Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011

Subject: BS: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 10:30 AM

The old thread is showing a lot of progress and a great deal of heavy lifting by everyone working on clearing clutter and clearing out extra calories.

mg asked about the box of paper - no, it doesn't need to be full to be recycled, but I wanted to have enough in it that I would feel like I was really dumping something. I'm almost there - I have decided to move one set of papers (that all need to stay together) out of the file and onto a closet shelf, and I think some of the course notes on the shelf can go. They're from classes, they don't really tell me anything about myself, it's not like I'm tossing journal pages. Then the box of old academic articles goes to the bin.

When I said to avoid dairy with antibiotics I was referring to milk, cheese, ice cream, the usual culprits that work against your body healing. I found the mucus level went down and antibiotics worked better without dairy in the diet if we were taking an antibiotic prescription for some reason. Of course yogurt will help, and I also found a good source of acidophilus capsules at the old fashioned drug store where I get a Rx compound made.

Those of you building, my hat's off to you. It's a lot of work, but you get such a charge out of watching something new take shape. And Penny, I've been reading through my beading books again for several weeks - I need to reach a point where I have a surface where I can work that won't be disturbed and where I don't have to always put things away when I stop, but I am planning to get going on the beading finally.

I'm also planning to start on my grandfather's newspaper articles that need to be scanned. I've taught myself how to do it with the best software, and as I've been clearing out my file drawers I've uncovered the packets of articles that need scanning.

Success breeds success - here's hoping we all enjoy our work and have great things to report this month!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 12:47 PM

More paper in the box, old notes and articles, all of which will go to the bin at lunchtime. The box will return for more paper later. Gotta run a couple of errands as well, and pay a few bills. The declutter of my bank account happens so fast!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 08:57 PM

Still feeling drained and kind of icky but I sniffled my way through several errands (switched gas companies today, visited my CPA, craft store, grocery store, Sam's & a furniture store where Jeremiah got a chair of his very own).

I appreciated the note about dairy as I didn't know what you had posted. I have Greek yogurt fairly often so I'm hoping that helps with the antibiotics...especially since I'm going to be starting a stronger one tomorrow.

I'm gearing up for the Relay For Life!!!!! I am so excited about it this year and can't wait!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 11 - 10:05 PM

I also ran errands this afternoon. That box was about 2/3 full when I loaded it in the truck, and after emptying it I dropped of stuff at Goodwill and a last stop with books to leave at Half Price Books. I bought the cushions I want to try on the wrought iron bench, and after picking up a gyro for dinner, headed home. I never manage to just drop off, I always end up buying also, but at least there is an ebb and flow, and hopefully more stuff leaves than comes in.

Tomorrow the dogs get washed, I didn't get to it today. And tomorrow afternoon a few folks will be over for dinner. Between washing dogs and cooking dinner I'll do a little shopping, but mostly I need to defrost veggies and chickens already in the freezer. I should replace the chickens with fresh, and soon I'll have this year's veggies to eat, so I need to finish up the ones from last year.

More papers into the box tonight. I enjoy feeling like I'm finally shaking off the huge amount of paper I've had here forever.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 10:26 AM

Down 0.8lbs this week. I'll take it!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 02:42 PM

Major mental declut this AM, TBTG, and a wet pillow given the pink slip.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 03:56 PM

Oh Kat, that is a shame about the duck. Animals do what animals do. Having those raccoons was such an incredible learning experience. It was up to us to recognize what they are hard-wired to do and get with the programme!

Already the 3nd of July. In 14 days the Music Fest will be happenig. I need to get hopping and buy some clay, make some pots, plan clay-play for the event. Plan some sort of covering for rain or shade. Need Robin to hook up one of the kilns. I would have once done that myself but he considers it his job and I am happy with that. Back in '86, I begged him to come give support while I did the electrical for a kiln at an apartment; I do not like dealing with 220!

Logistics - clay is way up in north end. Awning requires some creative thought.

Resident mouse/mice think nothing of wandering through LR. Do NOT go in trap regardless of the variety offered. I simply am careful about the availability of anything edible.

Oops, granddaughter on Skype!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 05:06 PM

Dorothy, I hope we get to see some pix of your pots!

Rog did a great job this morning on cutting off that branch from the willow tree. It went more quickly than I thought. I thought he'd have to use a ladder, but I forget he's a lot taller than I and can reach higher. Duh!:-) The neighbour's nanny goat was happy with her first batch of willow. We will feed it to her over the next few days as I've read too much of a good thing is not good for them; better to have variety. She gets banana peels, (not interested in the bananas, but loves the peels)daily, along with lettuce, grapes and other things we have.

I wanted to gather all of my CDs in one place; they've been scattered if I didn't get them in the changer years ago, plus I've taken some of those out to load onto my HD, so they've been scattered and I haven't been able to find favs. Morgan helped me find a few, then he found an old rubber pig piggy bank from when I was a baby which had folded over its tummy, sort of, and needed to be fed. So we loaded it with pennies and have it lying on its face, so the weight of the pennies will make it fill out. I wasn't going to keep it, but he loves it so...there ya go.

We went to the vet for clindamyacin for Trystan. He has to have it periodically for an autoimmune disorder. Then went grocery shopping with Morgan and dropped him off at home after.

Rog went back to the office with me and helped me find a bin of CDs so I *think* I have them all in the LR now, ready for me to go through and load into the HD. There's a load of clothes in the dryer. When I was in the office, I also was able to put a few things away in the closet and add to the giveaway box, so now the big desk I use for beading is fairly orderly and has more open space with the laptop off to one side, kept charged and ready for wherever Morgan, usually, winds up using it. That kid never just sits and uses it; he lounges, wiggles, sits upside down with his legs over the back of the sofa, lies down on his tummy on the floor with it in front of him. He definitely does a better job of learning when allowed to be comfortable and not in a rigid sit-at-the-desk situation.

I took him to the used bookstore, yesterday, where he spent his next week's wages on three books. I am thrilled to say I think it is finally clicking for him. All he wanted to do the rest of the day was read his books, even in the car on the way to the swimming pool and back. And, today when he came over, first thing, he was reading. We are both so pleased that he is finally getting it and that it is finally fun for him! He told me he loves to read and that one day his "mom read two whole books in one day!" I told him that's because she's my kid and they all love to, plus he comes from a long line of readers. He understands how important it is and I am so happy!

Now to tackles those CDs.:-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 07:49 PM

Well, that was the first ever skype with granddaughter Sarah and her 9 month old Lily, sister Ali, who is visiting for a month, and even a couple glimpses of her husband, whom I had never met. San Diego is a long way off! So, a wonderful treat to converse with these two sweeties and to actually see Lily.

A couple pics, Kat, are on FB. Getting started anew is a little daunting but hope the clay and glazes will fit each other. I can get the same clay and still have buckets of some glazes, brought all the way across the continent!   It is only 50 minutes away do I can run out and work for a few hours and come back. As long as there is energy in the body!

This morning we upgraded the dining table from the very flimsey outdoors one ($1 at a yard sale) to a solidly ugly pressed wood one (free off the street) - with a table cloth who will notice! At least our tea won't spill!

1 July is MOVING DAY in Montreal. Tons of stuff was left on the streets in the last couple weeks and will continue to be jettisoned . R knows not to bring much home!!! But I could not complain about the two volume set of large books on Impressionism - even in German! Then a dozen art and music books and others...

Some of the stuff he drags home goes to the thrift shop, some back in the trash or recycling. I continue to sort out anything I can live without and seek new homes. Currently wondering if it is worth sorting into boxes for a future yard sale.

Four lobelia left to plant - when it is not hot - a gift from visitors. Everything else is planted and growing. Some watering of pots in order soon - so I went a did that. Everything else under control, here. TONS of sorting to do in country, and discovering - mostly good, I hope!

Good music last night at the Cafe. CD launch tomorrow so we will go back for that. We came to the city this morning so R could get some work done. Will go back when he feels he can. I think he is learning to turn off the city to some degree when he is there but if too much needs to be done here, he gets antsy. Adding in a new factor to life does take on a learning curve.

I need to phone about clay on Monday. He may be up that way with the truck - or I will go pick up a few boxes - a realistic amount.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Jul 11 - 11:37 PM

Just finished folding 2 loads of laundry and hanging another load up to dry. Toys are all picked up and I'm relaxing. My boys are sleeping and I'm watching Beetlejuice and enjoying a dish of frozen strawberries. I am SO HOT. Ugh.

Kat...when you are done organizing your CDs, wanna come over and organize mine? ;)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 03:39 AM

My previous neighbour, a retired geriatric sister and one-time school nurse, told me that if you have nasal congestion, sinus trouble, or any other mucus type thing, you should avoid dairy anyway. I suppose this might be a problem with young kids as they need the intake. (I wonder if this is why you see so many small kids with constantly snotty noses?) She also told me to lay off the caffeine for anything arthritic. She's now in her mid 80s, and still driving.

So far I am enjoying the weekend. I haven't done the cleaning up I meant to do, but I may do some time! The only thing that's puzzling me at the moment is my cat's relationship with one of the local ones. He/she (but I suspect it's he) hasn't been showing up until recently, there has been no evidence of a fight, but they are either very good friends, or mine is terrified of it and submissive. It was in my house yesterday (it shot out of the open door when I walked into the room) and I think it was eating the kibble that I leave for dipping into during the day. Mine strolled out from under the table, where he had been eating a young mouse. I can't work it out! All I know is, mine is guarding his catflap, which he hasn't done for a while. I locked it last night.

Anyway, it was a short morris spot in glorious sunshine at an idyllic little hamlet a few miles over the hill from Belford yesterday afternoon, followed by the sort of outdoor party you see in the country living type of magazines - a stroll down a long, semi-woodland garden into a clearing with a pond and a summerhouse. Faded prayer flags used as bunting slung between the trees, a table laid with food and drink, musicians relaxing and playing...and the hilarious attempt at rapper dancing. 4 out of 5 of us had never even held a rapper sword before (although we'd seen it done lots of times). Much cake and some pavlova was eaten, I'm afraid!

Today I will probably go down to Gosforth (Newcastle racecourse) and visit a rock and gem fair. At the last one I went to,I got some quartz points that were drilled for beading, but which would work admirably when I get to make my applehead wizards. (Gives them something to hold). I will see if I can get some round ones this time (crystal balls). Locally, there's an open garden towards Berwick this afternoon. If I really push it, I might be able to do both!

Then, of course, it's on with the noise and mess tomorrow. however, all being well, the new foundations could be dug this week. I suppose all will depend on availability of the archaeologist, and the building inspector, who will have to approve them.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 03:56 AM

Sure, Michelle!

FWIW, my grandson is not diabetic, but he has to watch how much sugar he eats as it leads to "constantly snotty nose." This was first pointed out by an acupuncturist and, later, by his paediatrician.

Andrea, fascinating as always!

katcan'tsleep

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 11:04 AM

Yesterday my daughter came down and her dad came over and we had summer picnic foods for dinner. It was a calorie glut, seconds on the ice cream and sweet strawberries. I'll take it easy for the rest of the week so I don't have to put away the fat pants from last year that I've been able to wear again this year. :-/

Walked dogs early, and my exercise report, that I've been forgetting to report, is that we're taking a daily short walk, usually around a block or two, with the dogs. I am trying to not press my luck with this many dogs. In the early evening daughter and dad followed in his car up to Zeke's house (I pile the dogs into the back seat area of the pickup and don't ask anyone else to ride in there with me!) and we let them play in the pool. I went in the pool, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and I picked up each of my dogs a couple of times and carrying them a few feet into the pool to let them swim back to the steps. Poppy was amazed, but I was gentle with her. She swam to the step, shook, the shot like a bat out of hell racing around the perimeter of the yard a dozen passes, the other two dogs chasing madly after her. It was so funny to watch!

My eBay traffic is moving along, relisted one item, one will ship on Tuesday, and bids and watchers are giving my account some activity. I've been in the garden, I need to treat for some pests in the eggplant that come along every year and are getting going on the plants. Out with the tape and I'll pull them right off the plants.

I have to do some pest control in the garden, then I think I'll look at rearranging the sun room. I want to have a seating area inside the door for sitting to change shoes. I'd like to get to a point where outdoor shoes don't go through the house, I track in so much garden dirt and such. I need to do the same at the back door.

Stay cool, everyone! Andrea, don't let the dust in the house drive you nuts! Michelle, I hope you'll post a photo of that new recliner with it's small occupant. Kat, I hope you got back to sleep!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 12:14 PM

Plans for the day WERE to get up for an early morning kayak adventure, time for fishing and then Jeremiah and I were going to go to a church picnic while Pete fished. As it turns out, we are all sick. Deep congestive cough. Restless sleep for all so we are staying put for most of the day. We need to run to town for dog food, vaporizer stuff and saline solution (per pediatrician).

Napping is the order of the day.

No exercise or decluttering today (ok..I did vacuum).

Michelle, Queen of Vick's Vapor Rub in the Kingdom of Purple Acorn Farm

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 01:59 PM

It's horrid when everyone is sick at one time - makes it difficult to just be sick if you end up taking care of everyone else.

My brain is about baked this weekend. I'm tired of the high heat and the scorched garden.

I'll see about putting together another box of books for Half Price - but I'll run a few authors through the eBay search to see if any of them are worth trying to sell there. I could clear out an entire shelf in the sun room if I just bit the bullet and lugged them all out.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 02:48 PM

Oh, don't remind me, SRS. Ive a book truck of books sitting behind me right now, waiting to be researched and possibly put up for sale.:-)

Michelle, if you get saline spray, I recommend the kind in what looks like an aerosol can, but itn't (it's a plastic bag inside a can with pressure.) Being built that way, there is no risk of contamination going back into the bottle as there can be with the plastic squirt bottles which are available. And, you can sterilise the nozzle after each use.

I got all of the CDs I need to load into one bin which is sitting under the book truck where I can just grab one and put it in the PC player to upload to my external HD. One smaller bin with a few cassettes and VCR tapes, plus letters from my dad to my mom when he was working in AK in the 1960s, went back into the closet. The card table which they were on in the LR is staying up for tomorrow. We've invited my brother and Morgan and his parents over for taco salad. Not sure if my dau. and her husband are coming...they are both homebodies and she has a broken toe, but I know my brother and Morgan will be over. We'll probably go to his house for fireworks.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 03:07 PM

Coming out of a major funk. The kitchen floor is finally done except for a few touches. So I have to reorganize everything that is piled in cartons all over the place. The upside? I am decluttering. Getting rid of anything that is of no use or attachment. All the clothes that haven't been worn in a year are going to a ladies' shelter. Some are brand new with tags bought for when I lost weight. Sigh.

If the cats sit in one place too long they are likely to end up in the trash. May as well take advantage of this spurt of energy and get rid of as much as possible. Then a huge yard sale. Then some extra cash for a new dishwasher.

Anyone in need of footed mugs with racy clothing, a musical water fountain with insipid smiling cherubs, lions and lambs, an inflatable lobster (No wait; he stays)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 03:48 PM

Good for you, Mary! Purge while the impulse is there, and tell the cats to move along! Out of solidarity I should pack a box full of books this afternoon. I'll pass on your giveaway items. I could offer a few oddball estate items of my own - the kind that give pause: "What was she thinking?"

I sorted out my Amazon account and with my points ordered a new cartridge for the printer. They're so expensive, but I was able to get one from Amazon that is HP, not a knockoff. It's at a lower print level (2,500 instead of 5,000). That's okay, I'm trying to print less and it will still probably last over a year.

I needed to let the dogs in, so I'll also stay in, though there are a few things outside I need to do (move soaker hoses).

I bought a couple of boxes if the vinyl gloves they sell at the restaurant supply warehouse near me, and need to be sure to use them. I seem to react to the brewers yeast I put on the dog food. I'd been handling it recently, thinking last year's reaction was actually based on chocolate, but apparently they are both dermatitis triggers. The dogs love it, and I think it does help repel flies and mosquitoes.

Off to research and or pack books.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 03:56 PM

I used to feed that to all my pets when we lived in New England.

MariGold, I posted before, but it didn't take! Welcome back and yippee on the kitchen floor!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 06:35 PM

WOOOO HOOO!!!! GO SINS!!!!!!   Send some of that energy my way, would ya???   HOORAY!!!!!!

Michelle who REALLY needs to get marking things for the yard sale!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 10:58 PM

The dogs have had their baths. I made some soup stock from some chicken bones, cleaned up the kitchen, and listed some books on eBay. Kind of an odd mix of stuff, but there you have it.

Enjoy Monday off, those of you who have the holiday. Everyone else, just enjoy your Monday!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 12:18 AM

I worked on my makeshift desk this evening. I mostly did some sorting. I have a pile of papers for the Relay For Life, another pile of bills, another pile of coupons, a stack of stationary, a few family tree books and a small stack of magazines I want to read. I paid a few of the bills (never did get to town today) and wrote out 8 letters. Eight. I can't remember the last time I sent a handwritten letter. Feels good to write them...reminds me of winter evenings at my Nana's house when we would sit at the kitchen table and write letters while the wind howled outside. Nice memories.

Anyway, that's what I've been up to. Tomorrow I will be working on pricing the many bags of baby clothes that are going to the yard sale. Pete is going to let me use his truck one day this week so I can get everything to the yard sale in one trip. I've got a few larger items including a rocking chair, baby swing, baby hoppy and walker. Then add the miscellaneous stuff, books, and clothes...whew...I have lots of marking to do!!! Any leftover stuff will go to the church yard sale.

Oh yeah, I've also been working on Relay For Life stuff that is less than a week away! I have donations to pick up...mostly breakfast goodies for our Survivor's Breakfast on Saturday. It's funny, the local businesses that I thought would donate freely are actually quite stingy. No matter...it will all work out in the end. :)

Night everybody! Happy 4th of July!!

XOXOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 12:30 AM

I used to love writing handwritten letters, but my hen scratch has worsened over the years, probably from disuse, and one can barely read it, plus typing is faster, though the whole thing of getting nice stationery and putting thought into it is also part of the slower process as well as the actual physical writing and I do miss that.

Last load of laundry is in the dryer. Litter boxes, trash, and scrubbing bathroom are all done, plus watering the flowers and trees. Nanny goat enjoyed more willow branches plus a banana, shredded wheat biscuits, and a celery stalk. Rog will do the small bit of dishes in the morning whilst I get the taco salad ready.

I also cleaned off the top of my desk, again. Still looks "busy" but it's all stuff I will use this week, so that's all right. Got a very good, surprisingly long nap in this late afternoon. Woke up and it was 7p! (I'd gone to bed about 430p. Catching up on last night's lost sleep.:-)

Oh, and Rog took down some prayer flags which had got caught in the gutters and their string ripped apart. I have them inside for repair, plus he took the very long line of other prayer flags and reattached them to the house in front. The wind had torn them out, along with a long nail, a few weeks ago, so they'd been strung from high in a tree to my bird feeder stand until he could get to it. It's really nice to see them back up where they belong. Morgan will be happy as they were right in the front of his swing set and where he likes to run across the yard.

Happy 4th to all who celebrate it and the rest of you have a great day, too.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 09:36 AM

I need to mow but I'll leave it till this evening. It's quiet out there this morning so I'll leave the mower noise till late. I have a few pots to move from the front porch to finish clearing out the tripping hazards, and I need to get more potting soil and see if I can't get something to grow in those pots this year. That's a quiet pursuit.

A load of laundry is in, and ideas for moving furniture have been brewing so I may give them a try today.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 02:07 PM

Had an unexpected visit from the archaeologist this afternoon. He had rung earlier to see what was happening, and popped in just to say hello to the lads and to see how things stood for the start of the foundation work tomorrow. We always spend ages nattering, and he ended up going home with a piece of white-flowering stonecrop from the stone garden wall. He's just acquired some yellow-flowering, and told me he'd always wanted some, so I was pleased to be able to let him have some of the white (I have both).
The foundation trenches are marked out, and go in tomorrow, The extension is coming across onto the inspection cover for the drains. The architect's drawing had it missing it. No. It doesn't. So the inspection cover will have to be moved, and the outflow from the annexe may have to be adjusted too.. Hopefully, if the building inspectorate agree, we may be able to build on top of the existing concrete base, which will save digging it all out, only to have hardcore put back (which would more than likely be the crushed whin stone from the rest of the job)!
It all starts at 8am tomorrow!

I washed down the living room fireplace today, but that's as far as the cleaning up went! Yesterday I did what I wanted to do, and also got the quartz spherical beads and some opalite ones too, for when I get back into the witch/wizard doll making. The open garden was glorious, but it was very hot, so I only stayed an hour. There was a steamy haze rising from the sea late afternoon, too. It was quite misty on the coast this morning. It's been quite warm again today, but the cloud is due to roll in tomorrow, and there is rain forecast for wednesday.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 04:56 PM

Andrea, I have some beautiful, multi-faceted about 8mm rose quartz beads if you want any. Leftovers from a design I did for a friend who'd bought them and told me to keep what we didn't use.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 05:14 PM

I've been moving shelves today. Took a break to come check my eBay sales (see if there were any more questions). One of the dogs behind me is snoring. These hot afternoons see the gang come indoors for an hour or two to cool off. Back to the kitchen in a minute, all four of us, and they'll be underfoot on the kitchen tile floor. I need to finish this moving so I have places for people to sit in case my son takes me up on the offer of a dinner of fresh wild salmon.

The things moving into the kitchen are various countertop things - my extra bread machine, extra convection oven, the coffee maker I only use when I have company (because I don't drink coffee). They used to be in the bottom shelf of the big pantry set of shelves in the hall. Out of sight and out of mind. I'll put some of my gardening gallon jugs on that pantry shelf - vinegar, commercial compost tea, etc. It will still in in that area where I have all of the rest of my gardening stuff (the things that aren't stored in the garage, that is.)

I'll post a few photos when I finish.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 09:17 PM

Hardi got ambitious today for a LONG overdue dream of mine, not really a big thing but a big chair I longed to have in one guest room went up there (it took us both) AND the very old family rocker that had sat there actually fit up the way-narrow attic stairwell.... so that room now has A Real Chair. AND an ottoman gathering dust in the LR now replaces the bigger one taking up way too much real estate in our prayer room/landing which doubles as a go-to lounge when it's too hot to be anywhere else. LOL, it's Anti-Hell-- both ways. The too-big ottoman is now sitting with the nice-big chair we took up.... aaahhhhh for me (leg-break on office days) and for visiting guests. Color matches room. Cats love that chair.


Then we adjourned to Fun Stuff, including porch reading with Kindles, making a nice supper, and then making a list of Scooter Fun spots of the right scale; we then left to go do one, making an accessibility map as we went-- my sketchpad and his bike-odometer. I named places he's seen and not been able to refer to easily for years, and now they are OURS.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Jul 11 - 11:38 PM

It's been a most enjoyable day here. I did some freehand drawing for wooden patterns of awareness ribbons. Pete cut them out (Thank you Love!!!)....10 smaller ones and 3 three foot ones. I primed them and will paint them tomorrow. When they are dry, I will attach eyelet screws and a swivel, then connecting the smaller ribbons to fish line to hang from the Survivor Tent at the Relay For Life. The larger ribbons, which will all be purple, will have stakes attached to stand in front of the Survivor Tent. Let's see...then I did loads of marking yard sale stuff. Anything that isn't clothing is marked with a sticker. The clothes, however, are all marked with tags attached with a safety pin. I went through a box of 200 hang tags and ran out...oh brother. Jeremiah has more clothes than I've had in the last 10 years!!! :) I have fun at yard sales, what can I say?

We went for ice cream this afternoon, a ride and then out for dinner. We all played in the yard after the sun cooled down a bit. It's been a lovely day!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 01:09 AM

Michelle, we were here watching you buy all of those baby clothes - it's a pleasure to look at and use those tiny clothes, and it's amazing how fast they outgrow them. *Spoiler alert* He won't stop outgrowing clothes any time soon. :)

I'm about half-way through the moving stuff into the dining area from the sun room. I set up a wire shelf and right now it has storage containers, Pyrex of many shapes and sizes, a convection oven and some steel pots on top. I put my baking sheets and muffin and cake pans in a cupboard to see if they work there (i.e., will I remember I put them there). A low trunk is beside the door and it has three seat cushions are sitting on top. They can be taken out when needed for the wrought iron bench, but otherwise, to be cushions on the trunk for a shoe changing station.

I have a full week at work, but there will be opportunities to check in.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 10:25 AM

I love buying clothes for Jeremiah, especially at consignment shops or yard sales. I think I can count on my fingers how many NEW outfits I've purchased for him. I'm keeping some things...the outfit he arrived in, the outfit he wore for his baptism, etc. There's also a silly hat that I loved to see him wear!!! SO STINKIN' CUTE!!!

I'm in a bad mood this morning. Crabby. Bitchy. Just GRRRR. I've loaded a good deal of yard sale stuff onto the truck, did a load of dishes, a load of laundry and now I'm taking a break before I load any more.

Jeremiah is into everything. EVERYTHING. Cupboards, garbage, pitching fits when I won't let him in off limit areas...screaming, jumping up and down, the whole she-bang. GEEZ LOUISE CHILD!!!! I love you and am glad you are feeling MUCH better but CHILL OUT!!!!

Back to work.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 11:30 AM

Sounds like everyone is cranky at your house, getting over this bug!

I've moved a bunch of gardening stuff into a smaller set of shelves in the sun room, moved some of the large items to the bottom of the pantry shelves nearby, and have opened up the floor space considerably. Three packages go out for eBay today, clearing some of the tabletop, and several other await sales (fingers crossed!)

Stay cool, everyone! Andrea, I hope your archaeologist report is interesting but doesn't slow the work. If they find the holy grail in your back yard, do you get to keep it?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 12:13 PM

Yesterday I sowed salad seeds in the latest patch of topsoil and watered them in, and made a hanging basket for the front which I filled with a campanula, clearing quite a large space near the house.
The topsoil they sell in bags is odd. One lot was a bit powdery, and contained material which looked like roadstone chips. This lot was dark and full of humus, but no sandy material, and the odd piece of what seemed to be squidged plastic bag. Not what I would imagine to have been on the top of any soil profile any time recently.
Today I got up really early, and fixed the back gate, adding a lock to it, drilling a keyhole for the lock, and changing the position of the bolt loop (?) at the top, which didn't really engage with its bolt. This bolt could be drawn from outside, so wasn't really helpful to security, hence the lock. I have another, stronger bolt for lower down, too. The window cleaner will have to ask before coming in in future.
My appetite is rather peculiar this week. After days of eating large salads, I just don't feel up to preparing them. And I don't feel like eating any breakfast. I'm drinking loads of water = which doesn't need any preparation, and I ate a special rice from the Chinese takeaway yesterday, and a bowl of tinned rice pudding with raspberries today. Also a lot of cherries.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 12:24 PM

Unfortunately not, but the most exciting thing so far is what is probably the bottom of a late 18th century wine bottle - that is dating evidence. The latest it can be is early 19th century. Plus a small, but beautiful shard of English delft (a bit of a plate or saucer) which came out of the same area. It was also low down in the trench, which takes it earlier than some other bits and bobs we had.
The drains are going to have to be tweaked about a bit so that the build misses the current inspection chamber. The architect had drawn it about 2-3 feet away! However, he did come round this afternoon, and having looked at the area by the back wall, says it would be better for the old wall to leave it open, and to build a run-off for rain water into the ground level. (It will also save buying lead.) He says the planners don't have to be told, as it isn't altering the structure of the building. Good-oh!

Thanks for the offer of the beads, Kat, but I am using smooth ones (like crystal balls).

Michelle, isn't it amazing how little ones seem to make up for lost time when they've been poorly?

We now await the building inspector to okay the foundation trenches, and then the concrete base for the walls can go in - with rain forecast for the rest of the week!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 03:45 PM

The back of a full size pick up truck is now full and ready to go to the yard sale after one stop to pick up a dresser to add to the mix. Then it's time to unload, organize and go home to do it all again. I won't have as much to deliver on Thursday but the pieces will be bigger. WHEW. Lots of work...hopefully it pays off!!!

Michelle

PS. Dishes, laundry, some floors done as well.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Alice
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 06:09 PM

Hello, all.
I now have more room in the deck closet outside where I have had two old air conditioners that came with the house stored. They were too heavy for me to move, and I never took them out and used them.
Finally, I found someone on freecycle who would take them away.

Just to share something off topic, these photos from last evening were kind of lost in the independence day thread, so I thought I'd post the link here to share the natural beauty:

4th of July sunset photos


Alice

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 11:03 PM

Alice, those photos look like they could be some of your paintings. Stunning sunset!

I've hit a wall as far as the heat is concerned. Today I had no energy, and I made the mistake of grabbing a sweet snack on my way home from work (butter toffee popcorn - Fiddle Faddle for those of you in the U.S.) That sugar really seems to have drained me. The pavement is now always warm, the air conditioning seems always to be on, and I need to get up earlier and earlier to avoid the heat.

Three eBay packages shipped today and another item had a bid. One that didn't sell is going to the recycle bin or Goodwill. The box I fitted for it (to weigh and measure to calculate shipping for eBay) will be emptied, sytrofoam back into that bin, etc.

Off to bed. A bit earlier than I've managed of late.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 11:41 PM

Spent 3 hours setting up yard sale stuff. More to go on Thursday. Tomorrow is a trip to the hospital for an appointment.

Night!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 11 - 11:47 PM

Alice, so nice to *see* you here and to see those photos. Gorgeous!

Maybe there was a grumpy imp running round among us, today. I didn't know it, but I was to have Morgan for almost a full ten hours, today. Too much! I knew he would be over as there was no half-day summer school today, but had no idea both his parents would be working late until this morning when he came in and told me. Unfortunately, I'd had a restless night from a sore knee and he hadn't been to bed until 11p, so a seven year old-going-on-two-year-old met a grumpy-take-no-nonsense granny today and, other than about two hours here and there, the day was one long slog. He is grounded from my computers and television for tomorrow.

Rog and I did a good job of cleaning the house this weekend and it still looks okay, thank goodness.

I have appts. all morning, then Morgan at noon. He promised the seven year old would be in residence, tomorrow, and suspect that will hold true. I hope we will get a couple of things done, tomorrow. I think I will ask him to help me empty the CD changer, putting each one in it's sleeve, then stacking them for loading onto the PC. Either that, or I'll enlist his help in putting them in the computer...he won't touch it, but he could alphabetise them in the bin for me and we could go from there. OR, there IS a bin of files I need to go through which will need some shredding. Wish me luck!**bg**

Andrea, that's okay. They are smooth, in that they are round and smooth to the touch. I understand, though...probably a bit large, anyway. Thanks!

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 06:27 AM

Hardi and I spent some time ydy de-goofing the exercise plan the doc ought to be directing-- and will, as of tomorrow's appt.

I grabbed a baseline of what I can do in the pool nowadays and we made a chart showing time/steps toward whatever goal the doc or his referred designees sets; ydy was 30 minutes to do 1300 shallow-end steps and I was able to stay warm that long, too. I paid for that with low blood sugars tho-- staying warm eats a lot of calories-- so despite sensible eating I was up, too hungry to sleep, at 3.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 12:17 PM

Today I finished screwing the table from Dad's office together in my study, as I had cleared enough to do it. Which means I have a surface clear for sorting books on.

I cleared some more vinca, so none is visible. it will come up again, but I can paint it with weedkiller. Not spray, as it is close to my brambles. I bought some topsoil, intending to lift some more slabs and make a new bed, but felt I'd done enough, and had a bath instead. There was some wilting in a couple of tomatoes, so I did a water - odd, as we had some heavy rain earlier.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 07:15 PM

That must feel good, Penny. I admire the way you keep at it.

Haven't done much for decluttering, today, but got in plenty of walking. 9a at the dentist for new, permanent crown, then to the blood draw where they were too slow, so on to a 1030a appt for hand therapy, then back for blood draw. Still too slow, so Rog picked up Morgan at noon. The seven year old is back! Yea! He and I did a bunch of running around culminating in him getting a haircut at the same place "Papa" goes and then he took me out for an ice cream cone. We had a blast!

I have been working, for the past hour, on getting files ready for CreateSpace for WindWords...to no avail. Started a tech thread for help. I've had it for the night, though. Soon Rog will be home and we'll eat supper and watch another episode of A Touch of Frost.

I have a free day tomorrow morning, so will try getting back to the books then.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 07:29 PM

Spent today at the hospital going over tests and such. Pretty much everything is ok. I need to alter my menu a bit but it's doable. Did some major grocery shopping at a farmer's market and at the store. Everything is in, put away and I'm hanging out with my feet up trying to go over in my head exactly what it is I'm to do. Complicated....but it will come.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jul 11 - 09:18 PM

Another hot day today, and most of it spent over at the library. I go back again tomorrow, and will drive over on Friday to deliver another case of the Carnation Instant Breakfast for our chemo coworker. It has been at or above 100 for a couple of weeks now, no rain, and I feel like a dried up piece of leather. I'm going to soak my feet then put lotion on them.

I'm eating a lot of fruit these days, and I'll start checking for local fresh peaches for canning soon. I picked 1/3 of a bucket of the mustang grapes this morning. The back half of the big tree collapsed and while the tree is dead, the grave vines survived and all of the grapes that had been out of reach are down at human level. I'm going to use Penny's trick of painting the poison ivy over there with Roundup; I don't want to harm anything else, just the ivy. When I get enough grapes I'll put them in the steam juicer and make jelly later on.

Several of my eBay items have buyers so slowly stuff is moving out of the sun room, and there are a few dollars rolling slowly into the PayPal account.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 10:37 AM

10 smallish (12 inches tall) wooden ribbons primed & drying to be painted later today.

3 large (3 feet tall) wooden ribbons primed & drying to be painted later today.

One load of laundry done and hanging on the line.

Breakfast made, lunches packed.

I have a HUGE list for today that MUST be done and I am so exhausted already. It's going to be a LONG day. Mama IS going to sleep while the baby does. I am out of energy, steam and desire is dwindling and right now, that's the only thing keeping me going.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 12:10 PM

Re-evaluation following the most recent good boohoo is proceeding well and hopefully will dovetail effectively with doctor's appt for this aftn. It's a big one!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 01:39 PM

So much for the nap....BUT...I did get everything primed AND painted. I even got most of the eyelet screws in!!! I decided that some of the MUST do's are going to still happen but perhaps not exactly the way I had thought. I am not going to kill myself running and running and running. People are going to be so involved with each other, talking, playing games, walking and eating that the tiny detail things I am so focused on are just not that important. Don't misunderstand, they are important but not enough to make me run into a wall of pure, fall over, I can't take it, crying because I'm so freaking tired.

Yep. I really am THAT tired. And covered in several colors of acrylic paint. I love to paint but I am SO MESSY. *shrug* It's part of the fun!!!

Must eat something....that hasn't been a priority today....I can feel my sugar free-falling. Smiling, knowing there is watermelon in the fridge all cut up and blueberries and chicken (pre-BBQed).

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 01:51 PM

Oh...and Susan....I hope your appointment goes well!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 04:42 PM

The building inspector comes tomorrow to look at the trench for the foundations - half an hour later (9am) the cement (4 cubic metres of it) arrives, and has to be barrowed in. When the poor guys have finished struggling with that, they have to cope with the delivery of the trench blocks in the afternoon. If the cement "goes off" okay over the weekend, it starts to go upwards from monday.

Interesting thing - when the architect came on Tuesday, he said the other outbuildings (aka my coalhouse and 2 other sheds) were to come down to (the previous owner had wanted them down). Well from an aesthetic and light point of view, it makes sense, but they are perfectly useable buildings...I will just have to cope with the narrow dark space between the new and old bits!

The dining room carpet is absolutely WRECKED after all the muck and mud. Beige carpet is not a good idea when you are coming on and off a building site! I will give it a vac over the weekend, and maybe a shampoo later in the year when the work's done. However, it will not be replaced until after the place has also bee re-wired and plastered, which will hopefully be some time next year.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 06:46 PM

Andrea,

    I watch a show on HGTV where people purchase homes internationally. I've seen houses like yours (in it's current state) and people who purchase them. I've always been kind of envious to be able to design things yourself in such lovely older buildings that have SO MUCH character!!! YAY for YOU!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 12:25 AM

Andrea, four cubic meters of concrete moved in wheelbarrows? Over here that would be colloquially called a f**king shitload of concrete (no numbers attached, just sympathy for the folks who have to move that much weight in so many trips!)

Susan, I hope things work out. You've been working steadily to make your life easier. It will be good if you health cooperates with your planning!

Michelle, the key word here is "triage." The things that really need attention rise to the surface, and everything else gets the time that is left over.

I'm picking 1/3 to 1/2 bucket of grapes a day, and this weekend I'll use the steam juicer and be ready for jelly making soon. Then come the peaches.

Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday. I need a couple of days to rest up from the week.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 12:35 AM

TBTG for nurse-types who hang out with female patients who have great but overly-testosteroned male doctors. TBTG for husbands who go that extra mile and stick it out when it's tough. TBTG for a good friend and my new priest.

It went as well as it could I guess. BIG outcome is referral to the best PT/OT team in the wider area to give some expert guidance on next steps, literally.

I am very sad to miss (probably) Saturday's Relay activities. Might be able to get to the late-night stuff. Have to work.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 02:05 AM

Yes it is an immense amount of 'crete to move. They have asked for extra bodies to help. Luckily the truck driver is the dad of the young ox who is one of the labourers, and so he is going to stay around until it's all delivered, unlike some who have a time-slot, and dump the rest on the road if it's time to go.
There is minimal water in the trench this morning. At the moment it is blue sky and clouds. If the sun can burn through in time, it may get rid of the rest. Hopefully the inspector will say it's dry enough to pour onto. Alo, if it stays dry today, the crud on the carpet with dry more, and might vac out a bit.

Hope you get the help you want, Susan. It's a great feeling when you actually get referred to the right people!

The sun is starting to show through...fingers crossed!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 06:02 PM

Pool walking 36 x 50 (1800 steps) plus ai chi stretch-out.

PT/OT appt for Monday afternoon with the sports-focus dudes.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 10:03 PM

One hot hot day today. 105^o and the dogs came in the house when I got home. This just wrings the energy right out of you.

Ellie and I finished the range of books (each side has the equivalent of 10 tall bookcases) this morning with a half hour to spare. That means we don't need to go back and do it later on in July when they scheduled more time for us.

Today a letter came from the tax office - I tried a new online tax protest link back in May. My house was built in the mid-1970s and is in good shape and surrounded by other houses built around the same time that are also in good shape. To our north 1 block begins a neighborhood with much smaller much older cute little houses, and to our east are the new houses being built in the development that started about 3 years ago. They're high dollar compared to mine, yet those were presented as the "comparable value" homes that kept my tax high (there was a form with those addresses and prices on the web site.)

I went into a realtor web site and found a couple of houses in my part of the village, the same size and age as mine, and did a PDF screen capture of each page, and wrote out a statement protesting that the comparables used for my tax rate were not right. The online protest process rejected my protest when I filed it (an instant response sort of site), but apparently a human later looked at the documents I sent in, along with my statement, and my house taxable rate was dropped by $8,600. This is the tax figure, it would be ideal if I ever sold it that it would go for more than the tax rate (they typically do). But that is a little bit shaved off of the mortgage next year.

I don't have a phone line or fax any more, so I did a little research and ended up faxing this back via a web page that will let you do one free fax a day, with no ads on the cover page. Three-page limit, but this worked perfectly. It's a Canadian company (http://www.gotfreefax.com/) and seems to have good reviews.

eBay is perking along. I picked up a flat of peaches today so I'll be cleaning the kitchen tonight in preparation for canning tomorrow, and I also need to use the juicer for the grapes. It's a general work around the house weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 11 - 12:13 AM

SRS, you be careful in that heat. I heard it is supposed to be that way for at least another week. You're right...it does just sap the energy right out.

I had a busy day with exercise at 9a with Morgan in tow; hand therapy at 10a, then home for lunch, then at 2p delivered M to his mom and went off to get another high-cost shot at the kidney doc. Met the new doc and quite liked him. He sounded like an echo of the pulmonologist, "Keep doing what you're doing...it's working." Nice to hear!

Also, a couple of weeks ago, Rog and I met with the CEO and Chief Med. Officer of the first hospital I was in in Feb. The one which really messed things up including an ER report which said my "chief complaint" was a "gunshot wound!" Anyway, I'd written a letter delineating what all went wrong including the consequences and asked them to write off the remaining $900+ which is what we owed after insurance paid. The CEO promised to let me know their decision last week, but no call, so I left him a message yesterday. Today, his PA called to tell me they were writing it off...it was a done deal. I am really glad of that. Still have some issues to resolve, but it's a start. I feel a sense of accomplishment, esp. after calling a few lawyers in town and being told no one wants to take a case against the hospital due to the smallish size city and their wanting to stay on good terms with their "care" provider.

Rog had to work today, but will have Monday off, so we'll do errands tomorrow, groceries, etc. and go to breakfast at Morgan's to celebrate his dad's birthday. We've got a few things to clean up in the yard and inside...the usual, mostly. I hope to get some more decluttering done. Have also been working on getting the files accepted by CreateSpace for my old book. I figure it's easier to start with it, then I'll have a template, of sorts, for Prairie Child. I spent about three hours on that, yesterday.

Andrea...love watching it all come down and, soon, go up!

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Jul 11 - 11:52 AM

Home from the Relay For Life...

Had

a

BLAST!!!!!


I worked at the Survivor Tent, walked several miles, hung out with some really FUN women during the wee hours of the morning...think lots of laughter, dancing and utter silliness, hosted a Survivor Breakfast and helped to break down camp. I spent 27.5 hours at the Relay, awake for 26.5 of those hours. WOOOOO!!! I am SO beyond tired that I'm NOT tired!!!   Time to sit back, relax, put my feet up and take a nap when my body finally slams into that cloud of sleepiness.

The goal of $113,000 was reached and then some. EXCELLENT for the small community we live in!!!!!! Much larger areas held Relay events this year and raised substantially lesser amounts! I'm so proud to have been on the committee for my local relay and am thrilled that the community came together to raise so much money for research and to help local people!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 11 - 01:29 PM

Michelle, get a good day of sleep, or at least a long nap today. Congratulations on the fund raising! Kat, congratulations on getting the hospital to settle that debt. It's only fair. Andrea, don't spend the entire weekend vacuuming!

I have been getting up earlier every morning to use the cooler time to get work done. I went to bed at 9:15 last night and was up at 6 this morning. Zeke went home (Cinnamon is so disappointed!), I picked a bucket of mustang grapes, and I took the trimmer out and knocked down the weeds along the edges of gardens that get watered regularly. I have a push mower I'm going to use on the lawn, I don't need to fire up the gas mower for what amounts to a few grass seed heads.

This morning I also cooked up two batches of grape juice in the steam juicer. I have to clear out the fridge to make room for the juice until I make jelly, and I have to go shopping for pectin, lids, and sugar before that happens. I also have to can peaches.

A batch of laundry will go on the line out back in a few minutes. No rain in sight these days, though you'd think I could at least tempt it by hanging out laundry. Maybe I should wash the pickup instead.

Clearing up a couple of eBay items that didn't sell, and packing the rest (several sales end tomorrow, and it looks like I'll have to combine orders for one guy who bid on several different auction books.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 11 - 06:58 PM

The juice looks kind of cloudy - I suspect it needs to settle out some of those little cysts of whatever those little yellowish drifts of stuff are one usually sees in the bottom of the jar. Meanwhile, I went over with a paintbrush and a jar of Roundup and I painted the leaves of some of the poison ivy around the grape tree, then I came home and dropped all of my clothes in a pile and took a shower.

There are some clouds in the sky, but with a 10% chance of rain, I doubt the laundry I need to hang this afternoon is going to tempt any precipitation.

I bought a galvanized stock tank to add to the other one already in the yard and I'll take out the plastic pool that Cinnamon is allergic to. I hope the metal tank lasts longer than the plastic pool, for the price!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: saulgoldie
Date: 09 Jul 11 - 11:47 PM

Dear Lily,
Please PM me about snail letters. Thanks.

Saul(goldie)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 07:31 AM

Today I have filtered curds of most of my milk which had turned which I am going to turn into an Indian sweet.

I have also been piecing parts of a skirt which my mother had partly cut up for patchwork, and am now cutting it to make a lning for a sleeveless jacket- not exactly a waistcoat (vest) as its a bit loose. It's a bit slippery, and I am now juggling it about as it has got slightly too small for the pattern.

The main fabric is from a pair of teal linen trousers which had worn away between the legs. I then have to work out exactly how I'm going to turn it inside out, as the way the trousers are won't work the way the pattern wants. I'm not going to undo an existing seam because the pattern makers grasp of topology is not very mathemstical.

The dress fabric is creamy green with a pattern of hedgerow flowers. Among them are some tiny quail. My mum obviously did not see these, as they are upside down in her construction, and will probably have to be in mine, as well.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 08:08 AM

I DID make the Relay's late-night shift and enjoyed an hour's scootering and chatting with Hardi who usually dies his hour alone. Came back to catch 3 hours' sleep then off to ydy's planned work thing: attending a GREAT retreat yesterday with the new people on a Commission that advises the Bishop on people seeking ordination; he led the retreat gloriously and my "seniority-comments" were helpful.... new people on the group are superb. I see new friends there.

With the realignment on roles certain people play with my healthcare (only some reflected here... much more actually going on), I had the energy and focus to do my work there despite very short sleep.

I then zoomed the 2 hours back home in good order (still hearing song after rock-radio song that was PERFECT for recent struggles' reflections), to find Hardi too whacked to do the Sat. nite music-- so I led that without him, as Ed and I used to do when we played at other churches.

Edema-swelled ankles behaved themselves all this sitting-time, even thru a "pamper-us" dinner, and then we came home and I slept like a log. I think Hardi finally did, too. TBTG for peace in work He gives us to do, along with the strength to DO it even when beset by troubles and distractors.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 10:48 AM

I have prepared for the impending zombie attack by thoroughly cleaning and organising every square inch of bathroom and most of kitchen. I need sterile rooms. Just in case.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 12:58 PM

Up early, working in the garden (pouring buckets of water with compost tea and fish fertilizer) around the crops. I'll sprinkle some amendments (greensand and lava sand) later. Just trying to keep the plants alive so they can produce in the fall.

I've run my grape juice through a fine sieve to try to clear up the cloudy appearance. It usually isn't completely clear, as strawberry juice usually is, but it seems cloudier than usual. I'm going to run to the store to get some bags of frozen strawberries and run them through the steam juicer. That I can use completely - the juice for jelly, the fruit for jam. The leftover grape seeds and skins went into the compost.

Another load of laundry needs to wash and hang try today.

Waiting in anticipation of the work at Andrea's next week. Keep those photos coming!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 01:49 PM

I am exhausted today. My beloved let me sleep in and was totally okay with it when I wandered down the stairs at noon. I've had some breakfast and am ready to go back to bed. I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing the Relay For Life but it wears me out. I worked all day at the Survivor Tent (signing folks in and also being support for new people, listeing to stories of loss), walked the Opening Lap, the Survivor Lap, the Luminaria Lap, several laps with a new friend who has asked to report my story in the local paper and a few laps alone...time to read all the names on the bags (over 1,200 of them were on the track), time to pause and reflect, time to give thanks for my life and time to remember.
   I worked all day with a woman from my church...we made an incredible team and I am so looking forward to working more with her!!! I also hung out with some other women from my church while Susan and Greg were doing their allotted hour of (maybe a half hour...I dunno) walking/scooting. What a HOOT!!! I see several more fun times together ahead!!!   Dancing, laughter, sharing of stories, silliness....wooo hoooo!! Who knew that under those reserve Sunday folks were some funny bunnies waiting to come out and play? YAY!!!

Saul...I'll write soon...promise.

If I can find a smidge of energy, I might do some dishes after lunch. Course....they'll still be there tomorrow too!

Lator Gators!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 03:51 PM

When a priest signs up for an hour, Michelle, he does more than an hour, just as he does for a liturgical vigil, even on his day off and even if he ends up paying for it all he rest of the weekend services.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 04:58 PM

It's so often the case that when you get involved in something that you thought you'd do for only a set period that you end up staying way longer than planned. I have several events like that at work. Good job, all of you!

It's the regular afternoon slowdown, the funk when it's so hot outside. A little cooler today, only about 100, but still, hard on everything. I do wish I had a black water tank to elevate and run a shower from. Shower on the lawn after dark and at least water that spot where you're standing! Maybe I can set something up this summer that can go in the garage during the winter. I do hate running perfectly good city water on the yard, it's better to make it do a little work before we pour it on the ground.

The kitchen is just about cleared for some cooking this evening. Canning peaches, and if there's time, juicing strawberries for jelly later. I have to make sure I have lots of convenient surfaces handy for setting things to cool that can be undisturbed for a while.

Several eBay items headed out the door soon, and I'll have to list a few more. I also returned a couple of things to Home Depot that either failed or weren't needed. Clearing out in several directions! I swept the front porch last night so it was a pleasure to walk barefoot over to the corner where the faucet is and be sure it was off. Sometimes with all of the pebbles the porch felt like it was covered with Legos. :-/ I have to clear weeds lying dry on the driveway and finish filling holes dug in the back yard over the last couple of weeks. And laundry to hang out. Just the usual puttering!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 07:53 PM

Susan,

   I'll be happy to talk to Father Greg about the Relay For Life and share how one is able to walk at any time (except during the Survivor Walk) from 10:00am on Friday until 10:00am on Saturday. No one is required to walk in the wee hours of the morning or for even an hour. Most teams have 30 minute sign up slots. Even further, coming to the event at all is voluntary. If he didn't want to go, he didn't have to go. However, from the cheerful demeanor he had when he came over to talk with us, I'd say he was fine with it. If he wasn't, that would me he was lying...no?

I'll be sure to talk to him about it. If YOU are perturbed because YOU had to be out late, I'd say see the above paragraph.

I had a BLAST and so did everyone else I came into contact with! The Relay For Life is a community unto it's own with most participants having had cancer themselves or have been deeply touched by watching a loved one suffer through or dying. We share a common goal, to raise awareness, funding and the hope that one day no one will have to hear the words, "You have cancer."

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 12:06 AM

I think any other discussion of clergy walking time slots or not might be best via PM, so no one gets themselves into a corner by discussing it in an open venue. Just a thought.

My kitchen was a sauna this evening; I canned peaches last year but I had to give myself a small trial run to see how the new pot would work. Great for blanching, but it's a real squeeze to get a full inch of head room out of it when jars are in the colander. It will be perfect for 1/2 pints, but too short for any more pints. I have a taller pot and will put a rack in the bottom and take jars out with the jar lifter for the rest of the peaches.

Collected by laundry on the line by Coleman lantern light. Gave each piece a good shake in case of bugs. This afternoon I did the basic layout for some 2x2" cedar planks to make myself a potting table out of an old cast-iron framework that used to hold firewood. It might not be pretty when it's finished, but it will give me a good-sized working space at a nice height.

Several eBay items to ship tomorrow, and I must list some more.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 02:33 AM

SRS, you have reminded me of the first time I went off to help a friend with his thesis field work - I had started cooking beetroot in the slow cooker, and hung washing on the line. When I got home very late, the beetroot was perfect, but the washing was crawling with earwigs!

The lining stitching didn't go quite right. Mum had cut long curved strips from the hem of a skirt which was as full as a New Look skirt from the 50s and I had sewn these together with contrast zigzag to look like a design feature, picking up the colour from the outside. But with the juggling to fit the pattern piece, the lines looked crooked, so I had to hand sew invisibly, and unpick the zigzagging. This has slowed the whole project down.

I'm still playing with the topology of the turning inside out trick. The pattern directs sewing the shoulder seams before that process, and I'm sure that with two closed loops in the piece, turning inside out is not possible. In fact, I think it's not possible with one closed loop. The pattern suggests leaving both side seams open, and turning through one of them, sewing up afterwards, which would be very difficult by machine. I'm planning to leave the shoulders open, and have the side seams on the right side closed, with one on the lining open to turn through. Those would be easy to hand sew. I think I might have to make a model first!

I ate a big salad yesterday, with a lot coming from the garden. Lettuce (though one has been completely destroyed by slugs), radish, spring onion, and the first, full size carrot. The second lot of radishes have poked up above the surface, but there'll be a gap in the lettuce supply. The seedlings aren't showing, and I can't get pre-sown ones from the garden centres. I think I might get "living salad leaves" from the supermarket and plant them out. I've made a soup from the onion stems, peapods, lettuce leaves not up to salad, with the whey from the curds and the drippings from some burgers I had for Saturday's meal.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 10:00 AM

Penny, turning garments right-side-out after all of that work is the last puzzle of the whole operation, isn't it? Sometimes a whole-lotta cloth gets shoved through one tiny space! And it sounds like you are doing some design on the fly as you fit pieces - good luck with that!

This morning I was walking the dogs and neighbors up the street were working in their gorgeous yard. I teased the husband that I had mulch to put out in my yard when he finished there. She said "don't get me started about your yard!" half teasing, half serious. I guess the jury is still out, or has severe reservations about if I'll ever get this place actually looking like the image I see of it in my head. I think they're mostly sorry to see that I let the grass die in the summer and just keep the beds watered. But I enjoy it, and I'll use that remark as the boost to get a few beds thinned and weeded again. I have a soaker hose going in one bed right now, and if I thin the Louisiana iris that alone will improve the appearance of that bed, so I may go ahead and do it during a 20 minute break this morning. That's usually enough to get some work done but not be completely overheated.

Zeke came down to play in the yard for a few minutes this morning, and we had breakfast al fresco with all of the dogs and showed Susie where he learned his new trick about waiting to eat. She likes that one and had him do it last night before dinner. He sits and drools until he's told to eat. :)

Tons to do today, and I need to hustle with a couple of chores. No oversight this week - my boss's first grandchild was born yesterday so he's taking a few days off! The mom is in the hospital for a couple of days with a low blood platelet count that they've been addressing.

Must ship several eBay packages today. Good work!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 10:37 AM

Michelle: Bonnie T and Pat D are the captains for the St. Paul's Relay team; thank you for visiting our team tent in support of Relay for Life, and I am glad you enjoyed seeing a side of some folks that we see all the time.

You have made it clear that you are on another Relay team. Bonnie and Pat have no issues with Hardi or his participation. Or mine. Period.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 11:19 AM

Susan,

Why are you so defensive about this?

Yes, I was part of another team. Problem with that?
People walk whenever they can and for however long they can. I don't have an issue with that, nor does anyone else....except maybe you.

I simply pointed out I was having fun while you and Greg were doing your laps. If you read more into that than was there, go enjoy your misery as nothing was meant by it at all


I didn't say ANYONE had a problem with your participation or Greg's participation. Go look for a fight with someone else. I'm not interested.


And, FYI, all teams welcome people in to visit, chat, laugh, commiserate...whatever in their team tents. Another FYI, I'm already on St. Paul's Team for next year. :) I'm sure you think it's to annoy you because you are so self centered in EVERYTHING you do but sorry to disrupt your giant ego...it has NOTHING to do with you AT ALL.

Go twist things around with someone else.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 11:51 AM

I'm going to ask Kat to remove the last two posts. We need to keep it friendly here, and the behind the scenes personal stuff just doesn't fit and makes everyone uncomfortable. We're working on clutter, not baggage. Okay? :) It's hot - relax, and come back when you are back to your old self.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 12:07 PM

Fine by me, it's already been copied and sent to where it needs to go.

Somebody needs to back up and take the very direct hint to LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE. I've had enough and will NO LONGER sit back and try to be respectful or to try and figure out what the hell she's trying to say. I did not say anything bad about her or Greg but she absolutely took it that way.

Everyone tip toes around her and I'm not going to be one of them anymore. If she gets in my face, she can fully expect it back. So much for all those sermons and righteous life she lives about loving your neighbors. What a joke.

I have put up with it for years and it will stop here.

Feel free to delete this post too. Just wanted to state where I stand.

For the love of God, I even wished her well with her medical appointment last week. What the fuck was I thinking?!?!?!?

I can think of another medical appointment that should be made.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 12:12 PM

As far as decluttering...ah yes...I just cleared some very foul air. ;)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 12:53 PM

SRS- Yes, genuine friendliness is preferred.

The repeatedly offensive/defensive behavior to which many of us have objected publicly and in private is excreted by the same person.

Michelle is correct to make boundaries clear. Anything less direct is ignored.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 02:17 PM

As a moderator, I am not going to delete the relevant posts. As I told SRS, I know they don't fit with the thread, but that does not warrant deleting them. There is a history of this and, it is important, imo, that we feel comfortable confronting that in public, if need be.

Thanks,

kat-mod

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 02:26 PM

Bullying and manipulation need to be identified and exposed to the light. Thank you, kat.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 02:29 PM

Thanks to SRS too, for maintaining this thread for us all.

We've been decluttering more rubbish left from the fire and regaining some sense of order on the farm. The insulated slab will be poured tomorrow; it was too cold this winter, so we've had to delay getting the wiring and plumbing installed.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 03:06 PM

I lifted seven slabs today, and mattocked the stuff underneath. Not much clay under the sand to mix in with the last of the mushroom compost, but a lot of flints, and red clay, which is the colour of the geology. It wasn't enough to make it worth while to bring it up further. I added three bags of good topsoil, which didn't bring the bed quite up to the height I wanted, but that can be done later. Then I planted out a number of different lettuces from the supermarket, intended to be used on the kitchen windowsill. It will be interesting to see how well this works. They don't look much different from the ones I bought to plant out before. A good buy for 90p.

That had me sweating, so I had a bath and a lie down. Then I packaged the soup I had made with salad trimmings for the freezer, and cooked up the curds from turned milk into an Indian sweet. Salad for supper. I'm going to have to eat stuff out of the freezer for a while, as I have it completely full.

I have a pattern for the shape of my top, but because the trouser legs are going to provide front and back it's going to be done differently. The instructions do make sense if done their way, with the fronts pushed through the shoulders and out at the side. It'll work my way as well.

Penny

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 03:21 PM

We are working on re-doing our front porch. We had plans of putting on an entirely new roof. So, today 3/4 of the porch was emptied and the floor scrubbed down. The rest will go tonight when its cooler or in the morning. Upon closer inspection, we will be patching up the spots that need it most and having a new roof put on next spring. As with many of the things in the old farmhouse, things wer done backwards....maybe they didn't have the knowledge or maybe they ran out of cash and did what they could to make do. Either way, we have been making corrections for years and that porch is next on the list. One day, when we win the lottery (should really buy a ticket first), a window will be added to a part of the house that is darker than we would like. We've also been talking about moving the nursery so there is more play space for the baby. We'll see. For this week, it's all about the porch!!!!

Also, the yard sale was a huge hit and most of my things were sold. Anything that wasn't will be put out at another yard sale next month and the leftovers will go to Santa's Closet....a local consignment shop that often just gives things to families in need. I support that 100%.

Dishes did get done, table is pick up, one load of laundry done that I will soon hang on the inside rack as it looks like a thunderstorm may be coming.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 04:36 PM

Might seem silly, but what exactly is a yard sale? I know garage sale - not often done over here, but known. And boot sale, which starts appallingly early on a Sunday morning in a field wherfe people turn up in their cars with stuff, and others hope to get things much too cheaply.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 04:42 PM

It's all pretty much the same, Penny. A yard sale is set up in the yard of a house, a garage sale is in and around the garage, etc.

I went to a good little boot sale in Edinburgh once; got some of my favorite treasures...gone now.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 04:58 PM

Well, that's what I thought, but some of the reports here suggested that the sales were away from home, which got me puzzled.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 05:06 PM

Yes, good point- yard sales can be organized together with other people or by an organization. In that case, participating sellers may have to set up somewhere away from their own yards.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 06:27 PM

I am still mid-yard sale with boxes packed all over the place and still not completely unpacked in the kitchen. Great excuse to keep people away during the hot months. I hate this sticky weather.

Bit by bit the clutter is disappearing. Some day...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 07:28 PM

Thanks all.

I'm doing a sort of slow motion garage sale as I move things on eBay. Sitting in the yard in the heat is not an easy job, even if you have shade. It is fun to see the neighbors if they stop by, that's one good thing about them.

Five parcels were handed over to the mail carrier this afternoon, and it averaged about $10 per item on eBay, so it is a slow moving garage sale, but I've made that little sitting in the yard all day sometimes.

I moved a small table out of the kitchen after relocating the microwave to the wire shelves that I put in there last week. It looks good there and with the table gone you can see some of the wall around the room. I also took down some ceramic fish shapes that added to the very busy look of the kitchen. Not sure if I'll find another place for them, or sell them. They're attractive.

One of my jars of peaches from last night didn't seal. I'll just have to eat them this week. I have a lot more peaches to do, but I've sorted out the pots so I can do more, though I think I need to run to the store for more pint jars. I may put some of them in jelly jars for single servings.

My boss's first grandchild was born yesterday. I put one of the photos he sent with him holding the baby (I used first name only - far be it from me to start splashing info about a newborn in such a public way!) on the library facebook page. Lots of "likes" of a photo where you see a man falling instantly in love with the tiny person in his arms. :) I've been smiling about that all day!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 08:45 PM

Penny,

    The yard sale I am involved with includes several families. Every year we get together at a friend's very large garage and sell our stuff. It seems that every year each family has something to get rid of. This year I sold mostly baby things. I had more to take over but got swamped with last minute Relay For Life things that were more important. I still have a rocking chair, a hoppy/activity center, a few boxes of baby clothes and odds and ends from around the house. One thing I REALLY want to get rid of is a lava lamp that I had purchased for Jeremiah as a night light. It's blues and greens but gets very hot after about 15 minutes. Our group yard sale typically runs from early Friday morning until 4:00pm and the same thing happens again the next day. We typically make an event of it with a lunch where everybody brings a dish to pass. We all hang out in our yard chairs and visit while folks shop. This year I had to miss that because it was the only weekend everybody else could go (I had the Relay For Life). They were kind enough to let me put my stuff in the sale anyway. So what happens now is that I will go pick up anything that is left and my mom and I will have a yard sale in few weeks to try and unload any leftover stuff (or more that we find in our homes). Leftover stuff from THAT sale will go to a local consignment shop or sometimes my church. Dates won't coincide for the church yard sale this year so the consignment it is for this year!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 10:36 PM

Found a case of pint jars, no trip to the store needed. I'm waiting till morning for the canning because I have to finish some computer work this evening.

Trouble with lava lamps is that the thing that moves is wax and the bulb underneath must get hot to heat the liquid so the wax is less viscous and will float and bounce. I love looking at them, but not for a curious kiddo! Good move, taking it out.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 11:01 PM

Well, he's too young for this, yet, but there is a kids' science experiment in which one can make a benign LAVA LAMP, though it won't be lighting up any rooms.:-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 11:20 PM

I had always wanted a lava lamp as a kid and was never allowed to have one. So of course, I want Jeremiah to have one! I guess I just didn't know quite how they worked (the wax that is) and that was part of the intrique for me!!

I was looking at getting a few more cases of wide mouth canning jars today too..must be the day for it! I'm not sure what I'm going to be canning this year other than tomato sauce, pears and apple sauce. I think I'll be making more of Pete's favorite relish and my dilly green beans. Then there's the new pressure canner to contend with but I won't be needing that until this fall. We have peach trees this year that are full for the first time ever so I imagine we'll be canning some of those too!

Night everybody!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 05:05 AM

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 09:01 AM

What a luxury to have a pressure canner! You can do so many more things that a water bath isn't enough for. My friend Dean thought his was missing, but it turned up in a corner of the garage - hug sigh of relief!

Humid here today, but no real chance of rain till the weekend. I'll sound like a broken record player this summer - I'm tired of the heat!

Zeke is going to come down tonight and spend the night with us because his family are headed out of town for a long day away tomorrow. Now that we've got the pattern established, he can come and go here and my dogs will be happy to see him, and it's much easier than their trying to keep him comfortable while they're at a hospital setting (chemo checkup).

My kitchen looks better, now to attack the sun room. But first, work for work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 09:17 AM

SRS,

   I've never used a pressure canner before but I have friends in the area who have and are willing to spend some time showing me how it all works so I don't blow anything up...LOL.
   Our steer will go to the butcher soon and we are interested in finding ways to preserve our food instead of just the freezer. I'm looking forward to it!!! I know canning is a lot of work but it's SO worth it!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 09:47 AM

Michelle,

That's how you have to do it - I started canning at the side of my friend Dean, helping him and observing the steps, listening to the cautions as he worked. I still call occasionally to ask for reminders of things I did last year but have forgotten in the meantime. You'll have a great time once you get that up and running! Sauces with meat, for example. Canned chicken (Dean makes that and it becomes an ingredient for many other dishes during the year), etc. He cans hot peppers, all sorts of good stuff that when it is in season can be purchased in bulk.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 12:45 PM

I did some clearing of the kitchen table (our catch-all), gathered up my Relay gear into one place with the hopes of storing it all together in a plastic bin (if I ever get myself to the store), laundry folded and waiting to go upstairs, giant laundry rack put away as it's nice and I can hang stuff outside, lots of playtime, vacuumed the rug, swept the kitchen floor, did dust bunny vacuuming around the edges of the living room, hallway and bathroom and soon I hope to get through some paperwork. I also made several business calls this morning. My mail ordered (required by insurance) insulin has hit a snafu and is not here.   I am down to my last flex pen of one of the kinds I take and it will run out by tonight. I sure hope everything is straightened out and here by tomorrow. I'll wait until tomorrow to pick up leftover yard sale stuff as I need to go that direction then anyway, why make two trips if I don't have to?

Anyway, it's been a productive day so far. Plenty left to do.

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 01:01 PM

Don't you love it [Not!] when the insurance companies practice medicine without a license, subjecting patients and doctors to their rules?

Finished a couple of things I've been pushing to the back burner for far too long. It's not just the projects, it's the whole change they represent.

Canning this evening. Stickiness everywhere after that, I'm sure!

SRS

Subject: PT begins
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 03:37 PM

GREAT PT/OT intake ydy with sports-focus dudes and dudettes. I was thrilled to see a good friend-- our landlords' youngest son-- interning there (he plans a PT college career starting in the fall).

I was welcomed as a fitness colleague who has fallen on hard times (and my recently injured butt), and treatment was planned accordingly. Their therapy pool will be a tad warm-- I'll have to add an icepak to my head to do it-- but they plan to work me ALMOST as hard as I have always worked myself in the pool. They will manage the pace as well as send us off on vacay with exercises paced to continue.

I left them drooling over the water-proofed aquatic notebook full of handouts I use in the water, with the laminated exercise cards. Their aquatic therapist is already familiar with one of the programs I have used and taught, so they prescribed THAT (at my option) for the "yer gonna be purty sore" off days-- not the weight-lifting I had expected, just yet.

Now I just have to get this funded.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 03:38 PM

PS oh and last night we discovered that the new scooter can go thru SAND to the BEACH.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 07:15 AM

I, too am at the insulated floor stage!
The plumber is here, raising the stop-tap for the water supply, and running heating pipes through to the annexe radiator. The house drainage pipes are in the trenches where they will sit under the floor, but the building inspector has to approve them later today. Sand is being laid on what bits they can at the moment, and the insulation is being cut to size. The concrete comes tomorrow, and the archaeologist should make his last visit tomorrow afternoon, when they dig the last drain trench on the yard.

I'm heading off to sit in a tent on the Galloway coast tomorrow sometime, (it's that time of year again), and will be gone for about 10 days - should be a hell of a surprise when I get back!

Once the job is (eventually) finished, and I see exactly what space I do have, the de-cluttering will start again!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 09:15 AM

Maeve,
Are you floored yet?
Or do I need to come up and have a word with your contractor?
SINS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 10:44 AM

Off to first PT working-session. It's going to be GREAT! Starting NSAIDs now, preventively.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 12:10 PM

I don't know how that blank post happened. However, I had forgotten to say I have had my first carrot, beautifully shaped and a good size. No sign of forking from the compost at all.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 12:19 PM

The second hour of the Diane Rehm show today talked about hoarding. "Most hoarders know their houses look different than everyone else's" they said.

They make a distinction - your garage, basement, barn might be full, but if your living area is clear, you're probably not a hoarder. As someone trying to clear out those storage spaces, I know my house doesn't look like the neighbors, but I also know I'm the only non-retiree in the block and I'm gradually making all of the rooms look better.

I finished the peaches this morning. I must have had a bad batch of lids - I had four jars not seal. I called Dean to ask if he'd ever heard of that, and he answered in the affirmative. I'll keep an eye on these, to make sure the rest stay sealed. When I put away all of the huge pots and bowls and buckets and such for canning the kitchen looks great again.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 01:29 PM

Interesting comments in that link, SRS. I esp. liked the one about the couple who "de-accumulate."

Our house has really been bugging me lately; everywhere I look I see clutter and things we just don't use, esp. books (again!) We have whittled them down to about 4-5 8' length shelves of favs., but they just sit there. Part of me wants to give them ALL away and clear off the walls, etc. of everything! I hope Rog will take a week off before Fall, so we can do some of it without going overboard. I do feel it is hanging over us and pulls us down...all the stuff. We're not hoarders, but I am the family archivist and used to collect things. just thinking out loud.

Tomorrow I get my orthotic-ised Birks back! Hand therapy is bringing results and I hope to get back to my 3Xs per week rehab exercise classes next week.

Our bathtub is narrowish. I felt claustrophobic in it years ago and then, after surgery, was so out of shape I was afraid I've never be able to get up out of it, so it's been showers for me, for a long time. Well, I am feeling more fit, still losing weight and have been getting intuitive messages that my bod wants a good long soak in the tub! So, I've bought a new bathmat, new towel - a really luxurious Egyptian cotton one, a blow up bath pillow, and my fav. bath salts. When Rog is home, I am going to do a "dry run" with the tub empty, clothes on and see how I do. When I broke my foot, Rog put a special handle on the edge of the tub and we left it there as it is handy for grasping when getting in and out for a shower. I think it will be helpful, too, for bathing.

I have been working on getting WindWords up and available on Amazon. Thanks to WillFly, for getting my cover art formatted correctly. They mailed out my proof yesterday, so am excited to see how it turned out. It will officially be a second edition, though I didn't change that info in the interior because it was a pdf with no editing allowed. But, my current info: website, etc., will be listed on my "page" so that'll be all right. I think this experience will help me get Prairie Child ready, more easily, then it's on to the other three novels! I will be starting a blog about WW-2nd edition as they recommend that as essential for marketing.

I am mailing out two books, today and am going to make a pile with Morgan of other stuff which needs to get donated, etc. Just little things, but it will help.

I am even toying with the idea of emptying our dishes cupboard. We use paper plates, bowls and cups; hardly ever use any real dishes save for holidays and there's a lot of clutter in there.

My friend and her mum are clearing out her aunt's apt. She passed away recently at 98 or 99, can't remember. She lived in her condo for 70 years! It was a mess, but they are finding treasures amongst all of the detritus of a semi-hoarder's life.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 02:09 PM

Since spiritual health is also something for which I am accountable (and which has been made part of a treatment plan with my internist), I'll be posting on that, in these threads, as well.

My initial mutual interview with my new priest has just been completed. She will be following up on the referrals the internist requested for people that I can see for the "heavy lifting" of PTSD in monthly or semimonthly visits to her, and to them. We talked in depth about discerning spiritual attack, and dealing with it. Also family systems paradigms currently applicable and how to enlarge common ground using family systems metaphors. One that covered a LOT of ground was: re-balancing a load of dirty towels to get a batch of clean towels out of the washer without tearing up the water lines in the process. We also touched on mutual friends from HS days (we attended the same HS but had never met back then), and "Life in the Fishbowl" which is pretty much the same in any ordained person's neck of the woods. We set up some interim stuff to carry us thru vacay, and made a plan for post-vacay/continuing work.... she affirmed everything I am doing and declined to bring anything to my attention for confession.

The nightmares and projectile pooping have stopped. (The bedtime prayers have resumed.)

Now, on to the day's long-awaited PT. The facility has great equipment and a nice, tiny warm-pool with a TREADMILL. I am asking to go faster, and they are telling me to go slower; we meet in the middle. Their aquatic PT-ist is PT first and aquatics second, so she is teaching me some great muscle-isolating stuff I'd never had a chance to learn-- and I am orienting her to the local aquatics scene and some Extreme Aquajogging stuff I used to teach. It's a good fit and a good partnership. I hurt now, just enough, so that I know her slowdowns were correct-- she DID find places I had not known I had, LOL-- but not so much that I think we'll be that slow in two days. My schedule opened up so that a workout I had thought I would miss is now scheduled into the plan. And I can still pack a pool bag and get there on time. And, LOL, the money? They don't want any yet. I have plenty of time to marshal resources to get the benefit of this precious time.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 05:13 PM

I would love to have access to a pool and a personal trainer and pilates and a roller skating rink and a good gym where no one sweats. I had most of the above when I worked at the University of Washington...if I get a car here again I can get to a pool in the evening which owuld be nice and I do have a total gym but it is missing a cable which I can't seem to find online to replace.    There was a little gym when I lived in Vancouver WA that had everything except the roller skating...great classes in yoga, Irish step dancing..you name it. I actually am quite good when I have the right resources in place, which obviously I do not at the present time..I walk a fair amount but that is it. mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 07:05 PM

Sins- On our daylight basement floor we have two inches of rigid foam insulation with spray foam in nooks and crannies, covered by the vapor barrier, topped with four inches of still warm concrete...at last!

Thanks for the offered threat/visit.

Today we played hookey...14th anniversary.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 07:18 PM

Happy Anniversary, Maeve and True Love. Enjoy your floor.
Love,
Mary

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 07:35 PM

What Sins said! How wonderful to hear the floor in poured. Hope you have a wonderful anniversary!

MariGold, hope your floor is done, too! Your decluttering has inspired me.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 08:01 PM

mg, what keeps you there? Sounds like relocating to someplace with more services would be a healthy option. PM is down now, so don't answer that if it's too personal.

maeve, good to hear that the basement floor is finally in place. What a delight it will be next winter to be indoors with all of the comforts.

My washing machine is set with a small load (they're mostly small, since it's just me here right now), and one feature I love about this one is that it has up to 9 hours timed delay. I realized that it would run during the hottest time of day, so instead I set the timer and it will run late in the evening. Without a timer, I'd probably forget altogether.

Kitchen looking much better, jars of peaches are beautiful. Dogs all over the house are cute and sleeping comfortably. My ex was over so I handed over a couple of jars of peaches (the ones that didn't seal will still keep for several weeks, but I doubt they last out the week), a jar of strawberry jelly, and the first cantaloupe off of my vine in the garden. He seems to be eating a lot of melon this summer - his dad cuts up one in the evening and when he gets up in the morning the containers are empty. I told him it sounds like the reverse of the Shoemaker's Elves.

Kat, I finished that online editing this afternoon. Found a couple of other characters I'd missed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 08:14 PM

Good job, all round, SRS!

I worked on my website a bit, added a blog about WindWords, but I am going to move it, soon, off-site where it will be a lot easier to get to, invite comments, etc.

Morgan came over and helped me take out the trash, pick up a bit, AND scrub the tub. we put in the new rubberised mat, he inflated the pillow and attached it to the tub, then was over the moon when I asked if he wanted a luxurious soak in mineral salts with the pillow, etc. He'd forgotten how he loved to take baths over here when he lived here and even after when he was younger. Pretty fun and funny. It looks so nice and fresh and clean, too.

I get my new and improved Birks tomorrow morning. Can hardly wait!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 08:21 PM

There have been times over the years when the kids were either not feeling great, or just out of sorts, and even when they grew big, sometimes the suggestion that made a big difference was if I offered to run them a bath. The prospect of relaxing in the water soothes so many things.

I'm going to move my truck out of the garage while the dogs are in the house. That way I don't have one or all wandering out the opening when I can't grab them if they wander. My two have the collars, but the lab doesn't. I have to run to Home Depot for carriage bolts to finish my potting table project, and to buy my winning (I wish) lotto ticket. $2 a week, and I've started buying a multi-day ticket (can buy up to 10 drawings at a time) to save the trip to the store to get the next one. I have a long list, if I ever win the lotto. If I don't, it'll take a little longer. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 09:33 PM

Thought you guys might like to see this:



Interview at Relay For Life

Night.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 09:40 PM

Ok...only a partial link. They didn't print the entire story online but rather used it as a teaser....but still, you get the idea. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 10:05 PM

I am lucky enough to have a state job with full benefits..but only 6 hours a day..so I won't leave until I have to. If I had more energy I would do a job search but I really don't so unless osmething falls in my lap I will stay here for a couple of more years...mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 10:40 PM

Happy Anniversary Maeve!!!

We celebrated our 19th anniversary today!!!

We kept it low key today (relaxing at the book store and out for dinner).

Big plans happening for us this weekend!!! YAYAYA

I hope you did something to celebrate that made your heart smile!!

XOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 01:25 AM

Happy Anniversary, Michelle and Pete!

Neat teaser and love the picture. Your hair really did grow in curly!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 09:08 AM

How wonderful to see you all healthy, happy and hairy!
Thanks for sharing, Michelle.
SINS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 01:59 PM

I posted last night, but I guess it didn't stick! Happy anniversary, those of you celebrating them!

Can't report anything useful so far today. Been doing some reading, and hunting down a print shop now that the university one has closed. I'm so sad to see those folks go their separate ways - I've worked with them for 15 years on my library print projects.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 02:25 PM

Thanks for the anniversary wishes, and warm applause for Michelle's own anniversary.

I have been decluttering apple tree borers in a search and destroy mission capped off by painting the lower trunks of all of the young trees.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 04:24 PM

Thank you for all the anniversary wishes!! We certainly had a wonderful day together!!! I hope that you, Maeve, also spent a beautiful wonderful day with your True Love!!!!!

Today I have been working in our bedroom which, if I am truthful, has become a haven of clean, folded clothing. And our closet? That's just scary. So...today I have gone through a lot of clothes (mostly his) that are never worn or don't fit and have bagged them up. I did put a few of my own in too but to be fair, I sort out my stuff far more often than his (I keep hoping HE will do it but frankly, it's just not that important to him and he has tons of other stuff to tend to). The thing I am most proud of myself about today is that I have sorted through all of my chemo hats. I had two drawers full of them and I have picked out my favorites to keep. I don't have to wear them for their original purpose anymore but they are still wonderful fall hats to keep me warm!!! So....Maeve, Jacqui, Sandra and Allison....all of your hats will be staying. I can't bear to part with the ones that I know were so lovingly made especially for me and besides that, they are BEAUTIFUL and I love them!!! However, I have all kinds of hats from the ACS too, most of those were never worn. I will take them to a local support group next week and see if they can pass them on. Sorting through the hats that initially brought lots of tears was very empowering for me today. Very. In the event that I should ever have to go for more treatments, I know I have about 12 hats that I love, that are comfortable and make me feel good!!!! They are all, by the way, handmade. I kept my favorite sleeping cap too...it's amazing how cold my head used to get at night.

Gotta go...more soon!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 05:16 PM

60 minutes pool today

PT sched is MWF at PT and Tu/Th at regular pool. Nabbed some new baselines today and otherwise followed instructions. Ended up teaching a newbie who was getting herself in trouble-- gotta bring those laminated binders in, so newbies can learn on their own cuz I am not teaching now. I get to be the patient until the current injury is healed.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 05:42 PM

I need to go ahead and move the furniture in my bedroom, set the furniture in a way so my the path through to the closet and bathroom is a little shorter (and I won't have my back to the door. I've been slow to move things, but that is why I'll do it.)

I've realized I can rewire the cat-5 phone line from the central wiring hall location where both my phone and data hubs are, to the kitchen wall and make it a data port instead of a phone line. I'll put the old computer there and use the hdmi port on the back of it to run to the 21" tv I mounted on the wall a couple of years ago. I can bring up recipes right there when I'm cooking, search answers, OR, stream NetFlix while I work. I already can in the living room with the bluray player, but when I am working in the kitchen it's kind of out of the way to try to watch anything playing in the living room.

With Google+ getting me looking more that the networking and chat end of things, I picked up a headset and I already have a web cam, so find me on Google and maybe we can chat virtually one of these evenings, if you have a web cam or at least a microphone set up.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 06:02 PM

Chemo caps may be needed in the Claudia thread. Five years old and facing brain tumors. Just a heads up.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 08:02 PM

I got my newly rebuilt Birks this morning and, so far, I feel LOTS more support and softness at the same time. It's pretty neat. I know I am using muscles in different ways and may be a bit sore for a day or two, but the exercises he taught me two weeks ago have already toned me a bit so it shouldn't be too bad. The swelling in my fingers is going down, too, with the hand therapy and exercises.

Morgan was over, but was a bit bored because I wanted to work around here, so...he did a few things helping me out, then his dad got home early so they could make a b-day cake for my daughter. I went through the paper pile-up on my desk, loaded two cassettes, that have been sitting on my desk for weeks, into my HD and put them away, packaged up a CD and some figurines to send to a friend, and two books are ready, stamped and everything, to go to my son.

I also looked at some of my fav. blogs, yours included SRS, it's got such a nice clean look to it, and tried to find a design I like at WordPress for my WindWords-Second Edition blog, but couldn't decide on one! I did come up with a better name for it, imo: WindWords Rides Again!

I think I will try exercise, tomorrow and then I have a hand therapy session. If Morgan is here for the whole day, I will probably take him to the pool after lunch.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 08:35 PM

SRS, I forgot to say, I have been re-inspired by your stick-to-it-tiveness with ebay and listed one little item. Within an hour I had three watchers. I think I will load a bunch of books, too.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 09:23 PM

Evening scootering at Ives Run, lovely.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 09:34 PM

Three loads of laundry on the line, the last one went up by moonlight with the bats keeping me company. Earlier today as I was hanging another load of clothes on the line, a turkey ran right in front of Stewie!!!

Endocrinologist office called around 6:00pm. THEM: Have you had dinner? Me: Not yet. THEM: Don't eat anything. Me: What? THEM: Did your insulin come today? Me: Yes, finally (been without my insulin for 48 hours). THEM: Oh good. Enjoy your dinner. Me: LOL

Tomorrow my dear friend Tracy and I are going to have a Girl's Day Out. Our plans? To get our ports flushed. :) And to be silly, of course!! I can't wait! This is the first time we've done a day like this. Here's to unclogged ports, skilled, happy nurses!!!!

Total change of subject? What are some of your favorite high protein snacks? I'm looking for some new ideas. Thanks ahead of time!

Michelle who is getting her exercise chasing around after Jeremiah who is B~U~S~Y!!!!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 11:24 AM

A favorite high protein snack is smoked salmon. Another one is pickled herring. I'm not eating much beef jerky these days, I think there's too much unnecessary stuff goes into it.

Kat, thanks! I use a free version of the Wordpress blog, but if I go ahead and buy into a site I can load one of the (also free) Wordpress versions that you can operate from different servers. I chose one that let me put my own photo in the header (Woman of Many Parts). The Two Cents at a Time one is a standard art header but I liked the clean look of it. If I was willing to learn the programming, I could make modifications and have a totally unique look.

I have a few books on eBay as placeholders, not many looks right now, but I have more non-book items to list this weekend. I have to list the items in one box (a bunch of computer power cords, printer cables, a few old card readers, etc.) and then get clear photos to list them. I'll fit as much as I can in a flat rate priority box and list those at a rock bottom price, to see if they'll go out the door.

I've been working on converting a cast iron wood rack into a potting shelf out in the yard. I'll post photos when it's finished. I somehow didn't count the number of carriage bolts properly, so I headed to Home Depot yesterday. I also cleared out some of the extra stuff from wiring last fall and winter (the packages of phone jacks, cable jacks, face plates, etc.) and was given store credit, so my bolts didn't make an impact on my wallet. I have more wiring stuff to clear out later, but I'm not completely finished so I'll return the rest another day.

Michelle, I love the image of you hanging laundry by moonlight with bats around! I sometimes have to take my rechargeable Coleman camping lantern out to the yard with the laundry basket if I didn't bring it in before dark, and find it is essential to give each piece a shake. You can end up with critters in the house who had decided to hunker down for the night on a towel or pair of jeans. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 04:12 PM

This morning, Morgan came over early. After breakfast, he helped me by bringing empty boxes out to the kitchen where I went through the dishes cupboard.

When we moved to New England in 1983, I'd never been so far apart from any of my family, esp. my mom. She knew I'd always loved white-speckled blue enamelware, the kind only found in camping stores back then. Our second Christmas in New England, she sent us a set of those dishes and I was over the moon. We had a beautiful Christmas breakfast, and later, supper, using those dishes. I was so pleased and proud of how pretty they looked and so grateful to my mom.

Until today, we still had those dishes, but rarely used them any more. With just Rog and I, we use more paper than anything else. So there they sat, in the cupboard, taking up space, but well-loved and I was reluctant to let go of them. I've been thinking about them all week.

This morning, I loaded them all into a box which Morgan provided, along with some vases and other things I decided to let go of...Rog loaded two over-filled boxes into the car for us. Then, he and Morgan put all of the aluminium cans in a trash bag, I grabbed two packages to be mailed and off we went.

We first went to Kmart to return a towel and shorts which I didn't like, then on to the health food store for more of our fav. coconut bars, then down Main street to see the new water feature. It is so neat! A big square filled with small outlets for water which sprays up. Open for kids to frolic and others to get their feet wet, at least. After that we went looking for the place to take the cans for recycling. Took a bit, but we found it. Morgan got $1.20 for what he'd collected. Everything he collects, he gives to the humane shelters. So, after that, we went to one of the shelters which has a store and dropped off the boxes of stuff. We also went in to see the kittens they had and Morgan gave them a donation of $5 which was from his wages for this week. Then, we went to the other humane shelter where he gave a donation of $4, the rest of his wages and his can money. It was pretty neat. When we got out to the car, he told me he felt really good about giving to help the pets.

By that time, it was past lunch, I was hungry, but we still needed to stop at the post office. He went in for me to get the mail and dropped off the stamped packages. Then, we got lunch and came home. Phew!

Didn't make it to exercise and the hand therapist was out sick, today, but I think I got plenty of movement anyway! Sure feels good to see the neatly almost empty cupboard and to have done all of the other stuff, too. Although, now that I think of the dishes, I do feel kind of sad, but a good sad, if that makes any sense. I think my mom would understand.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 07:57 PM

Kat,

I have my mother's silver that she gave us when we got married. It would stay in the box except for special occasions, like she used it, but one day I decided I needed to just use it. So I put the cheap stainless stuff in storage - I use that when I need a lot of extra utensils - and I use the silver every day. I would have told you to do that with the set you'd had in the cupboard. Is there something else that you have put away as "special" that you can bring out and use regularly? You'll find it is more special when it gets used.

My son had his wisdom teeth out today. I'm going to take some mashed potatoes over to his Dad's house in a little while. I have a recliner that he might be more comfortable sleeping in, but it sounds like they've got him pretty well propped on pillows on the sofa. It's getting liquid into him now that is important (he felt a bit nauseous). I'll take some of my green tea for ice tea over also, maybe that will be less jarring than Gatorade.

106^o here today. We are unhappy campers. And I had a soaker hose on a timer right before I left for my son's surgery (at noon). I went out at about 4 to check the mail and realized the line had broken sometime after the timer stopped the flow. Who knows how many of those four hours the water ran full-strength out of the tap? [grinds teeth after having been so very careful with water]

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 09:45 PM

Yard sales this morning netted lots of new clothing for Jeremiah, some toys, a sleeping bag and an antique cook book for mama.

I had tons of fun with Tracy....what a hoot!

My port was cranky today...took 5 tries to get a blood return. Luckily, my favorite nurse was doing ports today...she has such a soothing voice and she knows how to help me stay calm. I will say though that as I felt fear rising up in me, I said it out loud and immediately the blood return was working. I think that bit of fear spiked my blood pressure which pushed everything on through. Just my thought on the matter though.

I picked up a video monitor so we can keep an eye on the baby for seizures while he is sleeping (sound too so it will wake us up). It's a hand held monitor so I can walk around the house or sit on the porch while he's napping and be able to see that he is ok instead of running to his room at every sound. Mama hasn't been getting much sleep because of the constant checking in on the baby and sometimes I end up disturbing his sleep. Neither thing is good and I think the monitor offers peace of mind. Also did some grocery shopping.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 09:51 PM

Thanks, SRS. We did use them, but neither of us likes to wash dishes and they would pile up. I do believe in getting the "good stuff" out and using it, but these days, as I said, we use paper mostly and really don't have the room to store lots of stuff even if we use it. We do have some nice old heavy, not fancy, china plates in the top cupboard which I kept for special dinners. I also have my grandmother's china which is too fragile to have out much. I don't know if any of my daughters or nieces will want it. No one needed or wanted it when my mom passed on, so I took it.

I am really feeling a need to go almost minimal in the house, these days. Morgan asked me to keep a couple of special bowls, which I did, but he also went to his toy box, on his own, and picked out three toys to donate. Made me proud.:-)

I have two items listed on ebay with watchers for both!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 10:01 PM

Really loving PT, wish I'd known I'd qualify, years ago. LOve doing it with a colleague, too-- very rich learnings.

OK today 40 minutes incl some treadmill stairstepping (can't do at other pool, too shallow!), resisting wave action (core strengthening), a bunch of adductor and abductor stuff, hammies' stuff.

Got PT-ist's orders for off days (aquajogging & stretching).... she cut my usual 2-3 hours down to 40 MINUTES!!! And said that no wonder I am tired after lake walking, the way I'd been doing it, in boat wash and all. The plan: Nothing that will limit IADA. Up to me on how hard/how much weight, up to her on reps and sets.


This was followed by usual day-off stuff but we added about an hour of scootering to it. Then this evening another hour, but with Faulkner (and Hardi's bike). And I feel great, came home with energy and whipped the dishes.

Sleeping better too. Last night, a whole night. Nightmares ebbing, just curiosities really with no power to them at all. Might be the bedtime prayers and friends praying. Bigger bedtime snack may have helped as well-- had not been eating near enough.

TBTG, and TBTG too!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 10:03 PM

Kat,

I also have my Nana's china. I rarely use it because it came from Wales when her parents were married. It's so thin and I am so afraid I will break it. We have used it for holidays on occasion but I'm sure those days are over until Jeremiah hits double digits!!!! All other dishware in this house is used whenever. I have a set of hand thrown plates/dishes, a set of plain white with raised bits Pfaltzgraff and a set from Walmart. :) We use paper too when I just have had enough washing dishes.

HOORAY for you for teaching Morgan to give to others!!!!!! I hope to inspire that in Jeremiah!!!!


Andrea...how's the construction going???

And SRS....when you can your peaches, do you use any spices?

Night Everybody! XOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 12:24 AM

Thanks, Michelle. I am sure you will teach Jeremiah the value of giving as you have set such an example, though I think you will also teach him is important to know how to receive, too.:-)

WordPress has been driving me nuts, but, after about three hours, I think I found a design I like. I was able to change the header to a custom design HERE, I HOPE.:-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 12:25 AM

Oh, well, I see a few minor edits are needed. Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow/you're only a day away!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 05:55 AM

Yesterday I had to do some more piecing with the trouser linen for my waistcoat. I am now unpicking the old pockets to see if I can applique them to the front. I hate having no pockets.

There are some fungi on the bed I had the lettuce in, unidentifiable. Only on that bed, which had a mix of clay, sand, mushroom compost (shame they aren't mushrooms) and a bag 0f unidentifiable topsoil (I think). They aren't anywhere else in the garden, and being a new bed, can't have come from rotten roots or something like that. And the other beds in the garden also have a similar mix. It is under the forsythia, but other parts are also under the forsythia.

Oh well, battery down.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 07:19 AM

Kat, the heading looks great!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 10:19 AM

Michelle, I didn't use spice in this batch, but I will if I get a few more peaches. My friend Dean posted this on my facebook page last week:

"You should do a batch of spiced peaches (hvy syrup, some stick cinnamon & whole clove per jar). They're like heroin: you'll come to your senses, sitting on the floor and surrounded by empty jars with a sticky spoon in your hand . . ."

Kat, it does look good. The "Dashboard" is a very helpful area that lets you set controls, moderate remarks, etc. It also lets you see hits on the page - if you set it up so there is a message posted to your facebook page every time you post something, you'll find more people will see it.

Susan, I imagine that doing the movements in the proper way will give you a lot more bang for your buck, and give you more time in the day. I'm glad you got a good night's sleep, that is so important to good health.

Michelle, I was listening to a conversation on public radio about babies sleeping. Jeremiah is past the tiny baby stage they were discussing, but it was interesting - in 20 years so many things have changed. No bumpers, no toys, they don't even suggest a blanket for the baby, and it should be on it's back.

I had some dirty dishes in the sink last night as I'd been getting set to run the dishwasher. This morning the sink was filled with ants marching up the mixer bowl and into the bit of mashed potato that was crusted inside. So strange, and I'm so tired of this heat and the ants and bugs and all that make their way indoors. I leave all of the drains closed now to keep out waterbugs. I'm a naturalist, I can deal with it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it!

eBay today, and some more stuff gets finished in the house and perhaps more wiring items (all in their plastic bags still) taken back to Home Depot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 04:47 PM

Thanks, Michelle and SRS! I put up a post about the proof, today and am disappointed that the theme I chose at wordpress is two-column, so I'll have to find a different one, I guess, which I can make one-column and still use my header. The proof kind of sucks, too. *sigh*

On the other hand, Morgan is coming over for a sleepover. He's been asking all summer. Now, he's been calling me every hour on the hour since 1045a to tell me how many hours before he gets to come over (at 5p.) We'll be building a "tent/fort in the LR, having goulash, salads, and garlic bread for supper and probably watch a movie.

I'll be sure to pass on the riddle, SRS, thanks!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 06:29 PM

SRS, do you ever tweet your ebay items for sale? I did a little while ago and it jumped from 5 to 20 and 21 watchers each! Don't know if it will translate any to any sales, but it's pretty neat to see that jump.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 12:02 AM

I haven't tweeted my sales because I don't know that any of my followers are interested in these things. But I could give it a try on something to see what happens. Would use a hashmark to let it turn up easier as a search result.

Heading to bed in a minute. I cleaned the kitchen thoroughly and moved the old computer onto a stand I picked up at the recycle center near here. I added one silicone button to one bottom corner of the stand and it was level. I think it had been discarded because a foot went missing. It now supports the HP under the wall-mounted TV in the kitchen, and I let 2 NetFlix films stream while I worked. I moved the dish cloths and wash cloths from the bottom drawer where they were difficult to rotate to a pull out wire rack in a pantry cupboard. I'll put the attachments for the Kitchenaid stand mixer and my straw and bamboo hot pads in that bottom drawer. It's a better fit.

The entire week coming up is predicted to be from 100 to 102. No rain, or very slight chances. This is really really old.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 12:56 AM

Walked for an hour and a half.

Danced my ass off for 2 hours at the Melissa Etheridge concert....second row, center!!!!   WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!


Night All!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 09:57 AM

Hit the wall ydy. A daytime activity I tried to soften for muscle recovery ended up as doing too much when I added a heavy-lifting chore to it, and in unaccustomed heat. I made it thru the Sat. svc painfully, thru a steak-replenishing-protein dinner, and up to bed, where I fell out hard and almost immediately. I woke 4 hours later with crystal clarity in cool, dry air with the thought, "Oh! I was tired, and this was the nap I missed at 4PM!" My muscles had not ached after the PT-- the PT-ist will not allow me to work them that hard yet-- but she is tiring them out and they get to rest!!!" The heavy lifting on the tired muscles-- nononono. (She said I could do NORMAL activities, not backflips!) When that lift felt too hard, I should have set it down, not walked around with it! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 10:37 AM

Photos of the concert are on Facebook for anyone who wants to see them. If you aren't a friend on FB and would like to see the photos, just send me an invite (Michelle Lawrence...photo of a bearded man and a baby are on my profile pic) and remind me of your Mudcat name and I'll be sure to add you!   I got some great photos last night!!! WOOO HOOO!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 11:55 AM

Too damn hot and sticky to do much of anything. Freddie was out all night and missing this morning. Then he showed up with a mouse - a BIG mouse. He was refused entry, then lost the beast under a trash bin, He'll probably pee on my clothes today to let me know I screwed up.
Strange dreams about a carniaval, bicycles, relatives and flying. Trying to put it all aside so I can vacuum the living room and straighten up the kitchen.
Prairie Child is happening, Kat? Been a while in the coming. Congratulations.
Love,
M

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 02:06 PM

At least the cat came back!*bg*

No, PC is still waiting for me to figure out the blankety-blank formatting to suit Amazon's CreateSpace. Thank you, though! I decided, in the meantime, to submit a "second" edition of WindWords to them as I already had the files from years ago. Only trouble is, THEY SCREWED UP! (See column from yesterday.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 02:17 PM

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who are alive."
~Howard Thurman

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 03:03 PM

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who are alive."
~Howard Thurman
*******************************
Michelle- You would have no way of knowing this...I knew Dr. Thurman, a good friend of both my parents, when I was a young child. He was and is one of my personal heroes.

Thank you. That's a quote to add to the walls of the yurt.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 03:23 PM

Maeve!!!

That's neat!!!!! It's one of my current favorite quotes!!!!

:) :) :)

I picked up the last of the larger yard sale items from last weekend with the help of my handsome husband, helped him unload the truck and carry things down to my Mom's basement as well as about 6 garbage bags of leftover stuff. Our second yard sale at her house will happen soon! The first yard sale was not on the main drag and they did not advertise baby things so I think we missed a lot of folks. Oh well, we'll try it again!

So...got home, took the laundry off the line, made lunch and am puttering around a little bit. My thermometer says 96 degrees...it's just too hot to do much of anything and since I don't HAVE to do much of anything today, that's the plan!!! Work until I'm hot, take a break. Work. Break. Etc. :)

Have a great day everybody!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 03:38 PM

Heading into the yard with laundry to hang up. I need to get myself moving, I have no energy this afternoon. The heat is oppressive, and I need to get past it.

Ebay stuff this afternoon - indoor work is what I need for a while.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 04:49 PM

Morgan finally quit playing with the flashlight (for reading in bed) about 1130p last night. I read a bit longer and finally got to sleep about an hour later. I was up and down a couple of times, then I heard this quiet little voice, "Mama, mama? It's six o'clock." I know I groaned and told him to go back to sleep. Mama and Papa needed to sleep in a bit! So, then it was 7a and then 8a, each time he informed me very nicely. We gave up about 830a! Some "sleep" over! Still we had fun even if I was grumpy. After he went home, Rog took me for a ride up in the orchards and I caught up on my sleep a little. I love naps in the car on rides...very relaxing.

Came home, was out of sorts about our bedroom, so I folded all of the clothes, put them away, then decided to clean out the top two drawers of my dad's old highboy which has been used mostly for storage. I wanted to use it, again, as a dresser, so, after many, many years, some keepsakes either were put away elsewhere, put in a sell or giveaway box and some things were thrown out. I took my clothes out of the canvas bins which have been sitting on top of an old buffet we have in there and put them in the drawers. Emptied all three bins. I had to stop because I was hungry, hot, and tired, but it looks better and will be even more so when I finish taking care of a few things.

I plan to go through the buffet, also mostly storage, and maybe even get rid of it through selling or swapping. I really want to find a two-seater hideabed couch like we had in WY. It would be perfect for Morgan. He's only got a few inches to go to be as long as the cot he uses these days!

Also shredded some documents. Rog did the dishes and is doing the litterboxes as I type. He's been really tired this weekend...partly heat and unbelievable humidity, but mostly work stress. We've had so many thunderstorms with hour-long, or so, gullywashers, the main canal which provides irrigation water for a lot of orchards, fields, and residences, including ours, had a break when a dam broke up the canyon last Monday. The water finally was turned back on yesterday. Even without it, the humidity has reminded me of back East.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 05:14 PM

The annual mad dash to pack for vacay is in full swing. I dunno why it's not easier each year. (I suppose it is and it just doesn't feel that way.) This year we jettison an item I can sell and add an item instead with personal significance. This year we have no set destination and only our own goals to pursue. This year I cannot do a damn thing to help physically but hope to come home in better shape. This year I come back to a house being cleaned by a paid helper (thanks to Mom and Ed) and have 2 weeks till MIL arrives... instead of doing the month's worth of cleaning myself before she arrives.

This year I have work stuff to be on vacay from, that I have to watch a bit while away, and a big project a short week after we return for which I will need to hit the ground running.

This year I have pool noodles that fold and can also be pillows. And insructions from the PT to build in more fun and less extremes. And a considerably lighter meds load-- I'm taking the vacay off from one BP med I suspect is over-prescribed, and taking just the previous smaller dosage. God will have to watch my BP again this year so I can MOVE. He hain't failed me yet!

And why is Faulkner desperately hiding under my legs today??? I think he wants to come along, not board this year.

Thanks to friends who have been faithful in praying for us this year. We continue to hold you in our own prayers, and share His peace with you, as well.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 06:06 PM

Susie asked if Zeke can come stay in early August for a few days - Cinnamon accepted immediately! They're flying out again, no dogs, shorter trip this time. When I make a short trip later on in the fall I'll probably have one party feed the dogs in the evening and another in the morning. I am afraid if Susie tried to walk all three dogs that Poppy would turn the walk into a huge tangle, so we'll keep those plans as simple as possible.

Laundry is drying outside, a big drink of iced tea and my snack of salty chips eaten. I think maybe I'm a little low on salt, I've noticed a few cramps try to start in the feet and legs lately. It's this heat. Maybe time to get some gatorade. I don't like all of the sugar in it, but I could use it for after gardening (the way it's supposed to be used - when you need to add electrolytes). Seems it isn't as hot today, it stayed down at 100, but the ozone level is orange so it still isn't a good time to go out.

Bread is rising and a batch of banana bread will be mixed up close to when I start baking the yeast bread. Their baking times are a little different, but I think there can be some overlap. Banana bread (sans nuts) for my son with the tender mouth.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 07:10 PM

SRS, there are some yummy sounding recipes for alternative to gatorade HERE.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 09:15 PM

Hour and a half evening scootering. All chores today within limits. Nap per orders even.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 10:44 PM

Jogged 2/10 of a mile today.

JOGGED.

Me. I jogged. It wasn't pretty but I DID IT!!!!!!!

Why? Because I can for all those who can't because they've heard the words, "You have cancer."


I Run For Life

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 09:10 AM

Good for you, Michelle!

This morning I decluttered the yard of a skunk carcass. It seems my dogs have hit the Zen of dog-hood. In their younger years, they got skunked before they killed the skunk. Then they got a slight glancing blow of spray before they killed the skunk. Then last year we went through the peaceful 7 discharges in the yard (that I detected) but only the first landed any dog-hair or face contact. And they started chasing off the skunks without getting hit.

Now they're back in form, killed the skunk without getting skunked. It must take quite a strategy on the part of two dogs to neither get hit and still manage to kill the poor bugger. It's now floating down stream in the creek behind the house. (This is going on the facebook page where I sent a photo of the smearly departed.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 09:19 AM

Jogged?????
WOW!
If I don't start moving soon, I won't be able to walk. HAven't jogged in years. Keep it up Michelle. I see a marathon in your future.
SINS

It's 6AM???? I'd kill him. Gently but firmly. LOL
Love,
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 11:26 AM

4.15pm in a book shop/cafe in Wigtown, Scotland. They have got wifi, and I've got my notebook! The sun is shining at the moment, but i don't know how long it will last, as we have had some horrendous gales and rain over the last 3 days. It has a nasty habit of clearing up in the evening and then coming howling again overnight. (Blasted Atlantic weather systems!)
I was in this shop on Saturday, and spent a lot of money. I then visited several more....so now I have more books to find shelf space for! Wigtown is the "second hand book capital" of Scotland.

I left home on Thursday just before the archaeologist came for his last visit. The concrete had been poured for the floor, the last drain trench was about to be dug, and the blocks for the inside of the walls were due that afternoon. There was no news up until then as to when the stone would arrive.
I expect to see quite a bit of progress when I get back next tuesday, unless the stone still hasn't arrived!

A lot of driving and eating being done at the moment, but not much walking! I hope to get to a couple of stone circles soon if the weather picks up, and there are a couple of good exhibitions on in Kirkudbright, also.
And the Wickerman festival next weekend, but I shan't be going, because it's my friend's birthday, and we will be partying at the camp site.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 12:21 PM

Andrea, Just be glad your house isn't sitting over a stone circle, or you'd never move back in.

I cleaned some old vitamin bottles (the larger ones for fish oil capsules) and got the labels off over the weekend in preparation for this morning when I filled them with dried herbs from my garden. I packed some extra space with home-grown garlic, and am sending it to a friend in New York. The postage will still be a lot less than if he bought the herbs himself, but I think mostly this is sending along something grown by one friend to another, to add to the pleasant ceremony we can make of cooking with special ingredients.

Since I cleared a lot from the library table in the living room I'm going to see if I can move it somewhere else, or move another piece of furniture out of there. I should look around and see if there is a piece of furniture I can get rid of, but most of what is around now gets used.

Gotta get some work done and then see if my son needs lunch. His dad was off last week and took him over for the dental appointments. He's still on a soft diet, so we're trying to keep him supplied with healthy soft choices. I'm on call this week since his dad is back at work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 01:01 PM

35 minutes PT (too short) with leg weights for various exercises and some more wave-resistance. Next visit back to stair-stepping-- the one thing that can be done at this facility that cannot be done elsewhere, almost fully underwater.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 01:54 PM

Not keeping up with everyone but ...

Spent last week planning and organizing for the "pottery/clay-play" booth at Apple Hollow Music Fest. Tripped to the supply house for clay - self hardening so kids could take home a hand built piece and take it home to paint. Regular white clay so people could try the wheel. Well, I was all organized and ready!! Five children and one adult did hand building - and had a lot of fun doing it. One musician made her first ever pot with her group standing around kibitzing! So, I was prepared for masses - had about 25 balls of each clay ready. Now to keep them ready for the next festival - whenever that is. I also threw a few pots - first time sincea 2009 and on a kick wheel - a certain muscle is complaining today but I can walk so.... Sold five small pieces and got an order for two bowls. Told her not to hold her breath. Well, it was fund and exhausting - a 16 hour day by the time I got to watch the last group on stage (I could hear them all day - GREAT MUSIC!) and load up and got home after midnight.

Then up to the Laurentians on Sunday for Quaker Meeting - made the last ten minutes because I could not get up sooner! Afternoon on a beautiful secluded lake. Need to find my bathing suit; the water would have been delicious.

Now I am in recupe mode, thinking about next project - the web site improvements for the local SPCA so raccoons and other wild animals are addressed adequately. Trade in the excessive amount of self hardening clay for my fav dark clay to throw. Plan to spend some time at the cabin making pots and improving the studio. This means going and coming according to when the bridge-under-repair offers a lane in the correct direction. We have ascertained that the small kiln works!

Constant sorting: packing unnecessaries, decide what to do about discards - yard sale or thrift shop? unpacking those items which are currently useful or fun. Dealing with two households, an hour apart - "oh that's (at the other place)! The cabin is more civilized - but the stove is not connected yet.

Oh, and one more "project" - several hundred VHS videos that need new homes. I checked one set and it was $20 on ebay so I tried to figure out how to market them on e-bay. But, that is rocket science so I guess I will try Craigslist - local and no shipping. But listing will take some time. A project for next week....   

The tomato plants are starting to produce red, yellow and orange cherry tomatoes. Rain might be helpful at this point.

Love hearing about Andrea's terrific house project! But cannot take time to read all the postings.

Actually one thing on my mind is how to deal with the 2-300 mostly raccoon emails - every day! I am working toward a strategy to get the good info without all the tripe. I need to focus on the important, useful stuff and cut down the time spent - but still get to see the cute pics because those beautiful faces always make me smile! Time and eyestrain are considerations.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 02:01 PM

I intended to do some book sorting today, but haven't got round to it because of sewing. I'm working through history books, and have done Archaeology and Prehistory, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, The Celts, and the period of the English Settlement. Next should be Saxons before the Vikings. I have to work through all the other shelves, pulling out the relevant volumes (and the ones I missed in the last rounds), filling up the gaps created with the ones I've moved from the shelf the history will be on, and putting aside books for Oxfam. Also altering the layout of the shelves to be economical with the brackets.

I have nearly finished my waistcoat, only topstitching around the armholes and the neatening to do now. The pattern company's idea for turning inside out would not have worked, unless the garment was made in really thin fabric. The fronts were to be pulled through the shoulders. Once sewn up, these were only 3" wide, so diameter 2" as a tube. Pulling through a side seam was definitely easier than that would have been. The front is cut longer than the back, with points at the bottom, and curved edges to the opening. I have appliqued the pockets from the trousers to the fronts. The front pockets had a slanting opening, and on the other side, I have abutted them to a seam I had to put to get the right width. The back pockets which had button closures I have put above them, with the edge matched to the diagonal of the lower pockets. It does look intentional. Mum had made some self covered buttons in the lining material, and I'm wondering whether to use them as a fastening, but they aren't needed.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 05:47 PM

Jogged 2/10 of a mile.

Daily chores tended to as well.

:)

A very short job in this kind of humidity (thunder in the background, black skies) makes you break a big sweat in no time!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 05:52 PM

You'll have to post photos when you finish Penny, so we can see what all of these features look like!

Dorothy, the idea of swimming in a lake sounds wonderful! I'm afraid some of them down here are probably getting pretty warm by now. I took the kids in a Corps of Engineers lake in Arkansas a few years ago when we were on vacation and on the day it was 104 out we found a public swimming beach to ourselves. The water felt heavenly!

Sold another couple of books on eBay. Tiny price, the shipping costs more than the books, but little by little my paypal account is being useful and the counter is clearing. I have a box with sheets that my son won't use again in the new dorm that I'll list next.

Now for something completely different - my brother learned about the dairy program at Washington State University last year and for xmas sent my sister and I each a Cougar Gold sharp cheddar cheese that the students made. They're aged 3 years before they sell, and I finally remembered I had it in there and I wanted a cheese sandwich, so I opened the can. This is the most delicious cheddar cheese I have ever eaten. The closest I've come is the white New York Sharp Cheddar. I see that when they sell it now it has to go in a cold pack; that wasn't necessary last December. This is heavenly, and if you have an occasion coming up where you want to knock off people's socks, this is the cheese. I took a slice of homemade bread and toasted it a little the put a layer of the cheese on top and put it under the broiler element for an open face cheese sandwich. I don't have enough superlatives for this cheese. My ex stopped by and I sent some home with him - if my son doesn't want any on a sandwich, it won't go to waste. And think about it crumbled on a salad. :)

Maybe I'll take a sample with me to work tomorrow - I bet a few co-workers would enjoy this (and the can is big - I don't want this to stick around so long it gets moldy). Fortunately the Tupperware lid for one of my smaller bowls just fits the can.

Okay. I'd better get back to work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 09:18 AM

Clearing out a few things to drop off at Goodwill. Recycling a toner cartridge at work -- all of these things have piled up next to the door over the past few days. It'll look good when it's gone.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 10:26 AM

I rearranged the living room this morning and have a load of clothes in the washing machine. There had been a folding table in the living room for temporary use as a desk. Well, it turned out to be a piling center. Everything has been removed from that table to the kitchen table will it will more likely get the attention it needs as I like my kitchen table clear. The folding table and chair has been folded back up and put away. Ah yes. There is that extra space!!! I still need to dust in the living room and vacuum later tonight after all the toys are picked up. Bonus to taking care of that folding table....I can get to the stereo again...YAY!!!

It's supposed to be really hot and muggy here today and I've started to have pain in my left side so I'm going to take the rest of the day pretty easy.

Oh yeah, took care of some phone business and paid several bills this morning too.

Jeremiah was up early but really cranky so after a bottle and a diaper change, I put him back to bed where he's been sleeping nicely ever since. That sure does let me get a whole lot more done!! I'm sure he'll be up soon and we will play!!! Yesterday he *read* a book to me. It was sooo sweet!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 11:06 AM

Penny, I'd love to see a picture of your waistcoat. It sounds so creative, expert, and pretty!

Dorothy, good to hear from you!

Yesterday, Morgan and I went through his books on the baker's rack back in the old office, then we moved the baker's rack to the kitchen and put what books he kept on our three shelf, fold-able wooden bookshelf which Rog retrieved from our daughter's house the day before. This was a pretty big project for him. It was great fun to see him "discover" books he's had but was too young to read by himself. Now, his "top shelf" holds all the special ones he wants to read right away. It looks better back there, too. The bookshelf is lower and fits the space better. Havne't figured out where to put the baker's rack. That will have to wait for the weekend and Rog's input as he may have to move some of his stuff and/or scootch the stove over a bit.

M and I also went downtown to the health food store. On the spur of the moment, I decided to surprise him by taking him to play in some new fountains just installed. There are about 30-50 water jets which come up out of the brick paved area with park benches around the perimeter. Children and anyone else who wants to can run through them, play catch with the water, etc. It shoots straight up, some go in arcs, at times all are very vigorous and high in the air, at other times just quick little spurts. I haven't had so much fun in ages, just watching him and the other kids have a blast. Total abandonment to joy and fun. I was really proud of him for watching out for the littler kids, esp. a very independent ca 4 yr old girl who, I think, was sight impaired. She was so much fun. Morgan has on a tee shirt and long light sweat pants. He was soaked to the gills when we left. And, of course, he asked if we could go again "tomorrow."

I went back to rehab exercise class, yesterday and the new shoes work! I was able to do 5 minutes of warm-up, ten on the treadmill, then twenty of the recumbent stepper, mostly without pain! And, it showed on the scales this morning. Down two pounds. My bod just wants to m-o-v-e! I do have some soreness in my knee, but it's working out.

Also saw the doc for a check up on my fingers. He's happy with the progress and said he hopes he doesn't see me again.:-) He's got a great sense of humour. Whilst there, I called animal control after another woman put a note on a pick-up truck with a small dog yapping in it, with about 2 inches of window rolled down. It was humid and already in the high 80s which means the truck, facing east, was probably at least 100 or more inside. I gave dispatch the plate number, the make and colour of the truck. I don't know if it was because it was Monday or not, but she didn't get it right, so the officer who came, whilst I was in with the doc, couldn't find it! I called her as I left as I saw an elderly man putting a wheelchair in the back and get ready to leave. She told me she'd ask the sheriff's dept. to look up the plate and she'd send them a notice. She was very apologetic. I just can't stand it when I see that happening. One reporter did a segment where he sat in the car in 90 degree heat and within just a few minutes the in-the-car temp was at 130 degrees. My Rog reminded his news dept. they need to do reminder segments every couple of weeks so folks don't forget how deadly it is to their pets AND children!

This morning, before Morgan, I have to call CreateSpace about the book proof and finish letters to the hospitals as well as dry clothes.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Donuel
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 11:17 AM

There is clutter and there are hoarders and then there are collectors who have the proper facilities and tastfully valuable items properly stored.

The magical thinking that places sentimental or fantasy value on items can lead to hoarding which can be caught in the bud or require successive purges.

At one point in evolution this was a life saving trait but today it needs to be fixed from time to time when clutter turns to obstacle.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 11:24 AM

Thorny PT issues solved (logistics) and will discuss with PT-ist tmrw.

A number of tricky work projects are now expedited off my desk-- done or delivered into appropriate in-baskets elsewhere for other team members' pieces to carry forward:

A training event
An Anti-Racism homeschool study project
A church website matter
A brochure
A ministry fund
A hookup with a ministry colleague next county over
Resources for PT-ist
MIL early Sept visit
September retreat guest
September-June guest
A display
Training and PR materials
Fall Commission on Ministry scheduling (mine)
Sexual assault resources

The FC pickup last night netted three nice items needed for vacay and more to expedite when we return.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 04:45 PM

"I run for hope. I run to feel. I run for truth, for all that is real....I run for life." ~Melissa Etheridge

2/10th of a mile in 103 degree heat. Because I can.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 05:48 PM

Michelle, don't do that! Running in heat that high is not like running in regular conditions. If you're going to run, do it at 7am when it's only 80 out. We're dying of this heat without running in it, and I don't want to hear about you becoming a statistic. So run at a better time of day, please!

I lay down for a nap on the couch this afternoon and hadn't turned on the AC in that part of the house. I woke up in a sweat and felt awful. I see a lot of people getting physically ill after all of this hot weather, and part of it has to be because we're going back and forth into super cooled buildings and then into the heat. I have a friend who developed "walking pneumonia" doing that.

Picked up peaches and tomatoes today, and tried to get the tenant at Dean's house to wake up (rang the bell several times) but no answer. (I would have borrowed his grinder for the tomatoes, but I'll have to use my old Foley food mill instead.) He sleeps all day, apparently, but Dean told me to try it anyway. I want to steam juice the tomatoes, the peaches were just picked up by Zeke's mom (who has a sinus headache and the last thing it looks like she needs to do is can peaches tonight.) She forgot the fruit fresh - I'll drop it by.

It's reaching a point where if it rains, I'll strip and run naked in it, and I don't think neighbors would bat an eye (they'd probably join me!) Oh, how I envy Morgan that play in the water! Tell him how hot we are here and I'd love a photo of him in one of those fountains to use as my screen saver for the summer!

More later.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 06:14 PM

SRS,

It was 4:30ish here and I was in the shade. It's all good. I'm not a full sunshine kind of girl. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 06:32 PM

SRS, as soon as I get tmobile squared away with "my album," I'll send you some pics or post them on myopera.

:-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 07:09 PM

If you can send picture mail, my phone will receive it.

We're just so very tired of the heat. Since early June it has been consistently hot, no rain, and it never cools, even overnight. At least in western deserts once the sun goes down it cools a bit. Here there's humidity that it doesn't happen. What we need right now is a well-placed hurricane.

Mailed another eBay package, down to just one up now, so I'll list a couple of more things. I'm steaming juicing tomatoes and making sauce tonight.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 09:48 PM

After two days recuperating: Did one load of laundry yesterday and hung it on our wonderful "new" clothes line. Hung it AFTER the wonderful but short rain storm!

Today, I exchanged the excess self-hardening clay for my favourite dark clay and drove directly to the cabin to get my hands into it. Spent a couple hours organizing and putting a shelf unit together, took a meal break then threw 7 bowls on my "new" pottery wheel. Love the clay, love my kick wheel, made by the same man who built the one I left in the NW - because it sat outside for a year thanks to my sudden move and high winds, etc. Then a meal break and it was time to come back to the city. The bridge we use is one-way most of each day, geared to commuters: to the city in the am until 9:45 and from the city in the afternoon until 7:45. Home at 8 pm.

Checked through emails. thinking about what I can/need to present to the SPCA on Friday. Hmmm. I can copy some of their web pages to file and make changes and additions!

The TV says we are not having a heat wave because it has not hit 30C. I consider anything over 70F a heat wave! You guys further south.... KEEP COOL!! Sunday someone was telling me her strategy - She fills the bathtub with cool water and gets into it every couple hours to cool her body core. Adds water as needed. Some of us could plan our lives like that. I find just the water I use when potting - dipping my hands constantly - really helps. OR, if reading or other seated activity, sitting with feet in a basin of cool water makes a big difference. When gardening on hot days in PA, I would wear a wet t-shirt.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 12:52 AM

Dorothy, my pit bull does that. I have a couple of tubs of water in the yard and she's in and out all day long.

I had a flat of tomatoes to process this evening. There are six half-pints of sauce processing now, and tomorrow I'll heat and season and can three quarts of juice. I didn't have Dean's food mill (an efficient one with a crank to run everything through easily) so after steam juicing I used my old Foley food mill. It worked, (usually it sits with the antiques on top of my kitchen cabinets!) but it's messier and a lot more grinding for the result.

We've been teased by clouds overhead for part of the time every day this week, but no rain. You were lucky to get your little storm, Dorothy. I'll set my washer to go during the middle of the night and hang out a load on the line tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 10:29 AM

Tired this morning, and went back to sleep for another hour after Susie called to say she had to take a car into the shop early and couldn't walk. The processing of tomato sauce ended pretty late. I'll process the juice today.

Item relisted on eBay, will do more today. Laundry washed overnight in the small hours when the power grid wasn't strained. Now to the yard to dry them. I need to clear off my desk, the papers are piling up again. I'd forgotten about clearing the file drawer behind me - I need to start using it! The usual kind of stuff, as you can see.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 01:38 PM

Now THAT was a PT appt!!!!

She finally found those missing muscles.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 03:00 PM

101.9 degrees at the moment. Humidity is low. Slight breeze, perfect day for doing lots of laundry, small odd loads too as everything dries so quickly on the line today!!!

I haven't gone for my run yet today but will later this evening when it cools off a bit.
ither
The kitchen is clean, the kitchen table has just about been found from yesterdays transfer of piles (why in the world is there SO MUCH paper clutter that is nothing but TRASH?), floors swept, baby soon to be in the tub and some other things going on today.

I also found myself a running coach! He started the same as I am and now runs marathons all over the place. His wife is also a runner...she did some crazy run last fall that was 80 or 100 miles...I forget. Either way, great people and he knows where I'm coming from. YAY for Tim!!!!!

Time to get moving again.

Later Gators!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 06:14 PM

This is an unhappy club to be a member of, the hot weather clan. I've cornered the market on whining about it for some time now, but I'll share the honors. Sounds like a lot of Mudcatters are going to go from warm to hot this weekend.

Slowly moving stuff out on eBay, listed some sheets today and I'll do some more books. The times I list one book at a time don't seem to sell as well as two well-chosen books. And unless a lot of books (i.e., multiples like 10 - 20 titles) has a complete set of some popular author, they're hard to sell. So I'll keep selling pairs of paperback for a small amount. Every now and then there are multiple bids. Something to keep in mind when finding inexpensive books at garage sales.

The flat of tomatoes yielded six pints of sauce and 2 1/2 quarts of juice. Not a huge turnout, all things considered. I used the old Foley food mill and it has a really metallic taste to it so I will mark these in case it gives them an odd taste. I don't think it will, but I'll keep track just the same. I am going to be taking the steam juicer back to Dean later this week and if I borrow it again I'll get his food mill (plastic and steel) at the same time. Over the last two weeks I've added 18 pints of peaches to the pantry along with the tomato products just listed. I also have to do some mustang grape jelly.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 06:26 PM

It's been painfully hot here for weeks...and will be even worse this week, including high levels of ozone and humidity.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 07:03 PM

We hit 19 days in a row of 100+ temps today. It was hot for several weeks before it hit 100 every day. The local weather folks are beginning the grim counting of how many days in this stretch, what records we will break.

I'm going to see if I can go sit in an air conditioned theater tonight and watch Harry Potter 7.2.

:)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 07:40 PM

It was hot when I was in Canada, it's hot here in New Hampshire. My hair's wet, though, which is a Good Thing. I should go watch Harry Potter too... maybe tomorrow. I am NOT going to clean the mouse nest out of my mower and do the lawn. Having neat grass just doesn't seem important.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 08:24 PM

The aquatic therapy tdy included diagnostic stair climbing (underwater, almost weightless) to spot how and why I injured myself, where the injury is still healing wrong, what needs to be stronger, and what compensating I've been doing that I need to retrain myself (with the PT) not to do any more.

I booked an extra session for the day we leave for vacay. I slept a solid deep sleep hour when I got home from this one, instead of sitting on sore muscles. Lots of small evening activities in short bursts will keep me from stiffening up too much.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 11:26 PM

My blood sugar at 11:00pm was 98!!!!!

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!!

The new insulin is working!!!!!   WOOOOO!!!!!

Had an intense cancer support meeting tonight.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 12:53 AM

Good for you, Michelle! Tread lightly, Susan.

Harry Potter 7.2 was a good resolution for the series. The books of course are far more comprehensive, and it helps with the movies to have read the books. I am glad I took a long sleeve shirt with me to the theater, I had to put it on about half way through.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 01:36 PM

30 minutes mixed deepwater aquatics and wall exercises. Quite a reversal for the "I Can't" person I used to coach and exhort to now be outworking me and coaching others. Fitting though. I'm so proud of her!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 01:46 PM

Gotta start filing here today. This pile of papers on my desk needs to go away.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 02:36 PM

Too darn hot to do much of anything today. I got dinner things ready when it was cooler so tonight all I have to do is fire up the grill and steam the veggies. Dishes are done, two separate loads of wash done (only 1 item each time), toys picked up (oh why do I even bother with that?) and run put on hold until they remove the excessive heat warning. I will go splash around the pool with the baby when the sun goes down a bit more.

Jeremiah walked in the bathroom this morning, looked and me and very excitedly said, "HI!!!!"   LOL Made my day!

Keep cool out there!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 07:44 PM

Today the rubber met the road on alternating PT and workouts on my own-- a good indicator. Since the PT has now found the missing muscles, the off-day workouts need to be a tad gentler to avoid taking pain into the next PT appt-- a muscle still hurting is a muscle not yet ready to go hard right away. And the PT is supposed to be HARD. We'll discuss that at tomorrow's PT!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 07:50 PM

This evneing I have a chicken to roast in the convection oven out on the porch. I'll make a couple of open-face cheese sandwiches for dinner and the chicken is for the rest of the week. Lots of veggies and fruit in the fridge to round out meals. I made another gallon of my iced tea. The lemon balm is growing in the yard and the green tea bags are about $3 for 100, I use six bags and 1 or 2 large sprigs per jar. I was spending several dollars a week on soft drinks.

I'll pick up Dean's food mill tomorrow and if I'm able to get more tomatoes I'll show Susie how to do the sauce with the steam juicer and the food mill. I would prefer to process home grown tomatoes, but I don't have any. I'll probably have some in the fall, but I can't bank on it this year.

I started poking around and found more cables and bits that I'll add to a bulk eBay list. It seems in this day and age you need to keep the electronic packaging for rebates and updates or returns, whatever, so I need to flatten a few and find a good storage place. Now they're in my hall closet where the modem and router are, but maybe I can put a box in there for them all and I won't have to look at them. I have a basket of cables and such, I'm not getting rid of all of the spare parts.

Tonight I'm going to do some deep watering at the front of the front yard, those plants there are really stressed by the heat and I haven't paid as much attention as I should have. Some shrubs and a tree in particular. I'm not going to put drinking water on the grass, but I'll keep my trees alive, I hope! Day 20 of 100+ temperatures today.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Tinker
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 08:59 PM

Stilly we've only had a few days, your posts reminded me it could be a lot worse.

I've been using ediets to track what I eat and map out exercise. My house may still be cluttered, but I've taken off 18lbs. Hopefully I'll get the other 15 off before Getaway.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 09:40 PM

Good job, Tinker!

I'm getting a walk in the morning with the dogs, and I'm moving around the yard and house, but no vigorous exercise, it's just too hot. I'm eating light meals, drinking water and tea, and for the time being, not drinking wine or beer. When it's this hot a glass of wine seems more potent, goes to my head and makes me more tired than usual. Not drinking that glass of wine is no doubt a faster way to lose weight.

The chicken is roasting on the patio table, dishes have been washed, and I'm doing a little eBay work. It's nice when a couple of people bid up the books!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 09:51 PM

OK, I am a slow learner. Once again I posted and once again, it failed. So, back to writing on word before trying to post.

Tinker must have a secret! Congratulations on that weight loss!

Herbal teas – mint, linden blossom, lemon balm – are very nice icy cold and refreshing. I kept them in the frig for teenage sons who went through more apple juice than we could afford. They were content with cold tea with honey.

So, here in Montreal, it was 92 in the shade at 5:30, a record breaking day! I have mostly stayed in the house where the air conditioner struggles to maintain 77 rather than the 72 at which it is set.

Laundry on line, then down again in two installments, oregano harvested – I cut off the tops with scissors – after the shade hit that area, a few weeds pulled, a few tomatoes tied, groceries fetched this am at the nearest store.

Prepared for meeting with SPCA. Dealt with emails; getting quicker at deleting the chaff. Emailed back and forth with a woman in PA looking for a rehabber for raccoons. Such a need for more rehabbers.

Started beans for more chili, and distilled two gallons of water. These heat up the K but I keep the door shut and only try to cool LR and BR.

Supposed to cool a bit on the weekend but the hoped for rain is not coming yet.

Keep your cool, everyone!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 12:22 AM

Yesterday I went to Morgan's school and heard great reports from his teacher, esp. that he has a "great love for learning." He got a certificate saying he is ready to be a Leader in 2nd grade and an award for perfect attendance, plus his reading went up four levels!And, math whiz that he is, he had all 100%s on his math papers. He loves it!

Today, I saw my primary care doc for a three month checkup. He is quite pleased with my progress and, as we talked, told me, once again, he and the specialist really weren't sure I would respond to treatment and that they got to me "just in time." Makes me doubly glad I registered complaints with both hospitals and have received confirmation the one really did write off the rest of the bill.

I also went back to the shoe doc who adjusted the orthotics a tiny bit. When I went to exercise, yesterday, my left knee hurt more. He found a spot which was putting too much pressure on the side of my little toe which effected the knee. It's a lot better, tonight.

Besides exercise, yesterday, Morgan and I also went through one side section of the buffet in our BR and the two shelves are almost empty! We will do the other two tomorrow, I hope.

The heat and humidity have been wretched here, too, but not nearly as bad as you, SRS. At least here we can count on the high desert cooling off to the 60s or 70s as soon as the sun goes down. I was out in it too much today, though. M and I were having so much fun, after he got out of school, we had lunch out, then the shoe doc, then were going to the used bookstore when we detoured to the shoe store, first, where he and I split the cost of new shoes for him. Then we went to the bookstore which was NOT well air-conditioned. By the time we left, I was really feeling the heat. The car surface temp was 106 degrees which means it was probably about 96 outside. I didn't notice until we got home that my O2 had run out. I was okay, I think it didn't run out until we were almost home, but this high heat is making me use it up faster. Rog explained the air gets thinner because of the heat. I plan to talk to the O2 company, tomorrow, about a bigger unit AND watch the clock better!

I'd love to live more naturally and have less impact on the Earth, but I would not survive in this climate without evaporative/swamp coolers, a/c in the car, and, of course, heat in the winter. I wish we could afford solar.

Tomorrow is exercise with Morgan in tow, lunch with "Papa" and, I hope, some more decluttering. I did sell one item, for less than a dollar, on ebay, but it's kind of neat; it's going to a collector in the Netherlands. Managed to get another listing up. I've been going through a small bin of speciality advertising samples from when I sold such things for a living back in the 80s. SRS, I've got books to get listed, too, but mostly old hardbacks. I'll try a few to see how they get on.

Still trying to figure out how to get the photos off my phone. After selling me the cable for a usb port, they THEN tell me my phone isn't set up for a memory chip and I cannot load them that way into my HD. SO, I took the block off receiving and sending pix to "my album" and they gave me thirty free texts to send the ones i have on it which I did, BUT they are nowhere to be found online in my supposed album, so I shall have to call them tomorrow. I will also take the cable back to the little idjit young man who sold it to me and get a refund!

Tink!! Good going!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 10:08 AM

Kat, having a phone with a card is a lifesaver.

It's so hot, I'm dripping sweat after drinking my hot tea at 9am. I have to change from my dog walking clothes and head to the office for a couple of meetings. At noon I'm picking up canning stuff if the farmer's market has them, and Susie and I will heat up the house tonight. Dress in cotton, work outside in stages, drink lots of fluids. Follow my own advice.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 10:35 AM

We filled the wading/sitting pool ydy. I had thought we would not because we're only here a few more days before departing on vacay, but tomorrow may be hot enough to sell that AC we've been holding to sell for a friend-- and it's too hot to sit in a chair to babysit it! The water may still be too cold to sit in-- but I can stick my feet in there at least!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: maeve
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 10:35 AM

103F in the shade at 9 am.

Basement door and windows were installed this morning. Inch by inch...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 11:03 AM

Melted on my way to work. Central air here.
18 pounds, Tink? That's amazing. I didn't think you weighed 18 pounds.
Morgan had an excellent report? Is the pope a Catholic? I would expect nothing less. Congratulations to my young friend. I hope he will always be as generous and innocent as he is now.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 01:06 PM

45 minutes PT today
Added wave walking, step-down ham work, & squats. Learned a GREAT new stretch from Dr. Pain, as her victims like to call her affectionately.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 01:46 PM

I am feeling for all of you in the heat, I feel bad enough in the high 80s.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 03:28 PM

Picked up a flat of tomatoes and a flat of peaches. Glutton for punishment here. I also have a flat of tomatoes for Susie. I'll do some of this in the early evening and have it out of the way for the weekend. Gotta get more sugar, I'm running low if I also make the jelly I have in mind.

Another eBay package ready to go. Nickle and dime, but it sure beats sitting out in the yard for a garage sale! I'm frankly astonished to see signs for garage sales this summer. Wait until it cools down. Actually, when it cools down, have your small bills and change handy because there will be a pent up supply of stuff from those folks who are waiting till it's cooler. I've gotten some of my best garage sale purchases under those kind of circumstances.

I have a lot of things I'd like to do this weekend, but who knows how long the stamina for it will hold out. I'm a lot more accustomed to the heat than the rest of you, but I'm a lot more tired of it than the rest of you. Who knows what that adds up to as far as personal productivity.

SRS

PS I am going to go out after dark and take a hose tap water shower on the patio. That always feels so wonderful.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 03:37 PM

The third floor bedrooms are up to 97+ the kids are camping out on the 2nd and third floors. The wiring up there doesn't support AC..... we are heading to Massachusetts tomorrow and by Sunday the heat is supposed to break ... I'll keep my fingers crossed.

But today all the laundry will get finished... and everything packed. The kids are slowly coming up with things they "forgot" to mention so there will be one more store trip tonight.

The grass may just have to keep growing til we get back.

Kathy

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 07:52 PM

Picked up 25 pounds of sugar, and extra case of pint jars, and a good set of rubber tipped tongs meant for picking up canning jars. I have one of my Dad's that picks jars up from the side, perhaps if they've been lifted out of a regular canner in a framework of some sort, but not good for a pot. I have a couple of flimsy ones that came with convection ovens, not meant for jars, so I picked up the jar one in the canning section today. About time!

Headed to the kitchen, and I brought in the rubber mat I've had outside on my side door step for months. It's good the give my back a break with all of the standing and cooking. And I have on shoes and socks - better than open toe or sandals or anything like that with all of this work. More support, etc. When I come out the other end of this heat tunnel later tonight I may report in.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 08:22 PM

Meeting with SPCA this morning was a delight. I am now part of a "committee" of three to work on improved website for public education re urban wildlife. The web guy will do it; I will offer suggestions of good info from all my tedious researching.

Have the time spent on that 300+ emails way down - LOVE my delete button. Copy to file the useful info.

Laundered bedding this am, hung it on wonderful clothes line, remade bed. Finished chili and refrigerated. Distilled another gallon of water and brought it with me to country. Was here by 4. R may not make it as work is impinging again this week. Lots of chaos: Trying to prevent one of the oldest buildings on the Lachine Canal from being "accidentally" demolished this weekend. He wrote to newspaper reporter and Parks Canada, City of Montreal. I wonder if we need to go stand in front of it!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 09:03 PM

Jogged 2/10ths of a mile this evening. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 09:14 PM

YAY! R made it! There is now a two week construction holiday in Quebec! A reprieve. However, Lloyd's of London is refusing compensation for the machinery destroyed during the fire last month. "Sue us"

A bit cooler this evening. And we are here at the Cafe listening to The Echo Hunters.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 09:28 PM

Decluttered two items from LR-- promo matierals for a work project delivered to State College for the group that will use them, a look at lodging and meeting space for training leader/trainees, and Korean supper with hubby-- mmmm!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 11:04 PM

Hour of exercise this morning went very well, not only for me, but Morgan did the best ever on the machines he chose. He did a great job.

BTW, thanks, Auntie Sins!

We went to the fabric store for velcro for his new shoes so he could cinch them up tight enough. He likes them snug, but needed a size and a half bigger for toe room so..anyway, it worked and he's happy with them. He and I then dropped Rog at the grocery store while we had lunch out, then went back for Papa. M helped carry in the groceries then took care of the neighbour's goat. She always wants something to eat which we give her but it was so hot this afternoon we also offered her water. I am sure they have some for her on the other side of the house, but she's been hanging out in the shade on our side, so Morgan took her a tupperware filled, three times, with water, plus we gave her our water left over from our lunch outing (in to-go cups.) She was thirsty. We will keep an eye on her and offer it regularly. I hope there may be a way we can buy her from them, eventually. She is a sweetie ol' "Nanny Girl."

Our county just joined up with a few other counties and humane societies and Crime Stoppers programs to take anonymous tips concerning suspected animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment. A private donor has given $2,000 for reward money to start. I don't have a problem talking with our neighbours if I feel the need, but I am proud of our county for joining up in the effort to help animals.

I will be sending out one book and the one ebay thing which sold, tomorrow. We're also going to change the pads on the evaporative cooler now the cottonwoods have quit spreading "cotton" all over the place. It didn't feel as though the swamp cooler was working as well as it should this afternoon, so the pads are probably gummed up with gunk.

I hope to do some cleaning and more decluttering. I've decided, I think, to either store or sell a nine drawer wooden card catalogue; it's perfect for cassette tapes, but I don't do anything with them and it's just cluttering up part of the kitchen/dining room. I will do the same with an old wooden record player stand with slots below for LPs. We aren't using any of them, either, so there's no need to keep them in here and maybe not even in storage. Anyway, it will clear out some space and help things look better.

Stay as cool as possible all of you who live where it is so goldanged hot!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 11 - 02:49 AM

It was a marathon cooking evening, with three batches of jelly and one flat of farmers' market tomatoes steam juiced. They don't have as strong or acid a flavor as my home grown organic tomatoes, but since my tomatoes have shut down, I have to buy a few. I've made about a gallon of juice and a quart of sauce this time. The jelly is cooling all over the kitchen, and though the juice was cloudy, the jelly is a beautiful clear purplish-ruby color, sweet-tart and wonderful.

I'm up so late getting up early tomorrow will be difficult, but I'll take a nap later. We walk the dogs at 7am and then (after she takes the dogs back home - her daughter's dog is here this week) Susie will come down and I'll show her how the setup works with the juicer and the food mill. I also have a flat of peaches to can - they looked so good and the whole flat was only $8. They're so inexpensive this year; I remember paying $15 or a bit more for this many last year.

The fridge was cleaned out to put the extra fruits in overnight, and I'll clear the shelves in the pantry for the new jars, not to mix them up with the older jars that need using first. I've spent $16 on two flats of peaches so far, and for the number of jars I'll have it is a savings over buying cans at the store. The sugar adds up, but not too bad (in the syrup). I could probably buy more canned tomato sauce for $9 than I'll get out of the ones I processed tonight, but the juice is nice and nothing will go to waste.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 11 - 12:45 PM

We had a kind of "Keystone Cop" operation in the kitchen this morning with juice spilled here and there as we worked, but I showed Susie how the steam juicer works. These tomatoes, for as many as you get in a flat, are mostly juice, not so much pulp, so we used the "pumpkin" setting on the food mill and she got more seeds and bits of tomato skin in a very juicy yield. She's going to cook that down into spaghetti sauce, and I suggested she freeze the gallon of juice a pint at a time and use it as stock in soups if she doesn't drink tomato juice. There were enough tomatoes left to fill one of those grocery store produce paper bags with the paper handle that she can bulk up the sauce with. Doing it this way we got rid of most of the skin and a lot of seeds and she can add in chunks. If I spot a flat of Roma tomatoes then we'll try a heftier sauce, otherwise I'm finished buying tomatoes. Next come the peaches.

I'll do peaches this evening and take a break from the hot stove for a while. Work on other things. Stay cool, Y'all.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 11 - 07:32 PM

Organizing paperwork, writing a description and adding a photo and valuation of items donated to Goodwill and attached to their receipts. I had two or three of those receipts around and photos I'd parked in the computer of the donations.

Went out in the back yard for a while (the water was on a timer for 15 minutes) to hose down some of the shrubs and trees after dumping, cleaning and refilling the dog troughs. Every so often I sprayed straight up in the air and let it rain down on me - that feels wonderful in weather like this.

I have a few things on a shopping list that I will run out for soon. I'll eat dinner before I go out and maybe stop for an ice cream cone as a treat on my way back home. And tonight - canning peaches. I needed a break from it this morning, but I've cleared everything out of the way and will make the last big canning push till fall.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jul 11 - 08:41 PM

Jogged 4/10ths of a mile today. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Jul 11 - 09:15 PM

Kat: I love that animal abuse initiative. Hope it includes wildlife.

Threw pots this morning (hands in water helps cool me) then we went out to look for La Petite Boulangerie. A friend told me about it last night and it seemed a good idea. Their signage is not the best and we drove around a large circle and finally asked. We were in an area of huge farms and woods - very rural.

Anyway, it was an experience. Beautiful little tea room at the end of a LONG drive. Lovely woman who loves wildlife. Great attitude, good food - organic. We had a nice lunch - about 2:30! and talked and talked. Bought two loaves of bread - black bean/raisin and sunflower seed/whole wheat. Will slice it and freeze it as we use about two slices a day! Her husband is a part time potter and had pots for sale in the tea room.

Drove back to cabin by scenic route. Covered pots with plastic to keep at right moistness, read for an hour until time to go back south to the Jazz Tech cafe for last musical event at that venue. Not enough audience to feed the musicians. Tonight is open mike. The AC not working and it is hot; I am melting - careful not to drip on computer!   

SRS: Cooking???? in the heat???

Idea I had today: I am officially posting on line -All over North America raccoon rehabbers need areas where they can release year old raccoons. An area where there is water, food, not TOO many raccoons already, no farmer fields to devastate... The attitude I liked was: You have to be smarter than the raccoons - she locks up all her animals each night to keep them safe from R's and coyotes. This is her responsibility as an animal activist! Wish all farm folks felt that way. We exchanged email addresses.

Good group on now. 4 musicians, 7 audience! Reckon this is the last. Then we can go home to hot cabin but it is cooling a bit outside - supposed to go down into the 60s tonight - I hope.

You all need to behave in the heat!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 11 - 11:27 PM

I ended up skipping the peaches, I'll do it first thing in the morning. Yes, that is the tyranny of canning - you end up doing a lot of it in the hottest time of year.

Dorothy, here's a wildlife story that's out of your neck of the woods, but I think you'll enjoy it. You lived on Whidbey long enough to have probably seen lots of whales over the years.

This evening I have the washer set on the delayed timer so it'll start at 3am. Bed linens, clothes, and the towel I used out on the patio this evening when I took one of my lovely back yard showers. The tap water comes through warm enough that it's a wonderful seasonal experience. My yard is against a creek and woods, no neighbors look into the yard, and with the motion-detector light turned off, my shower is pleasantly private. I put a support for a shower head on one of the patio cover supports ostensibly for things like washing the dogs and for a quick shower if heat becomes overwhelming during yard work, whatever. I put the shower head (the kind on a hose that many of you probably have in your bathrooms, screwed onto the shower pipe) up and most of the time it goes unnoticed, but when it's in use it's wonderful.

Picked up a few organizing wire rack things at Bed Bath and Beyond - darn, I forgot my 20% off coupon. I will probably be back so I'll take it next time. I want to clear off some of the things that sit on the counter that don't need to, like a bowl full of scrubbers and brushes for washing dishes. I can put a small wall-mount type rack inside the cabinet door and drop those things in there, handy but out of sight.

Kat, did you get a larger O₂ tank? You don't want to run out if you can avoid it! I haven't seen that add again, but I'm watching for it. I'm pretty sure it was the Lifestyle Portable Oxygen Concentrator (I remember "Lifestyle" being in the name, and this describes what I remember the ad saying). The ad also suggests that while insurance companies will balk at paying for them, the are a prescription item and can be covered by insurance. Your mileage, as they say, may vary.

SRS

[PDF] LifeStyle Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Here's a big PDF with the info. It may try to take over your monitor, it did on mine.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 12:35 AM

SRS, now I need a box of tissues! What a wondrous rescue that was! Thanks for the link.

Also for the O2 one. That would work for me at 3 liters per minute, but, until I lose more weight and see the doc in Oct. he's told me he thinks it best if I keep it at 4 with activity. BUT, that will change with the exercise etc., so I will keep that in mind as it would sure free us up more for travelling. It'd be a bit too heavy for just running around town. The one I use now is only 4lbs. They will have to order the larger one, but it shouldn't weigh much more..it's only about 4" taller, same circumference. I'll see one next week and decide.

We've done nothing today except errands this morning. I had plans, but Rog pooped out after lunch and I spent most of the afternoon answering some important emails and such. I had contacted a fellow about finding a McNab border collie. Turned out we couldn't afford one of his and they're all working stock dogs, BUT he was so impressed with the essay I wrote about Merlee, he told me he'd keep his eye out for one that needs a good home (I told him rejects as work dogs were fine, sometimes they just don't take to the work)AND he'd bring it to our doorstep, himself! He also asked if he could put it on his website, which should be happening as I type, so that was pretty neat. Turns out his website person has a dau. in WY, has lived there herself, and loves the state, so they are including a link and info on my book which includes the essay. BTW, it was written on Mudcat first: Thought for the Day- 5 Feb. 2000

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 04:15 AM

I haven't been to bed yet this evening (or very early morning). I was awake so I spent time puttering in the kitchen. Because it's been so darn hot, I let things slide for a few days. It's amazing how much of a mess can happen in that short of a time! Anyway, it's all picked up now. :)

I suppose I should try and get some sleep before my guys wake up.

Sweet dreams everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:57 AM

You've been busy! I'm glad you were able to make sense of that information at Lifestyle, Kat. I don't know how those work or how much they deliver, so it was a shot in the dark. And I agree about the whale video - happy tears indeed as that beautiful animal shows joy at freedom! You know they have to understand that the people in that boat are helping. Michelle, on the news today they said the heat wave on the east coast is breaking up, so you should be back to better temperatures soon. It looks like it's building up here again, this afternoon is supposed to be anywhere from 103 to 106.

My kitchen is a tiny bit more organized. I screwed on a plastic-coated wire rack inside the cabinet door under my sink. I put a little plastic long narrow organizer thing in the bottom of it to keep small dish washing things from falling through the rack. That's another bowl off the counter. I also have a rack to put inside a cabinet to hold the lids to my Tupperware lids.

Describing and listing a few eBay things this morning.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 01:18 PM

Another rack is up and the Tupperware lids fit. Books listed at eBay. Now to wade into the kitchen and attack the peaches.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 06:26 PM

Great job, SRS. Yes, that whale knew they were there to help, I am sure of it.

Michelle, you are a wonder. I hope you got some rest!

We got a lot done today. Besides the usual dishes, litter boxes, and laundry, I packed up all of the cassette tapes in the card catalogue, all of the LPs in the record stand under it and Rog took them all out to storage until we decide what we want to do with them. I did keep out about ten or so LPs which I *think* may be saleable. We'll see.

We put the baker's rack where all of the above was. It's at the end of the table and now holds some things which were kept on the kitchen table; stuff which often got in the way, esp. when Morgan is over to eat with us. It looks much neater. I put all of our clothes away, too. I went looking for a basket to keep some of those things in on the baker's rack only to realise I gave away several of them last week, to reduce clutter.**bg** Morgan reminded me they went to help the animals and we made do with a smaller one.

Morgan had asked me to sew up a seam in his swimming trunks, so he got out the sewing machine, I showed him how to thread it and let him sew them up with my help. We also did the same thing to a couple of pairs of my pants, the last he did almost totally by himself. He loved it and wants to sew some more. He also wanted to crochet, again. He'd forgotten how, so I showed him, over and over. He got very frustrated to the point where I quit trying to help and went back to my work. When he calmed down, I showed him, again, and he was off to the races. I now have his first chain, made with saffron coloured cotton yarn, around my neck as a "necklace." We thought bracelets would be fun, too, so I showed him how to thread on little bells from India, with my help. I now am wearing a jingly matching bracelet!:-) He has moved on to the purple yarn, now, and is making me another necklace. I told him I knew a few "aunties" at Mudcat who might enjoy a bracelet, too.

It's about 100 degree here this afternoon. The house is at about 77, but it still feels h-o-t. I always close the shades and only leave a couple of windows ajar to keep the swamp cooler air moving, but it's just plain hot. SRS, move slowly and drinks lots of water...106??!! Too much!

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 06:44 PM

Love the necklace and bracelet idea!!! Morgan is a lucky little guy to have such a great grandma to show him how to do all kinds of neat things!!! I was wondering if you'd like to come find my kitchen table top Kat? It's like a magnet for STUFF. I get it cleaned off and BAM, stuff seems to find it's way there!!!

I slept WAY in today and then went to take care of a friend's cat (I'm cat sitting while she's away).

It's been a slow day here...a ride with the family, stopped for ice cream, hanging out playing, etc. A perfect Sunday.

For the first time in a VERY long time, my blood sugars are balanced nicely. It's been running high since chemo, then this past week I've had several lows (68ish) and today it's been between 100 & 140. My doctor set a goal of 140 for me for right now. He said it's been so high for so long that things in the truly *normal* range (80 to 120) will make me feel like crap. He's half right...anything under 100 and I feel weird and know that trouble isn't far behind. So...even with the ice cream today, my sugars have stayed in place. HOORAY!!!!!! Balance is GOOD!!!!

Evening run coming up as the sun sets. I'm going to shoot for half a mile today and then keep that distance for a week or two until I can do it comfortably (ok, relatively). Tonight I am running for Tracy and Cindy.

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 07:46 PM

Kat, several of the most interesting and talented men I know are good at sewing, crochet, cooking, etc. For so long the "womens" crafts seemed off limits to boys (and alas, shop class and power tools were off limit to girls). Now shop class has largely gone away all together.

Laundry drying, got kind of musty because I forgot it in the washer after it finish in the wee hours. Kitchen is looking good, and I'm finishing some canning this evening. I'm finished canning until I have any of my own crops to can.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 07:49 PM

Viions of Joe Namath in pantihose crocheting to relax. LOL. I claim one of those necklaces. Although I wear my bracelet all the time and will cede to another Auntie.
Just read Brett's Guam thread. More tragedy.He could use a word of support.
SINS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 08:30 PM

Saved all the house chores and van unload/reload for tonight and tmrw AM, till the heat eased off a bit. pantpantpant

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 08:48 PM

Jogged half a mile and did 1/10th of a mile walk for cool off. I hung a load of laundry on the line and started another load. It should still be light enough to hang it by the time the machine stops. We'll be having dinner soon: Grilled salmon, summer squash (from our garden) and parmesean herb rice.

New photos up on Facebook of the new pigs that joined our farm this weekend!!!

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 12:01 AM

Michelle, you're lucky the heat is subsiding - you'll have more energy for running. Mary, thanks for the heads-up. I posted a remark on Brett's thread.

Canning finished. Dishes piled in the sink but I learned my lesson - as tired as I might be, I'll wash them before heading to bed to avoid the ants invading again.

It's still 95^o out at 11pm. I can't imagine how it must have been living down here before air conditioning. Houses with "dog trots" for ventilation, along with hip roofs, were a must.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 02:40 AM

SRS,

   I hope the heat subsides for you soon. The only good thing about living where you do is that most places have AC. Here in north central PA, many people and businesses do NOT have AC as we typically don't have too many days a year where we really NEED it. We are lucky as we have several AC units in the house and a large collection of fans. It's a good thing too....with all the hot flashes I have, combined with this intense heat, I'm pretty sure I could have killed somebody dead a few times over. (Just kidding but seriously, I think the heat makes people much more irritable).

   I lived in Atlanta and don't remember it ever being this hot. The good news here is that it's supposed to rain for the next 24 hours...rain that we really need....and that should cool things off a bit.

   I'm up to take the second Ambien of the evening. I am just wide awake. I'm not sick or worried or anything, I'm just awake. That's fine for the weekends when my honey is home to take care of the baby so I can sleep in but not so much during the week. Gotta catch some zzzzzs.

Night everybody!

Michelle

PS. Signed up for camp next month...a women's survivors retreat...I'm looking forward to it!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 09:52 AM

I "mowed" the lawn this morning - in other words, I knocked down a few weeds and took the seed heads off of some of the otherwise dormant grass. I hit a soaker hose at the corner of one garden, so I'll repair it rather than change it out. My next door neighbor was mowing and she had taken out most of the taller grass in the patch beside my raised bed on the side - a nice surprise! This way we'll have better looking dead grass for the next couple of months. :-/

I'll cook a batch of beans today, I haven't made any for a while, and keep to simple beans and rice meals for a while. Easy to reheat for quick meals.

Working on the file cabinet today, organizing my work papers and notes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 10:20 AM

SRS,

   If you look at any of the new photos of Jeremiah that I put up on Facebook, you'll see a lovely little pool, a happy baby, brightly colored toys and a yellow/brown crunchy yard. It looks and feels awful. We always like to joke about people who cut their grass so short because it turns brown every year. Well, our grass still isn't golf course short but it definitely is all dead. :(
   Mother Nature is teasing us. It's cooler and there was a nice steady rain for about 5 minutes, then nothing. Now it's raining again and I hope it continues ALL DAY at the very least! Like you, we need it so very badly.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 04:03 PM

JOY! a breeze and about ten minutes of steady rain. Not near enough but hope for more? Sure better than none! Spent the morning hoping, while weeding and solar-drying a load of laundry - ALL dry and then the rain. I held off yesterday because it was "supposed to rain". This morning I hung it - "so it would rain!"

Getting a handful of tomatoes every couple days but it is escalating. R enjoys his fresh from the garden handful. The flower beds are holding up well and have continuous bloom; I feel successful!

Ah, the rain is coming again! It was wonderful to be able to work in the yard with the breeze and cooler air. I have the front and back doors open so the breeze blows through!

In the country, I worked in the studio parts of fri through Monday and have near a small kiln load drying on our wonderful "new" shelves. Got some more of studio organized as I will soon need a glazing work area. Now can work on dark clay on one wheel - I LOVE my "new" kick wheel! And on white clay on the other kick wheel. I am starting to feel really organized and I feed on it! Success breeds success!

Was going to go back today but giving bod a break; also felt need to get the yard work caught up and I am very glad I did. The fingers were complaining the other day but I took extra glucosamine/MSM and they recovered. Changing types of movements is important. The potting exercise has made it easier to do the stretching and bending of gardening. I feel more flexible already.


i wish I could send you southerners this lovely breeze!!! AND the gentle, steady rain!! It is totally delicious.

That whale video is awesome. It came to me last week via wildlifeontario (yahoo group) and I sent it to a few people who appreciated it. No doubt the whale was aware it was being rescued! If only all humans could see these things and realize how intelligent other animals really are.

I expect tomorrow to be a potting day.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 04:07 PM

Our thread fell off the page overnight. I'm sure it isn't because no one has been doing anything!

I made a batch of beans last night but they're not yet finished; I have to add a couple more things so I'll simmer them some more today (have to add the venison and some capers when the batch is cooked down enough.)

Today is overcast so it's only 101 out there now, and I have to do some spot watering in the yard. I have a pattern laid out for most of my watering now and I keep an eye on my trees, trying to keep them alive.

I have got a few things done around here, but nothing worth reporting. Getting my son ready to return to college, etc.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 09:03 PM

Chores:
2 loads of laundry: washed, hung, folded and upstairs
Swept all of downstairs
Mopped the kitchen
Vacuumed the rug
Dishes
Collected a box of books and carried up to my office
Swept upstairs hallway
Swept stairs
Made healthy meals

Jeremiah (need I say more? He is BUSY!!)   :)

Ran 1/2 mile
Walked 1/10th of a mile

Blood sugar: 106

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm ready to put my feet up and have dinner!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:13 PM

Last night and again tonight I was on the phone helping a friend of a friend solve some computer problems. Trouble is, he's using an Apple and he's only used it for a few days. We're both PC people trying to troubleshoot the Apple. Ugg. Made a little progress, took a lot of time. Amos (Mudcat's Amos) was able to suggest a site that may be able to help with antivirus stuff.

Bread is baking - this is a welcome move, because I've been wanting some kind of bread or toast for breakfast and I was out of bread and frozen bagels.

My feet got a good warm soak this evening, with the pumice and scrubbing with a rough wash cloth. When it's so hot out and with all of the walking around I get more callouses this time of year. Anyone else notice that? Anyway, to stay comfortable I need to remember to pamper my feet, and right now they're very happy.

Bread's out and I'm off to bed. Sleep tight, all!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 12:14 AM

I have Morgan full-time from now until school starts, so...our M-W-&F include my exercise class for an hour which he is doing very well. We are all envious of his energy! Starting next week, we will add two weeks of swimming classes for him M-Thur., right after my exercise classes, then it's home for lunch and some kind of rest/decluttering/playing in the afternoon. I feel such a welcome sense of responsibility and gratitude in helping to shape this wonderful little "human bean." For more of what we did, today, please see Kendall's thread about his dear old dog, Seamus. Morgan and I had a wonderful teaching/doing session in our sanctums this afternoon, candles, incense, and all. The kid asks some very deep questions and wants answers. What a very special delight!

Oh, and yesterday, we went to the new downtown water fountains feature after exercise and he played for about an hour. Had a blast and was soaking wet when we left.

I did two loads of laundry, today. One put away, the other drying. We had rain this afternoon! Softly for about an hour, then a slight deluge for about twenty minutes, enough to water the flowers, then sun and clouds. Morgan and I spent the time out in the rain playing. He also helped me do a bt of sweeping in the kitchen.

More, tomorrow! Oh, joy!

Michelle, congrats on your blood sugar!!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 04:47 AM

Not feeling very energetic at the moment. I've got up to the middle middle ages with my book sorting, but need a bit of a break from that. I re-arranged the bookshelves yesterday, to make a run across the whole width of a 12" shelf for the big books, but am having second thoughts about how well this is going to take the weight. I have definitely got more books than shelf. The history resources are double parked.

Had a brief migraine aura in the evening. Fortunately, I don't get the heads any more, but it's a bit irritating having the visual field all messed up for a while.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 06:52 AM

Back at last! I had to drag myself away, as we actually got some warm weather at last this weekend. I left Scotland in 23C and clear skies, and arrived home to 13C and grey skies.

I have done as much laundry as I have got time for this week (one mixed load in the village laundry) and it's going through the dryer at the moment. I am going to go up to Berwick shortly and get some diesel to top me up for the 2 long hauls I've got coming up - Yorkshire tomorrow, then the south coast on Friday. On Sunday it happens in reverse.

The work on the house has stalled at the moment, due to no stone being delivered from the quarry. Apparently they are known for closing down for a couple of weeks this time of year.

I've put on several inches from my holiday. Everything is feelinbg tighter! I think a lack of exercise may have contributed! I saw a wonderful couple of exhibitions in Kirkudbright: the town hall always has an good one. It's the "Glasgow Boys" this year. Last year's was the "Glasgow Girls" (Jessie M King, etc), and I thought that was even better than this year's. However, the Tollbooth has a small expo of Glasgow School arts and crafts works. It was amazing!

Every surface in the house is cluttered at the moment. I feel like I'm in transit! I think that next week a concerted effort must be made to at least attack the living room!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 10:01 AM

I hope you'll resume posting photos, Andrea. This is a fascinating process. Clearly they were waiting for you to get back to document it!

Making more complicated passwords to slowly swap out in my various places. Just seems a good idea.

There's a *slight* possibility of moisture this weekend. Remember I said we need a hurricane at this point? We're looking at the next best thing, a tropical depression off of Cuba that might be headed this way.

Last night's bread was wonderful for breakfast this morning. I have two small containers of leftover jelly that weren't enough to fill jars last week. The batch I tried this morning is a softer lovely texture, the other one is a little firmer. Both taste fabulous! I'm also eating cantaloupe a lot these days (3 meals a day!), in the fridge I have part of a cut up one and a whole one and I picked another one this morning, and there are three or four more in the yard still.

I've been combatting aphids and mealy bugs on one of my okra plants, I sprayed with orange oil and plant was in water yesterday and today I went out with masking tape and simply pulled the buggers off of the backs of the leaves. I also sprinkled some organic fire ant bait in the garden in a couple of places to see if that will help remove the ants on the plants problem. I'm getting close to picking several eggplants (I could now, but I'd like them each to be right at about 12 ounces to 1 pound in size).

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 01:13 PM

I left a message in the mudcat site. Mixed feelings about the state of our nation's economy right now will, I think, trickle down to the population even more if they don't get this shit resolved before next Tuesday. The House is outnumbered- the Senate and President aren't going to go along with them. They need to stop playing chicken with the economy when the majority (57%) of Americans doesn't want them to do it to begin with.

Banana bread is baking, and after it comes out of the oven I'll make myself another open face toasted cheese sandwich. I've eaten a tub of cantaloupe and need to cut up one in the fridge so I can put one I picked in the fridge pretty soon.

Did more filing, and am cutting up templates from work for my own uses at work. Tomorrow I go into the office and I'll take in the steam juicer and food mill to drop off and clear up space on my counters.

I'm working to keep the dishes from sitting in the sink and attracting ants and I went around the house and garden outside and sprinkled my fire ant bait in places where I was seeing them or I remember getting recent bites. I need to wash a load of laundry and hang it out, but they don't want us using equipment during the day if we can avoid it. I'll have to wash it overnight and hang it before I head to the office tomorrow. It dries so fast I can sometimes start taking down what I put up first after I finish hanging all of it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 04:05 PM

The lads are going to pick some quoins (corner stones) tomorrow, but the quarry is closed for 2 weeks from tomorrow evening. Ali, the builder, said he had rung the quarry to see how things stood, and was prepared to vent his wrath, but he said the poor guy on the other end of the phone was nearly in tears with the stress! So it looks like a little more may get done in the next fortnight, but that the main activity won't be until mid August.

I was bent over my front flowerbed this afternoon, dead-heading the roses and yanking a few weeds out, when my backside got beeped by one of the labourers (Geordie) passing by in his van.

I'll put some pics up on FB soon.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 04:31 PM

I had some sheets listed on eBay, ending soon, but cancelled the auction because it just wasn't moving or getting the views I'd hoped for. Funny, but raising the starting price and putting a "Buy It Now" price on the new listing got a very early bid and there earlier watchers the second time around.

Filing, sorting, shredding, getting my work files straightened out, ready for the new year and to finish summer projects. This has needed doing for a while!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 08:50 PM

I've shifted a lot of paper. Some of it is in the file drawer, some of it has three holes punched and is in the notebook for keeping track of my Internet sites. A bunch of it is in the recycle bin, and there is still a bunch that doesn't have a home. Soon.

Headed out for a little shopping and I'll take the recycling with me and drop it behind City Hall.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 09:27 AM

I went to Home Depot yesterday for a couple of items. I now have another of those 15' hose segments to run into the garden to the Y thing that my soaker hoses are attached to. It used to be easy to reach but everything is so overgrown now it's an adventure to hook a hose to it. So now this extension runs out of the garden to the driveway and I'll put the garden hose onto this to use the soakers in the veggie garden.

I also picked up a big (and very light weight) sheet of closed cell foam insulation (kind of a huge sheet of Styrofoam, but it's a different plastic and it's pink.) It was too long for the bed of the pickup so I pulled the back window down over it (I have a camper shell) and used a bungee to hold it shut, hooking it over the end of the pink plank to keep it in the truck. No way I'm going on the freeway or this could go airborne, so I took the frontage road. At the point where I crossed through a low-water crossing on the road the thing was jostled enough that the bungee came loose and when I went back for it (I was near home so delivered the plank first) I saw it in the middle of a large busy intersection. I pulled through, parked, walked back and pushed the pedestrian crosswalk button and was able to walk into the road and get it. Whew! Big expensive bungee adventure! If it had been one of the little cheap ones I might not have gone back for it.

The insulation will be used to form a vault kind of box that fits into my fireplace. I'm tired of the heat and cold that comes in despite the flue being closed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 06:10 PM

Not much going on here at the moment. I'm finding myself really tired lately. I walked a few miles yesterday.

I do still run when it's not raining (driveway gets slippery). We need the rain so I'm not complaining one bit.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Penny S.
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 06:39 PM

Appetite all to pieces yesterday, and migraine type sickness in the afternoon . Woke in the night with non-migraine head, so today all messed about as well.

Yesterday morning I did go on the local authority's "Health Walk" with some interesting people. Not a particularly interesting walk, as the leader was a bit under the weather, as well. We did discover where a dog walker lets the dog foul the middle of a rape (canola?) field. Just the one dog, on many occasions. Out of sight of everywhere, just making walking the path a hazardous business. I'm not at all sure about why the local authority does this. Tuesday at the neighbouring village, Wednesday at ours. No information about where we go, just walking - not at any athletic pace. Leader at the front, who takes a register so that they know who they've got in case of accidents. Person at the back with first aid equipment, which they are not allowed to use, just make available to us to use on ourselves if necessary!

Today I cleaned out the salad drawer in the fridge, necessary because of the appetite loss. There is some very expensive compost forming in the bin, which I have watered heavily to suggest moving to the ants. I need to do some weeding of the kneeling down variety. Somehow, some nettles have arrived, and they must have come from my compost, since there aren't any around here to seed into the garden. The top of the garden is becoming jungly. The potatoes in their bags are growing to my shoulder height, and some of the tomatoes are tall, too. Not looking too healthy, though. I got a Chinese meal for supper, to save cooking (and it will do lunch tomorrow as well), though earlier I made some bread and then a ginger cake in the machine, and cooked beetroot in the pressure cooker, to be chopped and frozen in portions tomorrow.

Penny

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 07:33 PM

We all sound hot and cranky this week. I need a nap - someone wake me up in October, please!

The high was 103 today but it felt a lot hotter because there is more humidity in the air.

I need to keep pushing the paper filing. What is filed is useful, but I need it to be organized and maintain that organization.

This afternoon I picked up some shredded beef, buns, and sausage at my favorite barbecue place. I'll make sandwiches with reheated meat over the weekend, saving heating up the house. All of that canning exhausted my patience with heating the kitchen.

I'll get something done this evening, if only laundry (there is a load stacked in the washer, I need to set the timer to wash again overnight.) Every so often you need a day off. Looks like this is it!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: ragdall
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 01:20 AM

I'm looking for inspiration and advice from you master declutterers.

How do you manage to part with things you've been holding on to for many, many years? How do you decide which hobbies to give up (and all the clutter that goes with them)?

Thanks,
rags

The only time I've ever managed to get rid of something with few regrets was when my first husband left me.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 10:19 AM

Rags,

I don't. That's why I have so much stuff!!!! I do try to sort things out though. For some things that I thought I had an attachment to, I put them in a rubbermaid tote and stuck it in the closet. Guess what? I can't even remember what's in there, so how can it be that special? I'll be getting rid of some of those things next month in a yard sale. If something is special, I keep it. There's no shame in having meaningful stuff. I think the ultra clutter free business is a fad and will pass in time. I watch all those tv shows on HGTV and they show these gorgeous homes but they are empty and have no personal feel to them at all. If there's something that makes your heart happy or it came from a special someone, I say keep it!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 10:20 AM

Rags, you wag!

I know what you're talking about. In the past there have been times I decided impulsively that I was holding onto too much stuff so gave away things, then actually felt a bit of a panic attack that I'd gotten rid of something that was my mother's that my children might like, etc. One way to do it is to develop a philosophical approach - you need to move stuff out, you want to sort it according to good reasons and not just emotional ones. I found the book by Don Aslett called Clutter's Last Stand. He looks at a lot of the rational and irrational reasons people keep things, and as you work through each chapter, you'll find yourself able to identify items that fall into his categories for you. You will be able to find inexpensive copies of this, and usually my half-price bookstore has several in stock.

This morning I took a squirt bottle with orange oil, compost tea, and plant wash out to do some surgical bug control in the garden. I have learned that when I have aphids and mealy bugs that the plant is in distress. All of my okra was looking good except this one plant. I realized the soaker hose loops over itself near that plant so it's getting twice as much water as all of the others. I've reworked the hose in a couple of areas - any spot where mealy bugs were turning up - and hopefully that will take care of it. But I wore gloves and spritzed each leave and scrubbed off the aphids and mealy bugs from under the leaves.

It's Friday. How are you going to spend your weekends? We have a small chance of rain, but the tropical storm aiming at the Gulf coast seems to be on a trajectory way south of me. It'll probably be hot and humid as hell.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 05:09 PM

Spent most of Weds and Thurs in the country, making pots, getting more organized each time. Weds, took hot bath after getting home, to soothe aches. Took extra MSM/glucosamine. Thurs, stopped early and took hot bath before leaving. Today, breakfast at 7:45 at a restaurant with friends from Ontario - on their way to nova Scotia. Nice to catch up. And a phone call to 94 year old friend near Toronto )6 hour trip). Notice of a Living with Wildlife conference in Toronto on 23 September. Maybe I can visit her then. Also meet some of the online ontariowildlife folks!

Weeded some, then caught up on computer, emails to SPCA and other raccoon folk. One rehabber is going to be an hour away in NYS on weekends so we can visit! So far I have had very good luck when meeting in reality, the virtual friends I only met on line.

Broke down and watered the tomato patch profusely and it still has not rained. Looking like it might but - oh yeah, it moistened the ground! Maybe tonight, she says hopefully.

Michelle, you did enough the other day for a week! You were doue for a break.

I'll leave for country at 6. R may need to come along later. Irish music tonight.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 07:06 PM

I decided that while I need to pick up Gatorade, it's $2 a bottle at the gas convenience store and I can surely do better. I picked up a case at Sam's Club, though it isn't the flavors I prefer. The point is good health, so I bought 20 ounce bottles instead of the larger 32 oz bottles that I use for a couple of days sometimes. At this point, there appears to be no real rain in sight; the bulk of the tropical storm will stay down along the Rio Grande.

I'm going to work on my office this evening. Get more of this paper out of here, either filed, shredded or recycled.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 07:23 PM

Reading along. Been very busy with Morgan, which has been fun, but not getting much done! Have my brother's b-day party to plan for tomorrow early evening. It was on Thursday, but everyone was hot and tired from work and heat, so we saved it for the weekend. Have been to exercise twice this week, the dentist for a cleaning, coumadin clinic, and hand therapist, plus the pool, yesterday. Next week starts swimming lessons, etc. Also found socks on sale, buy-one-get-one-free so M now has 12 new pairs of socks for school. I bought him some new shoes which he wore for a couple of days, then told me he was "saving them for school."

This high heat scares me. I move very slowly through it. SRS, I cannot even imagine how taxing it must be down there.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 07:28 PM

Walked about 2 miles at a local fair and then went to yoga.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 08:40 PM

I picked up a case of 20 oz bottles of Gatorade at Sam's Club. Not the flavors I like, but a lot cheaper than at the convenience store. The times I've really felt the lethargy of the heat were when I was so low on salt. Drinking a Gatorade had me feeling much better within the hour. Under "normal" circumstances you shouldn't drink this like a soft drink, though lots of people do. I am going to make of point of having a couple in the fridge and probably drinking one a day until the heat breaks, then we'll see.

Paper filing tonight, and I have that big sheet of insulation to cut down and fit into the fireplace. I also need to find some window film, though I suspect everyone who had it is probably sold out.

Zeke is coming mid-week next week to spend time here while his humans fly out for the week. My girls will be ecstatic!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 10:46 PM

The insulation sheet is cut into chunks, most of which are standing in position inside the fire place vault. I have to cut the front one into a couple of pieces to get it into place. I'll pick up a can of that window strength insulating foam and use it to roughly seal these edges together. I plan to close the fireplace door and not fool with it any more. It can be removed, but it probably won't be by me.

I've moved some paper, paid a couple of bills. Ate the cantaloupe out of a Tupperware square round (one of the old sandwich boxes). This one is better than the first. Sweeter, more flavor.

Next week I have meetings at work during the week, but we have extreme weather forecast, up to 107. I may have to take some leave to be sure the dogs are okay - they're not house dogs, I don't want to shut them in the bathroom all day. I'll see if there is someone who can come in and let them out to take care of business then come back in. Perhaps my son (I'd probably have to pay him. . . )

Back to a little more puttering before bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 11:28 PM

107?!?!?!?!?

I would be a puddle.

Glad to hear the Gatorade is bringing some relief and might have to pick some up for around here. It's not 107 degrees but the heat that we do have coupled with the hot flashes I have....forgettaboutit!!! I talked to my doctor about it and he said I could take estrogen if I really, really wanted to but since I've had an estrogen receptive cancer, it's not a great idea at all....but I'm glad he gave me the choice instead of just saying no. I'm going to sweat it out. There's no way in hell I'm going to do any HRT. Nope. Never. Ever. Ever.

So...I walked and did yoga today as posted earlier but holy mother of stiff muscles....my legs are TIGHT. Yoga was a lovely stretchy class but it's been some time since I've had a regular practice and man do I know it. Not that my yoga practice has ever been pretty (although my teacher tells me it's beautiful to watch), but today was rough. Whew.    As we settled into our bodies at the beginning of class, I cried. I couldn't help it. It was the first time in months that I felt like I was doing something of my old normal life. The sound of my teacher's voice, the friendly banter, the smell of my mat, the squish of it under my toes.....I had no idea how much I'd been missing it. My goal this week is to find a sitter for at least one day a week for a few hours so I can give this gift to myself. I want it. I need it. There has to be a way...there has to be!!!

I love my yoga and I suspect that will never, ever change.

Be safe in that heat SRS.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 12:14 AM

Michelle, good for you!! Giving thanks, here, that you find a sitter.

Re' "power surges"...I used tinctures of motherwort, dandelion root, and hawthorn berry, in fresh, clean water, a few times a day and didn't have very much trouble at all. I bought them at a health food store and they are available in non-alcohol based formulas. I know what you mean about HRT. I was never going to use any esp. premarin because of what they do to pregnant mares to get it, but I've recently had some "tissue" breakdown, so was able to get a synthetic, hypo-allergenic compound made up for internal and external use, sparingly only for a week or two, but it seems safe by all accounts. I found we have a new "real" old-fashioned compounding pharmacy here. Each prescription is made from scratch per individual's needs and they include tasty prescriptions for pets!

G'night all. SRS, stay as cool as possible!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: ragdall
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 09:29 AM

LilyFestre and Stilly River Sage,
Thank you for your replies.
I'll look for that book at the used book store here SRS.
I'm trying to convince myself that realistically, I'm never going to be going back to some of the craft/hobby activities I did in the past and get rid of everything I've been saving to use for those things. It will feel as if I'm cutting pieces from my life and throwing them away but somehow I need to downsize drastically.

Michelle, I like your hide it in a bin approach and chuck anything forgotten. I think I'd remember what was in each bin though. I can't remember what I ate for breakfast or what someone said to me two minutes ago, but I have a mental inventory of the contents of dozens of boxes in my attic.   

Am making some progress. While I was on the phone for a couple of hours tonight, I deleted the contents of 35 floppy disks, dating back to 1996 and 1997, then reformatted the disks in preparation for throwing them away. I saved the contents of a few of the disks on my hard drive. Will make a CD from that.

rags

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 10:42 AM

Rags, it's a process before you can conclude that the box contents are excess - and to decide what pieces really are important for the story they tell or the person they remind you of. My stumbling block - some of the kids old toys that were so good, played with a lot, that would be good for grandkids. I have to decide which ones might actually get used and which will be too old for babies when we ever get to that point (my kids are college age now). And bins of crayons - don't those take you immediately to your or your children's childhood? They're probably dried out and need to go, but it isn't easy!

Other hobbies, though I've tended to neglect them for some years, I think it's because I was so busy with the kids. Now I can see which ones I want to go back to, so I'm not sorting out many of the craft items unless they're old or too obviously meant for the kids for school use and we don't need them now.

Hopefully next week will be the height of the nasty heat and after that the tropical storms that start to form this time of year might help with the drought (they will make it extremely muggy, but we need the rain and will hunker down for the humidity.)

Out to run a few errands before it gets hotter. Also, I'm drinking a bottle of Gatorade early to see if that keeps me comfortable through the afternoon, avoiding the lethargy the heat causes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 05:28 PM

I was hoping we would have a day that didn't reach 100, but it made it again today. At least it just barely got there.

I picked up one of those roll-up stick blinds at Home Depot to put up on the side of my patio to keep the sun off of the glass door. I may pick up a second for the far end of the patio cover also. I looked at window film, but since it costs about as much as the blinds, I think the blinds are an easier answer.

Dishes are finished. It has been a very low-energy day for me so I'm glad that I can at least say my kitchen is clean. I'm going to fold laundry next, and from there, work on the fireplace (I want the clothes off of the couch before I get into the mess of the fireplace and have to move furniture out of the way.) I'm thinking about making the mantle, that sticks out from the front of the stone wall, the top of a cabinet that is built in front of the fireplace, so it looks simply like a stone wall with a wooden cabinet in front of it. Whatever I do, I intend to cover up the fireplace and keep it from sending so much hot or cold air into the house.

Funny, as I start thinking about these things my enthusiasm grows and I feel more energetic, so maybe all I needed was a plan!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 05:44 PM

Rog and I were up early this morning. Morgan called at 8a, "Hi, Mama. I have a question about Uncle Delton's birthday. What time do you want me to come over and help make the cake?"

So, we left the house at 9a, went to the vet's for food and medicine for the cats, then to the grocery store where we picked up stuff for the party: pizza, balloons, crepe paper streamers, salad makings and carrot cake mix with cream cheese frosting. Picked up Morgan after stopping at the post office and getting sodas for lunch.

M huffed and puffed and blew up seven balloons, then we all three put streamers up across the LR with balloons hanging down and M put some outside, too.

Everyone showed up about 1p. The timing was perfect. We'd made the salad and had it chilling, made the cake, frosted it with M dotting it with "sprinkles" and had just taken the pizzas out of the over when they all got here, my brother, daughter and her husband.

The latter two have got the declutter bug! I am so pleased to hear this as their house was controlled chaos with the four dogs, two ferrets, one cat and no storage to speak of. They have been devoting a half day per weekend on chosen projects and are making great headway!

My bro was pleased with the food, the visit with us all, esp. my daughter as she grew up with him living with us (and still loves him!**bg**) and was pleased to get a gift certificate to the local garden center.

I did all of the dishes this morning, cleaned off the table, made the cake and salad with M's help, doctored up the pizzas with fresh veggies, and just generally cleaned up. Rog is now sacked out in the recliner, they've all gone home, the leftovers are in the frig, and I am about to go put my feet up and try to cool off a bit back in our bedroom. It faces east and is at the north end with a shade tree from the neighbours, so afternoons are a good time to be back there. It is 96 outside, but it feels hotter.

SRS, I am glad to hear there may be respite for you, soon.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:20 AM

I've fit more pieces of insulation into the fireplace cavity and used the foam insulation to close it up a bit more. It won't be air tight. I still have to figure out how to get the front in (I may have to remove the glass doors then put them back in place).

Dishes finished, laundry finished, but then I took out the gallon of tomato juice and found containers to freeze it in so now I have that and a few other things in the sink. I'll do them before heading to bed. Starting Monday it will be hell on earth here, that's all I can imagine. The high for the week is now forecast as 108. Who knows what they'll be predicting by mid-week. (My daughter was born in late August after we'd had a stretch of hot weather like this. She arrived a couple of days after a cool front came through, and I told her years later that I thought she waited for the cool before deciding to come out.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:45 AM

Surely they will exempt folks from going out to work in that kind of heat, SRS? There were places where the pavement melted, recently, north of you. I'd think it would be just too dangerous for many folks to even be out on such days. Move slowly and be careful.:-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:37 PM

Kat - certainly anyone with an outdoor job should be given access to work indoors for health and safety reasons.

Yesterday afternoon I put up a six-foot wide, six foot long blind, one of the indoor/outdoor ones that rolls up. I placed it on the side of the patio cover to block the sun that heats the glass doors. I should have done this a couple of months ago, but it did finally occur to me that this would be easier than cleaning the doors and cutting the film to fit. I didn't think of putting up the shade in this fashion until yesterday, but I have procrastinated in addressing the afternoon sun issue.

I've cleaned the fridge and made a shopping list. Baked a pan of bread pudding this morning; it heats up nicely for breakfast.

I have whittled down the papers on my computer desk (I can see some wood), filing and shredding my way through stacks. A couple of sets of notes from ongoing projects are going to have to find somewhere to live, and then be discarded when the projects are finished - that is a big problem, knowing when something is finished and moving on.

Gotta change water in the dog pools, then run a few errands. I hope one of these days I'll have a photo of Morgan in the water splash park as my screen saver!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 07:15 PM

Took more recycling over to the bin, took 2 paper grocery bags of newspapers over to the Humane Society, took canning supplies back to Dean, and picked up some lava sand to spread around in the garden. I'll use it like mulch and it will help hold the water for some of the plants this week.

Looked for earphones for my mp3 player, decided to try the type my son likes, but they feel odd. Sturdy, and the sound is good, but odd. I'll try again another time and my has son inherited a spare set of earphones.

I came in this afternoon to find that it is so much cooler over by the back door! The shade hung up on the porch really does work. 105 today. Ugg. I'll work indoors some more and maybe outside a little at sunset. I want to get started with the sand.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 08:13 PM

We stayed up 'til past midnight and I couldn't sleep. Finally drifted off about 230a, then woke up around 6a. Argghh! So, this morning was slow going, but I finally built-up a head of "coolish" steam:-) and Rog helped me clean out and reorganise the linen closet. I found a cat shelter which advertises the need for old blankets, linens, and such, so I filled a bin for them. The closet looks great.

Then (drum roll, please) Rog and I, after lunch, went to the humane society. I'd felt a few days ago that it truly was time to look, seriously, for another dog. We were there almost two hours and have come with a beautiful, 3 year old mini-Aussie Shepherd named "Fiona" for the moment. She is spending the night with us to see how the cats, etc. do with her. So far, so good with the grandkid, she's shy of the cats, they don't hate me, thank goodness, AND she quiet and obedient. Really a sweet dog. I'll post a picture by end of tomorrow.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: GUEST,Tinker
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 09:59 PM

kat.... congrats on the dog.... she sounds like a sweetie....waiting for the photos

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 10:11 PM

Kat, I looked at the dogs also at the Humane Society today, though I didn't bring anyone home. But there were more who looked like what I had in mind - 2 to 3 years old, full grown, healthy, well-proportioned and healthy looking. I'm still thinking the pooch I took down might come out the other end one of these days. Some of these animals spend several weeks getting healthy before they're put in the adoption area.

My friend Dean is probably going to lose his house because the bank messed up with some insurance activity a year ago. It has caused a cascade of expenses that have him up against the wall. I'm going to clear space and put up shelves (I have the supports and boards, just haven't used them yet) so he can store household things in my garage so they're out of the way when that move happens. I told him I won't start working out there until this heat breaks, and we do have time. But it is so heartbreaking to see how the poor choices made by various people resulted in this.

I'm going to move some furniture in my office this evening to make the scanner a little easier to reach and remove a little table. And soon it is time to start transferring the contents of the VCR tapes and burning them to DVD. Moving things will make it easier to attach the machine and play the tapes into the computer.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 11:35 PM

That's terribly sad about Dean's house, SRS. Is there even a chance he may not lose it? Good friend, you are. (I'm channelling Yoda, apparently!:-)

Thanks, Tink and SRS. I will get pix up, as I am sure we will be keeping her. She is really well-behaved and so quiet. Content to lie down or sit wherever we are and well-housebroken, too. I think she will get a new name, though. I had told Morgan is I got a Siamese female, again, someday, we would call her StellaLuna after a fav. storybook of his about a daft bat. We both just love the way it rolls off the tongue and IF we name her that, her nickname would be L-o-o-n-a-h, as we both like to draw it out a bit, sort of singing(ly). It has the same ending as her name, now,so I don't think it would be too confusing for her. Besides she has shown a lot of intelligence, already.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: ragdall
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 01:51 AM

Kat, congratulations on your new family member. She sounds like a wonderful little girl. What do the cats think about her?

SRS, That's terrible about Dean's house! If the bank made the mistakes shouldn't they be making it right for him?

Any toys that are sturdy and intact are good to keep. You'll be amazed at how fast the time passes before grandchildren arrive. It seems to us there will be an endless supply of little ones. Our first grandchild arrived over 22 years ago, the most recent is two months old. The eldest already has a four year old and a two month old baby of her own so the cycle continues. They all enjoy playing with my children's toys when they visit us.

Last night I worked on my sewing machine, catching up some mending and projects. I've been using pieces of fabric from items in the rag box to make "pockets" inside my husband's pant legs to hold the two collection bags he has fastened to tubes in his body because of his kidney problem. The bags are meant to be held up with elastic strips around the leg. The elastic doesn't hold well enough and also tends to increase the swelling in a leg. So far, the pockets seem to work well.

I'm using thrift store sheets to give some worn comforters new life, recovering an entire worn surface. It was easy to sew the sheet along the edges of the first one. I'm hoping that I'll be able to feed the thicker parts of the comforter through my machine to follow the quilting lines and fasten the sheet in place.

Today I spent a couple of hours in the five foot by 20 foot long space between my deck and the fence along my neighbours' driveway, pulling up seedling trees and cutting out small trees. My hands are not very happy. I also pruned a lilac back away from the fence line. There are Green Ash, Mountain Ash, Cottonwood, and Choke Cherry seedlings everywhere in my yard. If I ever am unable to clean out that space or mow the lawn, in less than ten years my house will be surrounded by a dense forest. The Green Ash are the worst, they'll grow at least four feet in height in a year.

rags

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - Build on Success -July 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 09:49 AM

Here's a new thread for August 2011.

SRS