterday.

Zyrtec + Sudafed for a while. Ugg.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 01:00 AM

Michelle,

I have a carpet sweeper that I used for that kind of special rug cleaning, one of the boxy things that you roll over and has the little beater bars. The vacuum then could get the rest. I haven't had to do that as much now that the cat hair is slowly going away.

Dorothy, is this your flower? They're lovely!

I picked up my keyboard adapter today. I'm not sure it works completely, I have had a key stop working a couple of times, so I'll test this for a day with the other keyboard nearby.

This weekend is when I need to finish some of my preparations for my son to come back late on Monday. Lots will end up reported, probably.

For accountability, I made a point of walking the dogs for about 30 minutes before feeding them and then dressing to go out. We even took a little side trip into the woods, now that the poison ivy is dormant for the winter. They love snuffling around over there. I need to do a lot more walking and dancing. A LOT more!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 04:28 PM

I finally got things rearranged so I can USE my treadmill easily!!! YAY!!! It involved moving a cabinet from the living room to the kitchen. The cabinet is about 4 feet tall or so with an oak top and it's painted a deep reddish color...the door has an arch too it...reminds me of my church (which is what drew me to it in the first place). It has been tucked in an useless spot for far too long. It now holds all my diabetic stuff, baby foods and magazines that Pete will not part with. It had other magazines of mine in it too but I went through and sorted them all out to take to the House of Care next time I am in the area. Mostly yoga and kayaking magazines (go figure).
    I am contemplating putting some Christmas things up....not much this year, but some....our nativity and a small tree with lights and a few ornaments. I'm not sure how much else though.
    I finally broke down and bought a new vaccuum cleaner...one that is supposed to be for people with pets. We shall see. My Maggie sheds A LOT and her hair is long. I brush her but she still sheds a ton. Most of the house has Pergo so I can sweep or swiffer but our living room has a rug (maye 5x8ish) and I either needed to get rid of the carpet or a new vaccuum. Since the rug helps keep the floors warmer (for playing with Jeremiah...even though I have about 4 blankets under him...don't want him on the dog hairy carpet)), I bought the machine. We have carpeting upstairs but the animals are not usually in those rooms and the regular vac works fine for that. I talked to the sales people and if I get it out and it clogs up (or catches fire...which has happened in the past due to the hair getting stuck in the motor), I can take it back for a full refund. I got the mid-grade model and will spend bigger bucks for a Dyson or Oreck if I HAVE TO...but I'd rather not!!! Anyway, I'm happy about it and hope it works (will try it later tonight).

Hope everybody is staying warm!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 02:20 PM

The last three posts all but wore me out!! But I did accomplish some good things this morning - the hardest part was getting Rob to remove two useless items from the LR into storage, so we have a little more space and then I was able to rearrange the large foliage plants in the bay window, and sweep up the fallen leaves! Put the largest two on dollies so I can turn them and the others on my nice plant stands - brought in from the storage tent in the back yard. The Clivia miniata is blooming beautifully, right in center stage. So cheery!

Took the two old chairs, used for plants previously, out to the tent and managed to get the snow - about 10 inches - off half the roof. The other half proved immoveable from inside so after lunch I will put on boots - take out the compost and try to get the snow off from the outside.

The three un-sittable Victorian chairs are lined up near the door, ready for Rob's next home work - get them out of here! (He does have a storage place for them.) There is more that I feel needs to be stored but small steps seem to work better - for most of us, most of the time.

Maybe I can attack some of the mending that has piled up --- after lunch with a book. I basically have no where to hide it! But maybe...

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 11:37 AM

Andrea, I hope the snow and ice give you a break for a while!

Catherine, I suspect wallpaper will stay on that back burner for a while. I have some here that I will probably take down one of these days, but I'll replace it with paint. Oh, and for those of us on this side of the pond, "profiteroles" are cream puffs. I looked them up. :)

I did a lot of shopping yesterday, finishing up the increase in food for having a hungry teenager in the house again. Lots of fruit and veggies, though. I'm not going to feed him junk if I can avoid it. This weekend I also need to make more space by finishing up some of the canning I've planned to do. I have tomatoes stashed in the freezer that I'll put in the steam juicer and I'll can the juice and the sauce. I have a lot of green ones ripening at the rate of several a day, but I'll probably blanch and freeze those. I've tossed most of the last of the peppers into the compost, I'm tired of looking at them and they're getting soft. I have tons in the freezer of various types and levels of heat.

Yesterday I found more small brass hangers that fit over the rail that runs around the top of the paneling in the living room. I'm going to hang some garland over the weekend, then put the rest of the boxes away. I hand-washed the crystal and dusted the mantle and need to add the holiday ornaments now. I'm not getting a tree, but the house will look festive.

I visited my local fabric store and picked up several lengths of cloth and notions that will go into a a few tote bags. I've been looking at the ones that LLBean sells (and they're probably reasonably priced, but I know I can make them for less). My favorite bag that my Mom picked up at the Library of Congress is getting a little long in the tooth, so I'll make a sturdy replacement, and a couple extras for gifts. One of my buys was lovely length of a soft canvas meant for upholstery that I'll hand wash to pre-shrink and then give it a try.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 11:09 AM

Well the snow at the front obediently more or less melted off the step by the time I got up, but a load dropped into the back instead. It's staying there and can damned well thaw! I have shovelled my last for this batch of snowfall.

I went about 60 miles down Newcastle way this morning to go to Ikea and get some small storage items I needed, plus a rug for the back end of the hallway. I found a green one that tones in very well with the green/gold oriental style runner in the main part. I was glad to get away from the city area into the countryside again!

The thaw has well and truly started, but there is now a lot of lying water on the roads, and once the run-off comes from the fields, it may get a bit wet!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 08:57 AM

Been a bit busy working lots of overtime recently so not been on the internet much. Lost another half sotne which is great, had another hair cut so hair is alot shorter than before. I've taken 3 days holiday from work and sping (winter) cleaned the house, decorated it with seasonal dedcorations with the kids, decorated 1 of the 4 xmas cakes. Bedroom to be wallpapered although this job keeps being put on the back burner due to not having enough time. Still keeping up with my exercise class, combat last night and RPM on Sunday morning. Paul is working out with me too at home with the weights. I'm loving my new shape, and loving Paul's new shape too as he's toning up now.

Went to Harry's first school christmas carol concert on Tuesday, it was wonderful! The school has a very good hearing impaired unit and to integrate the children with hearing difficulties all the children in the school learn to sign. I didn't know Harry was learning to sign in the nursery and to see 30, 3-4 year olds singing and sigining at the same time was wonderful.

Paul has been busy making a request from the lovely LTS and I'm about to put the wording on it tomorrow. Paul and I baked profiteroles this morning for a dinner party we are having tonight. best get the rest of the meal prepared!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 11:14 PM

Sounds like a productive day all around!

The cinnamon rolls were a hit. They were still a little warm when I arrived, and the middle ones in the pan were still kind of tacky-sticky, but those seem to be the ones that go fastest!

My eye exam went well, today was baseline tests, no treatment needed. Poking and prodding wasn't pleasant, though, and I'm headed to bed with tired eyes. I got my new glasses and it is so nice to have not only a lighter pair, but to have that darned scratch gone after all of these months. I switched from plastic to polycarbonate this time.

The sad news today was that my ex-mother-in-law died this morning. She was 88 and had lived with her youngest son and daughter-in-law in Florida for many years. My kids are both taking finals this week and into next so will stay put. Their dad flew out today. We'll have to have our family get together sometime later than I originally planned (my son comes home on Monday).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 03:53 PM

Yea, Andrea and Dorothy!

I went to the hairdresser, this morning, and had her take three inches off, so that all the layers are gone; my hair is one length now, still long and she curled the ends, making it look so pretty.

I also went to the therapist who helped me decide on a good strategy for me to use through the holidays vis a vis certain family members.:-) It was an intense, but productive meeting.

did some walking today

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 03:49 PM

Just to make sure I didn't get too carried away, the last (I hope) load of snow fell off the roof this evening, right onto the front doorstep!

I am not going to touch it until tomorrow, and I hope a lot will have got dripped on and melted away by then. Trouble is, the sky's clear at the moment...

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 03:26 PM

THAT, Andrea, sounds like a superb day!!

I DO have snow tires. It took half the day from home to back home but I am SO happy. And I have an in-car shovel.

I, then, went to the library to return some books - late! I suggested a snow amnesty but .... Anyway, in the newly arrived books in English section - an amazing book!!

What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Alusia. From the 800 calorie diet of the Maasai herder to a 12,300 C diet of a British "Snacker Mom", this is a trip around the world, peeks into the lives of an incredible variety of people, what they eat and how they live. Wonderful photos and some interesting essays, including The Pleasures of Eating by the wonderful Wendell Berry. In large format - must weigh over five pounds! - it is going to keep both of us enthralled for quite a while. While not a "dieting" book, it is full of ideas about different healthy and interesting things to eat. I was so busy looking at it, I did not stop to eat. Even that is helpful!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 10:03 AM

I'm drooling just reading that last post!

I am a happy bunny just now - the freezer came, and then 5 minutes later the delivery guys called and said the next job on their manifest was my dryer (which was due Monday). Shortly after that, my log man knocked and asked if I'd be in later in the afternoon, and he wasn't coming till next week either!

I can now wash and dry my goose down coat! The bedlinen can be dried!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 07:14 AM

Up very early this morning to bake. I decided to take the challenge at work today - there is a contest for the best dessert at the holiday luncheon. I'm taking my hint from a friend's reaction to dinner rolls over the weekend. He walked in just before I took them out of the oven, and said he could hover over the top inhaling the smell like a drug. So I'm making cinnamon rolls from scratch this morning and taking them in so they're still giving off that great fresh bread smell. (Is this cheating, if I aim at the visceral human love of fresh baked bread? You betcha!) ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 10:38 PM

Every little thing counts, too, around here. Some of us have had big challenges which kept us from doing much, so we take our victories when we can get them. Main thing is, don't beat up on yourself. Anything is better than nothing.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 08:32 PM

Thanks, SRS. You are right. There is a variety of baggage here. Rob is worth the effort but I do not have a huge support group here in Montreal. It does help to be able to express a little frustration to non-judgmental folks.

Our biggest load of baggage is the incredible stress in his life. My general response being a quiet reminder, "Anytime you want to, you can just walk away and go paddle your canoe." Not everyone can do that. He cannot yet see his way clear to it but maybe someday. "The years befront us are not as many as the years behind." "Let's just get that van and GO!"

But not too often and not when things are REALLY BAD as they are this week!

Today I did manage to phone a friend (one whom I have asked for advice for the last 42 years! And to whom I can safely dump my aggravation once in a while.) for advice on insuring the car - in addition to the provincial plan - and, henceforth, obtained such on line without any hassle - bought and paid. Mental health insurance! A BIG THING.

And Rob just phoned to tell me where he is and "I didn't crash your car." Tomorrow we agreed to go get the tires changed first thing. Life progresses in very small increments. I washed the sheets and remade the bed and cooked a good meal. Some days only very small things get accomplished.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 08:06 PM

Dorothy, sounds like there is more baggage in the house than just too much furniture. These threads work to sort out some of that, also, but I hope you don't have to make the case too often for Rob to get it!

Accountability was with the de-clutter discussion for a while, then separate, then reunited. Those of us with too much stuff in our houses are also generally trying to lose weight, so it is a way to report progress; exercise, diet, etc. Everyone has different things going, and of course, your mileage may vary. I have about 30 pounds to lose.

Liz, you know how various products will print recipes on the package, along with "serving suggestion" photos? Years ago Gold Medal flour put this cookie recipe on the package, and it caught on. I remember making them in junior high school (about age 13) and I was hooked.

Snickerdoodles

Preheat oven to 400^o

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening (or just use all butter)
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix the sugar, margarine, shortening and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. I use a teaspoon to scoop small amounts of dough and make into a ball the size of a large marble.

In a shallow bowl, mix
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

and roll the cookie dough ball through the sugar/cinnamon mix and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. I use one of those aluminum "hollow" ones that helps avoid burnt bottoms on cookies. Because these start as balls they end up beautiful round cookies. So if you can space dough so they don't touch when they spread, they are really round and beautiful when they come out of the oven.

Bake until set, about 8-10 minutes. (These balls spread out, then swell, and you want them to bake long enough to just be on their way out of the swell stage. And they collapse when you take the pan out of the oven.) Let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes, then cool on paper or a wire rack. If you move them too soon, they kind of crumple. Don't let them brown.

If you use a very large baking sheet, or if you have the door open too long when you put them in, then they need an extra minute or two.

The combination of butter, egg and cinnamon is what makes these cookies heavenly.

I'm making a batch of cinnamon rolls to take to work tomorrow for the library holiday meal. I'm not staying for the campus-wide meal because I have an appointment at the eye doctor. Today's appointment revealed some degradation in the right eye that might be the early stage of something like glaucoma. So I have more tests, and the good news is that if this is something developing, there are drops to treat it so it won't get any worse. But it means two days in a row that my eyes will be dilated.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 02:42 PM

Gee whiz, LTS,
I am already at: NO dumplings, NO gravy, NO baked potatoes, NO French fries, very little pasta and rice, maybe two slices of bread/day, herbal teas (no sweetener), no juices, distilled water...

OK, its the chocolate and ??? I'll keep working on it. I do feel more hopeful now that I was kicked into checking my weight. Last time (5-6 years ago) I was up to 170 bare naked! So this is much better. Also I came to the conclusion that 140 is as low as I am going to get at this stage of life. I ACCEPT that.

SO, this thread has already helped!

As for the declutttering- Our LR looks like a warehouse and I cannot put Rob's antique's in the tent. When he is less stressed, I will ask that he remove the three unsittable Victorian chairs to a different venue. And another time, I will suggest that the antique washing machine, broken spinning wheel, and more be removed. Then ....

On the other hand, he has been very sweet about welcoming my furniture, in the last month, into what is now OUR home. He has never shared his home with an equal partner, only with temps, children of friends who were attending University. ( After about 18 months of increasing togetherness, we brought a truck load of my stuff from the west coast of USA to Montreal in November. A fun, and exhausting, trip.)

So I am pecking away at my boxes of papers - finding neat stuff and reminders/notes to myself of things I want to write about - and had forgotten. Also throwing away papers which no longer have any meaning or value while being careful since I once did that with a vengeance - and great regret later.

Kat: Yes, I do miss the country but in thinking about that, I realized that what I really miss is autonomy. It is hard for me to be dependent on someone else - removing the excess furniture, for example. So, as soon as I get my car back, there will be, "I'm really not happy that you did not discuss it with me before taking off with..." Then tomorrow (Thursday), I will make sure I have custody of MY car, get the snow tires on AND get a small shovel to live in MY car for the duration of the winter. It was sweet of Rob to shovel out my car this morning ---so HE could use it!!

In the meantime, I will look around and see what I have the energy to declutter today.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 12:41 PM

Hey, Dorothy, that's still 5lbs less than before isn't it?

The human body is genetically geared towards storing extra fat and calories during the colder months - it's what stopped us freezing or starving to death before WalMart was invented. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to shed weight when the temperatures drop. We can still eat healthily though, have home-made vegetable soups and low fat stews, bake potatoes with low fat fillings rather than have fries, watch the amount of bread, pasta and rice, leave out the dumplings and biscuits and drink herbal teas or low calorie/fat hot chocolate.

Remind me I said this in about 3 months time when I can't fit in even my stretchiest pants!

Accountability should cover all walks of life but we're taking one step at time, so actually DOING the jobs is an ongoing process with the decluttering. Occasionally a deadline will come galloping up (like me this week, I have guests on Saturday and no-where for the to sit or sleep!) and take us by surprise but mostly we're keeping it together!

Good luck with the cars!

Stilly - you'll have to explain snickerdoodles to us on this side of the pond because I just have this vision of a large nutty chocolate snack with curly hair and a pom-pom tail.....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 12:05 PM

From the post of LTS, I get the impression that "accountability" only has to do with what you eat??

I, not understanding this, believe it pertains to ALL of life. I am especially concerned about getting matters attended to in a timely manner - bills paid, snow tires (still not) on, etc. As in: Rob went off in my car this morning as his brother has the truck because HIS car (a Miata - in Quebec? in the winter?) does not start and the "garage" needs to be cleaned out so it can be repaired. "But I have been hearing that for six months!" "Yes. Well now the trailer has been put where things need to be moved to..." He had "a meeting in seven minutes" or I would not have put up with this. This is my concept in the ultimate LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!

I am prepared to wait in line, with a novel, to get the tires put on. TODAY!! More snow is expected and my car does NOT do well on snow. AND, most importantly, we want to be able to get to the Cafe, 30 miles into southern Quebec, on Friday for our weekly MUSIC FIX!

As for food: perhaps I do not try hard enough because I know experientially that I cannot lose weight when I am full of environmental toxins. I am a sponge and, currently, am having trouble de-toxing adequately. Current research is finding that environmental toxins are probably a serious cause of obesity generally - chemicals in food as well as those in the air and water.

After a major detox which returned me to optimum health, I lost weight on this diet: one slice of good bread with tahini; salad and humous; breast of chicken and lots of green veg (usually broccoli) AND THAT WAS ALL for four months - except for breakfast with friends on Sundays. After losing 25 pounds, I found I still has to stick to that diet to maintain! It gets really old.

I did pretty well until moving to Quebec. I'm afraid to look at the scale to see how much I have gained in the last 18 months. -----Alright, I did it! 160 fully clothed. Not as bad as I feared but still 20 pounds more than I would prefer. I actually feel encouraged to try harder! Thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 11:52 AM

Good to see your face here, Liz! I have to admit that though I at first was sorry to step out of the Secret Santa fray in order to get the rest of it going, it is really a pleasure to see those threads grow longer as people tease each other and as packages begin to arrive at their destinations. I hope that after the work of making assignments that you also enjoyed watching all of the mayhem ensue! Take care of yourself, and that salmon they're giving you at the hotel is good for you!

I have been turning on a local rock station that is back to it's good program format they were known for (92.5 has always been a point on the FM dial that had great old rock, not just the oldies, but the danceable, singable, and often message rock). I can dance around the kitchen and do some exercise moves for a while, then put it back on NPR.

Yesterday I called the folks that make my good keyboard, and they emailed a list of adapters that work with their keyboards. I read reviews and found one that I'll pick up tomorrow.

I started with the new Snickerdoodle recipe last night, but realized it was a different enough than my old favorite that I defaulted to the old recipe. And a few years ago I found a large cookie sheet at a garage sale (one of those big hollow aluminum ones) that knocks off the dough pretty quickly. Those are bagged and in the freezer, and I'll make something else tonight so I have a variety tray to take to work for a holiday luncheon tomorrow.

I did sample just a couple of them, but I've been good to put them in the freezer where they're out of sight and off my hips. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 06:22 AM

I am still alive, though purple and sore after an angiogram last week. Decluttering has ceased, as has almost all activities except singing!

I am, however, getting back into things, and will be having a major clear up in the next few days... I have to, I've got guests this weekend!

Accountability has gone out of the window as we are again singing carols at the Ritz Hotel for most of December. They feed us exquisite smoked salmon, ham, turkey and cheese sandwiches, egg mayonnaise (egg salad) rolls and mince pies between every set, so I am not even bothering to count calories or pudgy points!

Love to all, take care and keep decluttering!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 08:10 PM

Thanks, SRS. I know I am being silly. I notice it a lot when I go pick up Morgan..all these young kids driving snazzy new cars. Usually all I have to do is think of the payments they are making and I just smile and tell our old boat "thanks," but there are days...oh, well. I did reschedule the appt. to next Tuesday so I won't feel so rushed, etc.

Morgan came over for about an hour. He gave me an early Christmas present "because you've been feeling so sick." It's a "#1 Grandma" necklace. I had to be sure to read the card it was attached to:

Thank you, Grandma, for all you've done
For bringing me laughter, smiles, and fun
For always loving me, every day
In that special caring Grandma way.

I surprised him with a memory stick which looks like a pencil eraser. I put some music on it which he loves. He was really surprised and thanked me I don't know how many times. Then he called me in tears, after going home. His computer is old and didn't recognise the device. I got him calmed down and hope one of his "gaming" parents can help him with it. Maybe let him play it on one of their computers, though when he said goodbye, he was going to write a story and save it to the stick to show his teacher.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 04:29 PM

Today I found the first of two additions for the new computer, a 2TB hard drive on sale. I dropped it into the machine in about 20 minutes and now have the disk space I wanted for a couple of large projects: loading and editing the music from cassettes from my father's collection, then I'll burn them to CD or DVD. Also, I have a lot of old newspaper clippings of my grandfather's published articles in the hometown newspaper. I will scan with OCR software and save them, again, to burn to CD or DVD.

Kat, in the mid-1990s a friend and I went to the Zoo Ball, a posh event that I had a free tickets to because I served on the park board. This was one of those dress-to-the-teeth several thousands of dollars a table events, and I rode with my friend Janice in her old beater Chevy sedan. As we pulled into the lot we were aghast to realize traffic was channeled to the door where a valet was going to take this car and park it. We burst into gales of laughter, and when I opened the door a couple of pop cans clattered onto the ground. Good thing the guys parking cars thought it was funny also!

Beginning to look wintry here. Heavy overcast and much of the green is gone, except for the evergreens and protected places not hit by frost yet. This is when the xmas lights help boost my mood (and maybe that's why they can be such an important part of the season - the lift spirits!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 03:53 PM

Oh, Dorothy, sounds as though you are missing the country! {{{hugs}}}}

I managed to get some towels put away and did pay some of the bills, the major ones: mortgage, car insurance, water, lights, heat. Had lunch with Rog who came home for it. Nice to get back into that routine; it's good for him to get out of the station.

I cannot seem to stay awake, today. Fell asleep this morning and feeling the pull of the bed and furries who are all curled up, for another short nap. I can't tell if it's from relaxing at not having to "go to work" this morning or the bug just letting go, kicking and screaming. I think it's mostly the former.

I made an appt. with a neat yoga teacher, complimentary and private, tomorrow, but just called and left a message to change it. I'd scheduled her right after the therapist and I would be going to a new area I am not familiar with. Years ago I wouldn't have bothered with a second thought about it, but now, it just seems scary, plus she lives in a swanky area where our o-l-d mini-van will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't think SHE minds, and I usually don't, but for once it does seem kind of embarrassing. Silly, huh? Anyway, I feel better for asking to reschedule it for a morning next week. She sounds so tuned in/empathetic and kind. She has been through some of her own health challenges and uses "Movement Therapies" to help folks to their "Functional Wisdom" using yoga and other methods.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 03:35 PM

SIGHHHHHHH!

In almost downtown Montreal, the car on which I did not get snow tires yesterday - my ONE priority for the day! - is plowed in and Rob's pickup is even more plowed in. This morning was "that isn't a car, that's a pile of snow that looks like a car!" At least 6 inches! So Rob has gone to borrow a snow shovel, I hope. He has several but they are all somewhere else. If I ever get out of this, I will buy my very own shovel for IN the car as well as get the snow tires on. Either that or refuse to leave the house until spring!! The rest of this week looks formidable - more snow and minus 13 Celsius.

I found it so much easier in the country. Never had this problem when I lived alone, a mile and a half from my next door neighbour! That requires the ultimate accountability. I DID IT!! Sometimes I would just wait at the end of my 300 yard driveway and wait for the snowplow to give me a ride out. Sometimes I would shovel enough of the drive so I could be at the end when the snowplow came. Sometimes I would walk out to the road and hitch a ride with a neighbour. GOOD neighbours!! Or leave my car out at the road and walk in or get a ride on a - GASP! - snowmobile. Where I lived was worth every bit of it to me!

The reason I did not achieve my priority yesterday was that I was being supportive of the need to change the flat on the pickup. Had it been fixed a few days ago when the need was already known.... They could have had it done professionally - it took heat and major muscle and leverage. And a chocolate bar.

Doing things in a timely manner can make life so much less stressful.

Sadly, international folk dancing was cancelled last night for the snow. That is my best exercise, mobility treatment and more. Good for body, mind and spirit!

Snow predicted again tomorrow and Sunday...

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 02:25 PM

Oh I so want to try Zumba! There's a class aabout 15 miles away that I might have a go at in the New Year.

The dryer arrived - and never made it off the van, because when they unpacked it they found the top was cracked. So it'll be Monday for the new one. . . unless the weather sets in again and that delivery is cancelled!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 11:22 AM

I am terrible about putting clean laundry away. So...this morning I spent some time clearing out all the laundry baskets and putting things where they belong. I swept the upstairs, steps, hallway and living room. The bathroom floor will get mopped later today when I am finished doing laundry (which will be soon as I am just about out of detergent). I'm getting so I don't like going to the store...used to love it but now I'd rather stay home with the Wee One.

The new WW system is taking some tweaking on my part but so far, it's not too bad!

Activity wise, I'm starting a Zumba class tonight at the local Y. I LOVE that they have child care. I can go in, know that Jeremiah is being well cared for, dance myself silly and pick him up and go. No stop at the sitters. No driving to out of the way places....it's just NICE....not to mention I get to see friends while I'm there. :)

I have a plan for the living room and how to rearrange it so the treadmill will be MUCH more accessible...now if I just could find the OOMPH to do it! I should be doing it now as the Wee One naps but I am exhausted.

My dear friend Tracy is having two tumors removed today....risky surgery as she is about worn out. :( She is on my mind a lot today. ((((((((((((Lots of Prayers and Love for Tracy)))))))))))

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 02:36 AM

I bought a potted baby Norway Spruce at a store with a plan to have it outside the front door with little lights on it...It became encased in ice from the dripping gutter. Very pretty in its own way, but I am sticking with the artificial illuminated door wreathg this year.

We had another light snowfall last night, and now it's very cold after the sky cleared. I have to clear the last of the snow from the car, as I am out for lunch tomorrow, and am hoping that if I can reduce the amount, today's forecast sun will do the rest. It will the first time out of the village for 2 weeks! My sister in law is hopefully over at her cottage this weekend, and so I may be spending a night over there. Does require some driving on back lanes, however...

Today's task is tidying some stuff away from or into the little cupboard under the stairs.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 12:33 AM

I bought three Italian stone pine trees in pots at Home Depot 4 or 5 years ago and put them all in the yard. They're all looking good now and I decorated one of those with lights this year.

Tonight I spent 15+ minutes on the phone solving an issue with the cable folks who provide my Internet. (This is the plan to spend 15 minutes a day to solve consumer problems, spread them out so they don't overwhelm you.) I took the phone out of the "bundle" with Internet last month. We discussed options, and now I supposedly do have a "contract" and it should keep the bill low for 1 year. After that, it could go up $10 a month, and by then the penalty for changing will be minimal, so I can bludgeon them into keeping it low, or switch.

I have 30 days to look at the small print on this contract, to be sure they're not padding the bill with stuff or disagreeable Sword of Damocles if I make the wrong move.

My chamomile tea has been wonderful, and it's an early day tomorrow. Kat, I hope you can hobble Rog enough so that foot heals properly, but as someone who did the shoe/boot swap to drive, all I can say is that it works if you take it easy. And "Hello!" to Morgan if you see him tomorrow. I hope you're both feeling better.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 11:27 PM

Rog can now drive, by taking off the boot, putting on his shoe, then reversing the process when he gets to where he's going! Still not supposed to put weight on it for another 3-4 weeks. The doc looked at me and said, "Am I wasting my breath?" Pretty much...Rog is not a macho guy, but he's fed up and ready to be walking, with the boot, but still walking and he's not supposed to...he's like a little kid! We had a talk, tonight, so maybe that'll help.

I shall be catching up on a lot of bills which piled up as we waited for Workers Comp to come through, which they've done. I'll do that tomorrow morning and hope to have Morgan after school. We haven't seen each other since Friday!**bg**

Laundry, oh yes, and Rog did the dishes this weekend. Not much else. I am still feeling better, but not quite up to snuff, just yet.

SRS, your glass decorations sounds really pretty. We have done nothing but agree some of the money we got will go to buy a live tree which we can then plant next Spring. We used to do that on the ranch in WY when we were first married and every year the horse would get in the yard and destroy them. No horse here and the fence should keep the neighbour's goat away, plus she loves our banana peels, etc. so we keep her well supplied.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 09:11 PM

Choosing a cookie recipe tonight. I have an old one from Gold Medal flour for Snickerdoodles - a huge recipe (3 1/2 cups of flour). This one, in the newer Better Homes & Garden cookbook, uses 1 1/2 cups flour. Much better. The big recipe seemed to take a couple of nights to bake. These will go in the freezer once they're finished.

Paid a couple of bills, and getting ready to call about one that needs some trimming. Must gird my loins for that call. For a customer service department, they're as transparent as mud with their billing formulas.

Working on an itinerary for my son to fill out so he can be sure to get to his plane on time on Monday, and so we all know who is meeting him at the airport and taking him back later.

Pulled out some more ornaments, haven't decided where to put them. I need to wash the glass that is on the mantle, and dust, before I add anything there.

And laundry. Always laundry. Stay warm, everyone!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 03:40 PM

Tam will continue in my thoughts and prayers..... we may not see her much in this thread for a bit, but PMs are usually appreciated.... Mudcat can be a hard place to find quiet companionship with peers without others' comments. I dunno if Chat is working but a private room, there, can be had, when it is.

I'm still swimming in dirty budget waters (someone didn't flush), and doing a few other things I can't talk about, but coming home from a weekend workshop it was SO NICE to find the results of the last few years' organizing make for a smooth re-entry/resume.

A recent BIG declut was that I no longer lead our band.... nor choose the weekly band music. Hardi and I have been concentrating instead on a repertoire of offertories. I made a great binder last week while sitting thru a boring meeting, that de-goofed and decluttered THAT process.

The next few weeks are WAY too busy (tho snow may slow them), but the next declut challenge is to get Crimmiss out, a few freecycles in, and an OLD used fridge out. Someone who has written on FC may pick it up, which would make way for a smaller, more energy-efficient model to come IN. Fer Crimmiss, I have most of the merch I need, and just need to spend a day boxing and labeling amid a zillion pesky other things with deadlines.

Great to see you all moving forward. I do not post as often but I read and cheer your efforts, often.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 02:03 PM

Well they tell me the dryer is coming tomorrow, and the freezer's now due Thursday.
I put up a bathroom cabinet today, but drilling 2 holes turned into 5 due to the disintegration of the plater round the holes. The last one I drilled only went in about three quarters of an inch then hit rock. I've managed to get a heavy duty screw into it, but I'm waiting for the whole shebang to drop off the wall, although it seems quite firm just now. Unfortunately it's now lower than I wanted it.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the conservation officer.
The deeds arrived today, but they only go back to 1923, when the estate sold the freehold. There is mention of a transfer of ownership in 1875, after a marriage, but that was within the landed gentry. it does seem to have changed hands quite a few times, and I have a list of previous owners since 1923. I am still assuming a date of about 1820 for the property.

My neck's aching now, so I'm going to chill out for the rest of the evening with a glass of cider.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 01:03 PM

I walked out to the curb for the trash can and paused to admire the yard. It looks relaxed after a busy growing season, and there is still some color spots that didn't freeze yet. Mulching the leaves allowed the rest of it to become visible. By putting lights in that pine I've set up a pretty night-time display, but they're barely noticeable during the day.

I've been cleaning the office this morning, the desk where my laptop sits. I have to start it up and map some drives, then do the same on my older computer that has some security software installed now. This essentially the final step in the new computer process. I backed up the old one to an external drive, and those contents have been transferred to the new drive, but there are still things in the old computer that I need reference to. And the laptop is my ultimate work backup, but since it was re-imaged last week, there will still be tweaking. This is the last (hopefully) of the juggling to get all three in sync with my work.

When my friend was over on Saturday we poked around looking to see what kinds of bowls, platters, etc, could be propped up with these great sturdy stands I found. I know the holidays will look different just because of the position of pieces around the house. Bringing in some evergreen is a great idea, to add the holiday flavor to something that could simply be a case of rearranged crystal and porcelain.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 12:02 PM

Andrea, SRS, beautifully put. {{{{{{VTAM}}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 04:25 AM

I have always decorated my house, even though it's mainly for my own benefit, and even the Christmas after Ian died. (Although at that time it was also to give a sense of normality to the family).
It gives a period of light at the darkest time of the year, and is thus very symbolic from my way of thinking. Obviously it can be a time when memories crowd in upon us, and we all have our own ways of dealing with them. (There is also that awful period just after the decoratiions have all been put away).

Perhaps bringing some evergreen into the house would be a more muted way of doing things, and making a special little area with a candle as a focus for thoughts, among the greenery. Also, some hazel or willow twigs in a vase...the warmth may encourage their buds to open, and that gives a hint that lighter days aren't SO far away.
Nobody has laid down rules as to what we have to do as regards "trimming up" as they say in Yorkshire. For some people it is still far to early to be thinking about it, and traditionally, Christmas Eve is the time.

I agree, we should all bear VT in our thoughts. We forget among all thr glitz and merriment that this time of year can also be very dark for other, more subtle reasons.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 10:46 PM

I know Virginia Tam has said in a couple of venues that she isn't putting up ornaments, and wants the holidays to pass quickly. I responded about choosing a type of ornament and doing a small specialized display. I didn't go into the reasons for why doing this might be important, but I was mulling over that this afternoon as I put up a string of lights in the yard. I understand completely why the holidays are so difficult, and all I can say, as one who isn't standing in her shoes, that she has lived every parent's worst nightmare. I answered about starting decorating because I'd like her to remember to give herself some love, to bring some beauty into her own life.

I haven't read, but I've heard interviews with Joan Didion about her book The Year of Magical Thinking. It's a memoir of grief, and I don't know if it would help, but I am reminded of her when I think about this situation. It was about her husband dying, and her daughter died shortly after that.

I hope we can, at least through virtual means, take VT's hand and help her through the holidays. We can't stop talking about our families, but I hope in some way we can help make this year a little easier. Keeping you in my thoughts, Tamara.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 06:39 PM

I have sent an email to the conservation officer as it's unclear if I need permission to do the enlargement. The (42x36cm) opening is an original feature. I pleaded the gas bill and the fact that the rolls of insulation probably wouldn't fit through the hole.
It would be a step-ladder job, and I am not confident on ladders. I would fit a pull-down loft ladder, which I had at the last house.

Another lump of snow fell off the roof this afternoon, so I had to dig the front path out. There's another lot getting ready to go.

The lights in the village look very pretty. there was a little ceremony in the marketplace to switch them on, and they had the citizen of the year and community group of the year presentations as well. It's quite a pro-active community. A local contractor's men have been ploughing and shifting the snow, and the local coffee shop has been giving them free packed lunches. They are more involved in carting away the 8 foot piles of snow from the roadside now.

I have sheepskin boots and slippers, and some thermal snow boots too. I wore a skirt today as a change from trousers. That's two skirt days in the last month!
Didn't do anything much today. Even the fire kept in overnight, so I just cranked it back into life when I got up.

Tomorrow I must try and find out what day the freezer is coming. Theoretically the dryer's coming on Tuesday.

Hope you feel better soon, Kat!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 11:51 AM

Thanks, Maggie. I will pass on your auntie wishes (of course you are!:-)

I am feeling better. I hadn't had tea in years, but last night, a cuppa mint tea with some saltines really helped settle my stomach. My head is still stuffed, but doesn't feel as though it needs to be popped like a balloon as much as yesterday. Still, I don't think Morgan and I will be getting together, today. And, I may be "unavailable" tomorrow depending on how I feel. My daughter still needs a ride to work on the days her husband works OR we get Morgan at 630a. Bit too much for a Monday, esp. when I have to get Rog to work and, after lunch, to the doctor about his foot. I hope he frees him to drive tomorrow!

Andrea, I hope you have snug booties or something to keep your feet and legs warm. And, do please be careful on any ladders. Rog was only on a 3-4 foot one when he just stepped down wrong and wound up with the broken heel. Of course, that goes for any of us who may be doing any climbing.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 11:22 AM

My fireplace Makes the house colder when there has been a fire, and it smokes, so I don't use it except to burn candles in it. Your house sounds like an adventure, Andrea. That attic access sounds treacherous - are there pull-down steps in it, or do you prop a ladder? There is a category I see in the medical examiner's public page called "death from short fall." Please don't have your ME add a "plummeted in own house" category.

Called my radio organic gardening guru this morning; the conversation is green tomatoes. I've set mine out to ripen, and if I get a good recipe for making green tomato relish before these ripen, then I'll use it. The friend who came to dinner last night brought his 3-tiered steam juicer so the frozen whole fruits will be juiced and sauced soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 07:15 AM

The walls of the house proper are solid stone and up to 2 feet thick in places, but the roof void needs insulation in it, and the hatchway really needs to be made bigger first! Mind you if I can squeeze through it... (just a little bit nervous about going up a ladder on a galleried landing...a small galleried landing over the staircase void).

The back lobby is due to be demolished when I eventually get the new extension done. There's an inevitable trade-off due to planning regs on this type of (listed) building, but if I can get a foot or so of rockwool put into the loft, it will be a help. The old heating boiler may be to blame as well, but that is due to be changed in the rebuild. I've dropped the thermostat to around 15C - around 60F, or just below - and the living room fire actually stayed in overnight, so it's not cold in there - apart from the air the fire is pulling in at floor level! It helped that I didn't go to bed till about 2am - kept dozing off in front of the TV.

What the hell did we do when we were kids and nobody had central heating? We're getting soft!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 02:18 AM

Funny about the auto lights; yesterday I pulled in somewhere with a glass front and could see in the reflection that one of my front running lights was out. I ran by the Auto Zone, popped the hood, pulled the pins on the top light, reached in to release the lower set, removed the burned out bulb and went in to get a replacement. I was out in 5 minutes, popped it in, closed up the fixture and the hood and was on my way. In 1973 when I bought my first car, a VW Bug, the salesman said something about seeing women pull in next door to the auto parts store and work on their cars, but suggested that I wasn't one of those women. How Wrong He Was.

I also picked up topsoil, birdseed, and mulch at Home Depot today. And met the most charming little woman, an Irish immigrant who is a nurse here. We started talking gardens, got into organics, talked about dogs, children, families, and you know how sometimes you just know this is someone you want to keep in touch with. All of this in 20 minutes at Home Depot. We hadn't exchanged names until I handed her my card with my personal email on it. "Couldn't get any more Irish than that now, could it?" Funny, I saw the difference as being an American with an Irish name talking to someone who actually has a history in the place, but my name immediately took her to the old country and seemed to take me along.

The same thing happened a number of years ago with Malachi McCourt, the brother of Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes). They're both writers, and I met Malachi at a writer's conference. He said that the Irish in America have a lot of the same sentiments but without all of the Old World baggage. There were a couple of us he preferred to hang out with who had the Irish names but didn't have the experience of the life there.

Anyway. Back to decluttering (but I hope Kate Fitzgibbon sends an email).

It's probably down to 30 tonight, and in the next couple of nights it will freeze, rising to about 50 during the day. I finished mulching, and I got more work done on my keyhole garden. The lights aren't up, I'll save that is for tomorrow, and won't take too long. I stopped at 3/4 of the way around the keyhole garden layout, and I've prepared about half of it for planting. I'll put in seeds and mulch tomorrow at the same time I put out lights.

A friend came over for dinner tonight; it was simple, homemade stew, rolls, a salad, and sparkling cider to go with it. Mandarin oranges for dessert. And telling the kind of stories that nearly make you pee your pants you're laughing so hard. The laughter is probably the healthiest part of the meal for both of us.

It's late, and I've about wound down from the evening, so I'll spare you any more details. Kat, tell Morgan I'm so sorry he isn't feeling good (I'm one of his Mudcat Aunties, I hope!) and that the one good thing about that kind of bug is that usually when they hit so hard they also go away pretty fast, in 24-48 hours. And in the meantime, you get lots of good sleep and maybe watching TV in bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 11:15 PM

Ooops, Andrea: Just in case: I lived in an insulation-free house in Ontario. Took a notion to do blown in; did not wear mask throughout due to difficulties using the machine - lack of adequate instructions; got pneumonia, I believe, from breathing in all that dust.

That was interesting. Woke up in the morning with a monumental pain in chest. Lying in bed wondering if this is a heart attack??? Finally, after calm consideration, decided I would live and got up enough energy to put on a robe and go down stairs so I could walk around outside - a warm day in December. Decided I could drive to town (18 miles) if I put the seat back so my lungs were comfortable. Went to the hospital for an x-ray (which I avoid like the plague so you know I felt BAD!). Declared pleurisy. Three antibiotics later (which I also avoid...)... The x-ray said pneumonia. I kept on keeping on after that first nasty day.

One thing I learned from this was that even though I took NO antibiotics for ten years, other people had and, hence, the bugs were immune.

Tonight: At 10:30, Rob informed me that he had just arrived in Montreal! That was a long supper break plus a long time for a, usually, one hour trip to Montreal. I thanked him for the call!! I promised to nag him until he gets lights on the trailer! On the plus side: they did try to get them fixed before they left.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 10:50 PM

Dorothy, I hope he straggles in, soon.

Morgan has a bug, called to tell me all about his spectacular "puking" last night and resting on the sofa all day. I can relate...not the vomiting, but head stuffed, queasy stomach and lots of rest. Boring, but healing. We did get to the store, today. Rog went in while I listened to NPR - had to run home for relief and go back to get him. I do feel better tonight.

Andrea, that reminds me of the last old house we lived in, in New England. Big old Victorian, not a shred of insulation, loose windows, no storm windows or doors and if you went down cellar, you could see daylight through what was left of the foundation. The landlord owned the heating company so he had no motivation to insulate!

Good luck with getting things sorted and stay as warm and careful as possible.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 08:44 PM

Mouldy: What about some of that heating wire for on the roof to avoid ice build up. I had that problem in Ontario and hacking off the ice was hard on me and the roof, and the hatchet! I took the heat wire into strong consideration but would have had to run the generator. Moved before the idea came to fruition. AND 160 miles north makes a big difference. Even a little altitude made a difference. Rain down below and snow and ice a few hundred feet up the hill!

SRS: the gloves? and what about cleaning materials? Even so-called green products can cause some of us problems. I could not stay at Quaker meeting (in PA) after it was cleaned; "everything came from the whole food store!" I was told with great annoyance. Hey, I was the one with nausea and headache. I never found out what products....

I found hypoallergenic A&D in one of my boxes! All my fabrics (clothes, bedding,etc) are now safely stored in plastic bins - well, almost all. My stuff is stored in a portable garage, right outside the backdoor, which takes up about half the back yard. I have this fantasy that I will be able to remove it in the spring so I can see the gardens. In the meantime, All is fairly safe except that box of food I saw when we were unloading the truck. Hope I find it before the mice do!

Now, I await my partner who is driving down from the Laurentians in a beat up pick up with trailer - no taillights and his brother following in his Miata! Precipitation all day and the temperature below freezing. Arghh! Getting me organized is one thing. It took almost a year of nagging to get the taillights fixed on the pick up! The good news is that he phoned at 7:30 - 8 hours after leaving for a three hour round trip, plus unloading time. He could have left me wondering until he straggled in about midnight. That is progress!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 01:40 PM

My last house was nearly half the age of this one and didn't have the dreadful 40+ year old extension work on it! It was insulated and double glazed.

I have moved 160 miles further north, but we are experiencing exceptionally bad weather at the moment.
I've just had a gas bill for a month which was nearly about twice what it would have been at my old place. There is no insulation in this house apart from its thick walls. I am going to see about getting some into the roof space as soon as possible.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 10:41 AM

Andrea, would you have had similar cold-weather maladies at your old house? Is it just the time of year, or have you moved to a new weather zone by heading up the road a few miles? Your descriptions of the ice sound like the stuff some of our Maine and New Hampshire mudcatters discuss on seasonal threads.

I've just finished my cup of tea, the time I allotted for morning browsing and email. Cold weather is on the way, expected to arrive early in the afternoon. I have a couple of outdoor jobs I must do before then. It may not be cold like some of the rest of you are experiencing, but it will be cold in the sense that my eyes water so badly when I'm outside in cold wind. I end up with a chapped face.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 02:28 AM

A range is exactly that - a stove used for cooking. They can vary as to how open the set up is. A lot of the later ones were inserted into the chimney breast and had a fire at one side with closed ovens and sometimes a water tank at the side with flaps that could direct the heat. Others were more like a fire-driven cooker, but I suspect that at some point it had the former, which may have been a replacement for an older type.

I braced myself and got the mirror hung on the breast. It does look better!

The freezer didn't come. They phoned to say that they weren't going to be able to make the delivery. so I have no idea when to expect it, and i have a dryer due on Tuesday... I got bored while waiting in for it, and put the new, slimline tree up. They are switching the village lights on at 4pm today, so my lights will go on after then.

I had water running down the inside of the back door from my decrepid lobby roof yesterdqay afternoon. I solved it by realising that the edge of the roof was a dam of ice, and taking a small ice pick and a hammer to it. Chips of ice down the neck is NOT funny! Today I may have a go at shifting some more snow from round the car.

Had a phone call from the lawyers who did the conveyancing - the registration of the title is complete and the deed have arrived. I now await them here. Apparently there is quite a pile - I can't wait! I will hopefully learn my house's proper history!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 08:54 PM

lands. Why didn't spell check notice that? Hmmm. Another computer adjustment in the works. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 08:41 PM

Luckily most of it dropped into next door's front pathway. Do you have insurance for in case this one day lants on the next door neighbor?

When you say the fireplace was obviously a range, do you mean that it was recessed in and was used for cooking or something? Is there a part of that room that is filled up or walled off? I guess you'll have to tell us what you mean by "range." here it can be used to mean a stove or cooktop.

Tomorrow a friend is coming over for dinner, but in the time before I start the roast (or stew - haven't decided exactly which it will be yet) I'll be working on the mower and the yard and the lights. And the recycling, etc. And those pamphlets. I'll do some of that tonight, on the dining table.

Stay warm, Andrea, and I hope it warms up for you Kat, Michelle, and Susan. I think it's supposed to drop into the colder temperatures here again on Sunday evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 01:53 AM

Yesterday morning I lost my overhang!
Just after I got back from my visit to the docs/coffee shop/store there was a whooshing noise from the front of the house, and all of a sudden I was seeing through the whole of my bedroom window again! Luckily most of it dropped into next door's front pathway. I then cleared about a 3 feet width away from the back of the car so there's direct access from the road onto the footway.

I have located all my decorations, but I don't want to put them up yet...the village lights get switched on tomorrow night, and I have candle-arch lights in the window ready to go on then. I bet I put the tree up this weekend! I want to put all the boxes away somewhere.

The filled in chimney breast in the dining room is annoying me at the moment. It is very wide for the size of the room, and the ceilings are higher than in my last place, so it's quite a dominant feature. I have noticed undulations in the plasterwork which show where the old lintel was, and it's about 5 feet or so up. There was obviously a range in there, and to be honest, unless you opened it right up and made it an inglenook, anything less than another range would be dwarfed! (I am going to investigate restored ones at some point). I have an old oak framed (very heavy) 1930s mirror to go up, but that requires me to be able to get into the tool box in the shed and get the drill going. I foresee more digging!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: maire-aine
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 10:44 PM

Went to the city's Christmas craft show, carol sing, and tree lighting tonight. I've lived here for 20 years & this is the first time I've gone to it. We had a light dusting of snow overnight, but not enough to shovel.

maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 10:11 PM

When my children were small I made clothes for them. When Moonglow was going into Kindergarten there was a plaid jumper we loved at a department store, but it cost $100! That's when we did the lesson about you can sew it yourself for about 1/3 the price. Those lessons seem to have stuck, and my daughter is now getting ready to pursue a career in costume design. When she was down for Thanksgiving dinner, she spent downtime knitting some very attractive aviator-style hats (she was wearing one). I hope she's knitting one for me - I loved it with the ear flaps and under the chin tie. You never know what childhood projects will lead to!

This afternoon I spent a couple of hours working in the garage. I've cleared space in front of the work bench and around the vice grip so I can use it to sharpen the mower blade. I rearranged some shelves, but in the process spilled some kind of petroleum product. I can't find what it was, it isn't gasoline, maybe paint thinner, but I couldn't find the source. I have the garage airing out because the dogs sleep on the other side of the room from those shelves.

And speaking of the dogs, I found that they've been doing some major chewing on their dog houses. Clearly they're bored, my fault. So we started the remedy right then - going for a long walk, meandering back and forth through the neighborhood, giving them lots of new things to smell and acorns to munch.

The house smells wonderful because a baked squash just came out of the oven. I ate some dinner already but I have room for a chunk of squash. Mmmmm!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 09:03 PM

SRS, it may be obvious and you may have already said, but have you thought about the latex being the culprit? I cannot have latex touching my skin in any way. It's awful when it does.

Andrea, brrrrr!! Sounds like Wyoming only with more frigid wet weather! I think a fire in the kitchen is well called for!

Met our new doc, today. I like her and think we will get along all right. She knows the dangers of "tinkering" with meds with me and also respects alternative medicine. I know I felt better after seeing her because it was over an hour past my lunchtime and I went to the grocery store instead of grabbing some fast food. First time I have had the energy, mentally and physically, to go alone since Rog hurt his foot. So, I got some good walking, lifting and carrying done.

Oh, Michelle, the thing Morgan and I are going to try making this weekend is a secret. We'll see how it goes and what he decides as to who gets one of them. He's got a lot of "aunties" around here.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 04:10 PM

The table sounds beautiful..I love enamal tables..glad it found a good home and you have even better space. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 03:59 PM

One table less in the house. My across the street neighbor was out mulching leaves, and said he hadn't seen those other neighbors for a while, so we piled in my truck and drove three houses up the street to unload this small table as a surprise. (Walking it there was possible, but it would have also wobbled the hinges more that would be good for them.)

If I'd listed it on Craig's list, I'd have had to do a lot of small repairs, or list all of the flaws. I wouldn't have gotten a lot, but the neighbor is handy and I think she can fix it herself (and I'll keep my eyes open for the missing plank that supports the second leaf). The enamel top has a couple of chips, but it is still quite beautiful. I suppose one could even lift it off and put it on an entirely new base.

Lovely weather today, so I'm taking a couple of hours off to work on the mower blade and mulch the leaves on the lawn. My hands are more broken out (sugar is the only thing that really changed in the last week, and it's out of the house now) so while I work I'll be wearing vinyl gloves over the hand cream that I've been using the help clear them up. I'd stopped for a while to see if I still needed it. I do. The work gloves over the vinyl will help cushion the tender spots (cracked skin.) I am tired of this.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 11:54 AM

I'm glad you liked it - and if you're interested, Christiane Northrup, MD, has a presence on facebook, and offers other things like this. You may recall the information about kegels vs squats, that also came from Northrup. (I mined my facebook links to find it - something I should do more often, I was able to revisit several favorite stories and sites.) Anyway, I don't know about a transcript - I know what you mean. He was speaking to doctors, and one had to pick up the threads of the conversation that were not clinical. With something like that, I suspect a couple of passes through the video would lend clarity to some of the more technical parts.

It's a gorgeous day here, but the news has reported that Andrea is in for some more heavy weather. Stay warm, kiddo! I'm curious - you said the kitchen is so cold, is that because it was added on later to the structure? And is there no insulation or formal heating in there? Is there something between the kitchen and the rest of the house to keep the cold at bay?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 04:21 AM

Wow great vitamin D video.. is there a transcript but more in layman's terms? Want to print out a copy for the parents in law.

I don't take any supplements but I am going to buy some today.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 03:04 AM

Just gone back onto the old thread and read about the new WW plan. It will more than likely get launched here in January, which they did with the Discover plan last year.....just in time to catch the post Christmas diet panic. Our leader told us about in in early December,and then it was launched in the New Year. The're not daft!

The snow and icicle fringe over the front of my house is still hanging in there. It must be 4 feet or more in places!

I really need to try and dig some away from the sheds today so that I can get some of the camping gear into the annexe, and then other stuff into the shed. We'll see. It's sub-zero out there, and blowing right into the back of the house. The kitchen is 9C at the moment, so I may actually put the fire on!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 02:52 AM

I have to go break in a new medical practice this morning - inaugural appointment so I can get more meds. I take calcium and vitD supplements to support my buggered vertebra. Loverly chalky lemon chewy things twice a day...bleurgh!

Has anybody worked out how many points are in these meds we're all taking? Often wondered about that one.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 09:40 PM

I thought about that also, as I was starting the thread. What a year. If you click on your own name you can probably pull together a pretty interesting post selection of fears, tears, reactions, and overall, strength as you went through this. I have to say that the last year has been such a complete transformation for you, in learning your own strengths. It has been a remarkable journey and I'm happy to have been along to read about it.

But don't do it again. :-/

Another two shallow baking sheets of peppers cut up, blanched, and into the freezer. Double gloves worked, no discomfort. I picked up some latex gloves today and used one of each, latex and vinyl. This processing is allowing me to gradually clear off my kitchen counters. I also put another batch of cherry tomatoes into the freezer. My friend Dean, who is my canning guru and such a great cook, is coming over for dinner on Saturday. He's bringing along his steam juicer (this is how it works) so I can steam some of those tomatoes in order to make juice and sauce. I'll have to make sure I have enough jars (I can my sauce in 8oz jars) for at least one batch.

It looks like it is about time to start a thread for those who want to start guessing who the Secret Santas are. They've been perking along tormenting each other - and it was nice to get a package in the mail today from one of the folks in the game (since I took on the task of assigning Santas and Santees, I had to take myself out of the game). This is one of those projects that asks you to put on your Parent hat, do a bit of work on it, and let it go out into the world. Where it takes on a life of it's own. That's a nice feeling, actually, that we can generate the teasing pleasure of meeting Santa for other adults. (And that's why we hope that everyone who signed up for the game is able to follow through. I tried to give easy delivery options to those who thought they might not be able to send a gift early enough to travel a long distance in time for the holidays.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 06:25 PM

I spent a bit of time re-reading the Declutter threads from last year around this time which was the beginning of journey with cancer. It's good to remember. It reminds me of just how thankful I am for my life and the people in it. Thank you for the support I received in these threads and then on into one giant thread that was my lifeline on many dark days.

Love to you all.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 05:52 PM

The new Weight Watchers program is perhaps under the radar of the national news media (I haven't noticed it in the headlines) but it is on the minds of a lot of people in my world. Not just Mudcat, but today my hairdresser and two co-workers brought it up. And all were pleased that they can eat as many fruits and veggies with no point gain. Even for those of us who aren't part of the program, it's a good reminder that filling up on the produce is good for you. And think about it - isn't the produce section of the store so much prettier and more inviting than the meat dept?

Dorothy, welcome to our group, and you're welcome! (I grew up in West Seattle and Everett, and we had a cabin where we spent summers at the south end of Lake Whatcom for many years.) I decided that the advice I heard on an NPR talk show of "don't just read the headlines" about this Vitamin D story was worth following. That 58 minutes goes by fast, because the information is so interesting. Since last summer I've set up a routine of diet, vitamins, and supplements that I've done a good job of sticking with - partly because eczema on my hands is a sign that something isn't right, and I'd like it to go away. I may not have found the solution to that yet, but I do feel better overall.

In other matters, I have a beautiful yellow enamel on metal narrow drop-leaf table in my hall that most recently I used to have my microwave on. It is the first antique I bought when I lived in a Brooklyn unfurnished apartment. We ate a lot of meals at that table, and it's great for rolling out pie crust and lefse. My neighbor up the street asked me about it, she needs a narrow table like that in her small kitchen. "If you decide to sell it, let me know." I may just give it to her. It needs a little work, one leaf needs to have the support buttress and leg reglued and the hinge put back on - she's a handy woodworker, so no problem. That would clear out that space in my hall. She can decide if she wants to mark it as belonging to me to be brought back for when they're gone - this is an elderly couple on a fixed income and he is on dialysis three times a week. Or I can tell her to make an offer that she can afford, removing any loose ends.

I'll have to go look for that piece with the hinge.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 04:36 PM

In no particular order:

Northop is solid. Saved my life.

Remember: a fruit, a carb, and a protein, for every meal and snack. Vegvegveg in between.

The Attic Room is now set up for semi-monthly financial planning and tweaks to marketing plan/fixings. A $3.28 calculator, YAY!

Sore knees that are not arthritis are often actually a HIP weakness in need of strengthening.

A trio of graphics that illustrate something important came to me and flowed out of my pencil today, one item of which had simmered for 20 years and will be a big product in my consultants' bag of tools.... and if I died tomorrow my leadership process could be replicated, at long last.

Stair-climbs show I have adjusted to new med dosage, but had to skip doc appt today due to frozen roads. Next week is soon enough. I'll be away at a workshop over the weekend so I need to prep for that anyhoo.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 02:25 PM

Thank you SRS for that terrifically important video. Posted to FB and will send to certain friends.

Having just brought my worldly goods across the continent from Whidbey Island, WA to Montreal, Quebec, I am sorting and trying to find room in our very limited space for the bare essentials. To refer to them as such seems strange as I have done without them for 18 months. What is essential?

It is nice to see things I have not seen in so long. And a few precious things went missing in the duration. So there is a grief factor happening.

On the other hand is, "IT cost me far more than all of this is worth...!!!!" But some of it - family photos, newspapers from when I was a reporter and which I want to revisit...

What constitutes clutter? Like beauty, it is in the eye, or mind, of the individual. One friend prefers an empty room. I like to have interesting objects and sentimental stuffs.

One large box has already gone to the thrift shop and another is in the works. Will I ever fit in those slacks again????? NO! Weeellll, maybe.

Now, to find the vitamin D. I think there is some in that box in the laundry room. Or do I need to make a trip to Sante Essential tomorrow ?

Better sort through a couple more boxes today!

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 02:20 PM

The fudge bars went up but so did your point allowance, no?

I have a dear friend from WW and we have agreed to email each other our menus and point counts for the next week or so as we get used to the new program....I find that to be helpful!

I love that fruit is zero points too!!! YAY!!!!

What kinds of things will you make with Morgan for your simple Christmas? I like the sounds of it already!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 01:59 PM

Maryanne's tree looks gorgeous! What beautiful ornaments and I love the mantle, too.

Correction: Weight Watchers giant fudge bars are now 3 points not 4, from 1!:-)

I love that fruits are zero points. That always puzzled me...tell me to eat lots of fruits and veggies, but put points on the fruit. I know it has to do with the sugar content, but it seems this new way makes more sense, to me.

Considering what last month was like for us, stress-wise, I feel lucky to have not gained a bunch of weight. As it is, I did gain 2 lbs over the past week, but that is strictly because of my delicious pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes, even though I was careful with portions. Back on track with the online points tracker and figuring out what counts for how many points.

Good news from Workers Comp, this morning, lost wages-wise!

I think Morgan and I will be making something special and simple for Christmas gifts this year. IF I can get my sewing machine to act happy.:-)

I meet the new primary care physician tomorrow. Our doc of one year recommends the new, says she is as nice as I say she is. Our doc is quitting to set up a practice to serve Medicare patients only. She loves taking care of the elderly and will be going into nursing homes, care centers as well as into patients' homes if they are too ill to travel. She is an extraordinary woman, imo and I shall miss her.

Subject: RE: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 09:15 AM

Due to medications I take, I can't be out in the sun and blood tests show a huge deficiency in vitamin D so I take prescribed megadoses of the stuff.

As for getting through the rest of this year with our health in tact, all I can say is AMEN SISTER!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

I worked on the national debt yesterday, so that's in order. Our house, on the other hand...well, there's plenty to be done. There are rooms that are just fine and others that need some extra love and attention.

Acountability for me this month means tracking what I eat. I'm terrible about doing it, I hate doing it, it's a pain in the rear end but that's my goal for this month...to WRITE IT ALL DOWN. :)

Michelle

Subject: BS: Dec-2010 Declutter & Accountability YES!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 01:33 AM

Before heading to bed this evening I took time to listen to a link posted on facebook by Dr. Christiane Northrup. You may have seen her in one of her many lectures that run periodically (usually during pledge season) on PBS. Michael F. Holick (Boston U of Medicine) has been researching Vitamin D for years. In the news this week we've heard about people taking too much. But before you drop yours, watch this 60 minute lecture. It's fascinating.

I have been taking a 1000 mg tablet plus a multivitamin (with 400 IU) every day, and I get out in the sun in spurts, depending on if I'm gardening or not. When it's nice I love to go out in the yard for a few minutes at lunch and sit with the dogs in the sun, and get some on my skin.

There are several of our little fluctuating group who have complaints that sound similar to some of what he's talking about here, so think about beginning the new year with a new view of sunlight exposure and vitamin supplements. Just a thought.

Here is the Nov. '10 thread.

Let's just focus on getting through the rest of the year health intact, pocketbooks intact, and houses tidy and uncluttered. :)

SRS