Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 01:09 AM

Jeri, these threads are great for unloading some of that nonsense. It helps to vent.

I could use some "email shunning" - I get way too much of it these days. So many advertisers say they'll only writer once a week or when it's really important - then they swamp you with it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 03:41 AM

Jeri, hugs.

Penny

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 09:51 AM

I'm realizing it's one of those way-too-full weeks for me also. Looking at it as a whole, it is a rather depressing list, so I'll break it into smaller chunks of time and cross them off the To-Do list as they are finished.

I think it's about time for a Mudcat Tavern event.

First chunk of time - in the time it takes to drink my morning cup of tea, I'll pay the last of the bills.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 10:21 AM

I'm better now. I think the worst part about it all is being in some weird state of suspended animation. "Don't know" this, "Don't know" that, etc. Traveling on Christmas eve is something only morons do, but I'll be joining the ranks of morons this year.

Thanks for the hugs.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 11:10 AM

Jeri, keep in mind that if you don't know something and you try to Google it, if it is medical in nature you can scare the shit out of yourself. A word to the wise: choose your online searches carefully (but if you do get something from your doctor you want to know more about I can search the medical databases at my university library and send PDFs or mail information. I've made that offer a few times in the past, and in a couple of cases it meant folks had better keywords for asking their doctors questions, or could hand over articles that helped their doctors with the treatment.) I'm just the conduit- and can only search with the keywords I'm given. Not a doctor, etc etc.

Bills paid. Tea drunk. Into the shower, then to work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 11:22 AM

I've been wanting new dishes for some time now. Yesterday I went to Ithaca, NY on a mission...to find and purchase new plates, bowls and mugs. I also wanted to buy individual pieces instead of sets because I want our plates to be 9 inch plates instead of the giant dinner plates we have now and that are so common. I FOUND THEM!! They are a soft yellow, simple, clean pottery AND they were 60% off! HOORAY!!! So this morning I have been busy taking everything out of the cupboards, packing up stuff I either don't use or no longer want. I've wiped down the insides of some of the cupboards and have put back only what I need. I am LOVING the uncluttered cupboard and it has inspired me to do more. :)

On the exercise front, I walked a ton yesterday!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 11:28 AM

Michelle, I'm to the point to look for new plates, bowls, etc. I have been using relatively kid-proof Corelle for years, it's time to have some grown-up dinnerware! I also use the smaller "lunch plates" instead of huge dinner plates. You don't eat as much when you have smaller plates, and that is a good thing!

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Bettynh
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 11:58 AM

SRS, check your local craigslist. Dishes are going for ultracheap around here. I'm trying to sell a couple huge sets, and not having much luck, either because everyone else has too many, or they're just unfashionable. Anyway, be sure to search the whole list for dinnerware, dishes, and china. They seem to turn up in several categories. If you can arrange a pickup, there'd be no packing/shipping hassle. If you were closer, I'd try to figure a way to get my box of Homer Laughlin Golden Wheat dishes to you. They were given away in Duz detergent boxes, and apparently Mom only bought small boxes of detergent, so I have 24 teacups, and about a dozen or so each of saucers and salad plates.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 12:00 PM

That's exactly why I wanted smaller plates. Generally speaking, I'm not one to go back for seconds of anything. I eat what's on my plate and I stop there. So maybe smaller plates will help. :) Also, please know that Corelle DOES break, in fact it SHATTERS.

Now I'm trying to decide if I want to store this stuff until next summer or just take it to Sals. We'll see.

Laundry is going, chili is in the making and soon I'll be changing the bag on the vacuum cleaner and unclog it's one hoses and then it will be on to the living room rug.

Meanwhile, big, heavy, wet snowflakes are falling from the sky. I've got a nice fire going in the wood stove, Jeremiah is happily playing and I'm enjoying a day at home.

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

PS. Jeri...I hope your tests go well and show that you are healthy!!! As for driving that far to be somewhere I didn't want to go in the first place...I'd be making other plans. Life is short, enjoy it!!! XOXOO

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 12:31 PM

Good idea, Betty. I've seen that pattern before. Michelle, yes, I know about breaking Corelle. It flies all over the place if you manage to break it. Ask me how I know. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 01:04 PM

Hi guys!

I am looking forward to joining the ranks of the sorting-out-stuff folk soon, but until the plumber has given me working sinks, I can't clean up all the stuff I stashed in the shed 6 months ago. The shed is somewhat dusty inside, after the shenanigans of the last few months.

The floorings are down, and my upper back, neck and shoulders are complaining after I had to shift a lot of stuff from the upstairs. I have my belly dance class tonight, but when I get back, about 9.30, I shall drop my achy back and my 2 day headache into a nice hot bath.

I took the cat to the vet yesterday, after being concerned for a while about his skinny body. He has a VERY overactive thyroid. They called me with the blood results this evening. Hopefully, I'll get over to pick his meds up tomorrow. Annoyingly, I was over that way this afternoon, taking some of the debris from the carpet/flooring laying to the tip.

I am told the tiler is coming to do a bit more tomorrow.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 02:48 PM

Delighted to here Andrea is coming towards completion!

Michele's wonderful yellow small plates! I too try using smaller plates to eat less.

I hope Jeri is not "shoulding" on herself with that Christmas Eve trip.

After a miserable morning yesterday, thanks to spending the entire hour of breakfast listening to R on phone with bro, I lost it completely and let bro (on phone) have it with both barrels, knowing all the time, HE JUST DOES NOT GET IT!!!! Apparently he was very upset when R got to where he was but that is because he does not have a clue. Why should I mind that our early morning is totally intruded upon by numerous phone calls from him - every @#$%^& day???? He does not even realize that was why I was upset.

I all but packed up and left. Phoned a good friend in Nova Scotia who understands completely. She was married to R's closest friend. So I settled down and felt miserable all day because I KNOW that man does not understand and there is nothing I can do about him and, therefore, it is useless to lose my temper or waste any energy over it. And he is R's bro, and we both know he has run R's life since the day R was born - and R could have had a very dif life. R was, and is, a highly regarded geologist but got hooked into this insane business with his bro.   

When he got home last night - about 8 pm (earlier than midnight!), I requested a quiet morning "or I'm out of here" and pretty much got it today. Bro or not, there is nothing that critical that it cannot wait until after breakfast. R tends to agree but he gets hooked. But when we go to the country, he loves that the phone does not work!

Today, in recoup mode, wrote snail mail cards to 3 dear friends and put stickers all over them and made some address stickers for them and other out-going mail - some for each address but had to phone landlord for address! Nice chat and he gave me a request for R. We are getting more and more connected with folks down there. He said, "I was talking to E and he said why don't you ask R!" Building a sense of community; I would so rather be there.

Made an appt for R for a massage next week. He has never had one. Might relax him for an hour or so. Had a nice chat with the therapist.

Planning a change in the LR to get more light in here. Remembered we have two beautiful - big - matching table lamps upstairs. Need shades. So a trip to thrift shop tomorrow to take stuff and hope for at least one shade.

Now for lunch and sit down with book time. I have been busy since R left at 10 am. 15 days to the solstice!

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 06:59 PM

11/31 3
12/1 3
12/2 1 front
12/3 2 back
12/3 1
12/3 at walking limit, all in house chores
12/5 1
12/6 1 front plus chair carry-in
12/7 much walking

===

Jeri, you go girl!

~S~

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 07:16 PM

Dorothy, even if we may love them, friends and family sometimes can be so toxic to us. I hope that for his sake R will learn to either turn the phone off or only answer during certain times of the day. I've done what you did, venting at the toxic person, a family member for me also, but it never does any good. Like you say they don't get it, their brains are wired that way. One of the best things, I've ever done for myself was to limit, or even cease communication with a couple of people who were that way in my real world life. For one of them, it seems to have helped in that he has learned to be more independent, not co-dependent.

Meditation and qi gong this morning. Two pillows between the knees on my side helped with the sciatica last night. My osteopathic girlfriend has added another day of the week for treatments, so I get to go see her tomorrow. Yea!

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 10:57 PM

Yep! The wiring is definitely not there. After my screaming fit yesterday, doesn't he come round and ask if he could come and watch Dragon's Den. Absolutely not. Told him he is totally rude and talks through the programs ... "Just talking about the program." ARghhhh! He was made to promise to be quiet before being allowed to go to a video event at a friend's house. The last time the 3 of us watched TV, R spent the whole time telling him to be quiet. Totally ruined the program. Neither calm explanations or ultimatums nor virtual hysterics have had any effect. He seriously is incapable of comprehension. That is reality.

We have done pretty well in avoiding his presence for a while but it seems to have escalated lately. Back to square one. Strategies to totally avoid. I will not put up with this. AT ALL, ANYMORE. Tomorrow - an email laying down the rules again and kept on file to be repeated as needed.

Lovely trout dinner tonight. Much perusal of raccoon affairs and some other things on FB. Wrote a bunch more possible captions for our video on ---raccoons! Some time spent on looking into music for said video.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 11:08 AM

Bizarre weather. It rained like crazy last night and I had dripping in my fireplace, then the wind picked up sometime during the morning and the power went off for about a second. This morning, one bird feeder was on the ground and one young female cardinal was sitting on the pole and looking around like "I coulda sworn it was just here... had seeds and suet and stuff in it. Where the heck did it go?"

It unscrewed itself and part was right under the feeder with the food rings by it and the top was close to the road. I can't blame the squirrels anymore. Maybe the mourning doves have found a way to unscrew the base by doing the "running man" on it... "everyday I'm shuffellin"... itty bitty little iPods. I put the seed rings back in, screwed it together again and added some seed in the dish. Eveerytime I go near the feeder, chickadees scold me with that whiney "chirp, chirp, for f's sake CHIRP", occasionally flying away with a "SONovaB". I don't like it when the birds swear at me. The nuthatches just sort of say "yeah... huh?... what? food... go... now... huh?" There's a reason they call those birds "nuthaches".

And my across the street neighbor (they're great neighbors) got two fresh rescue dogs. He's now up to FOUR Australian Shepherds, which may be the craziest breed of dog on earth. They try to herd birds. Not the nuthatches, though. They're too buys walking upside down on the trunk trying to remember where they stuck that sunflower seed. "where?... huh?... whoops... nope... there...

I need to go to the gym.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 12:43 PM

I haven't put out the bird feeders yet, but I have a lovely array of them hanging from a beam in the garage, and a new big one on the workbench. I have lots of shepherd's pole supports for them, but I have to place them so over time the birds don't get habituated to running through my veggie garden area.

This morning I had one of those "there's so much to do I can't get out of bed" mornings. So I have to just get moving and do as much as I can by adopting a plan of some sort. At least it has finally warmed and the sun is out.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 12:52 PM

SRS, don't forget to take a deep breath now and then. When I have mornings like that it helps me if I make a list and, even if I don't get all of it done, it feels great when I can check off even a few of the things. Then I don't feel so overwhelmed.

Jeri, you do have a way with words. Thanks for the giggles this morning. Ever considered washing the birds mouths out with soap?**bg** Hope the cleanup isn't too arduous. LOL

Meditation and qi gong this morning. It was a bit difficult to talk myself into doing the qi gong as my back is still stiff and sore, but I knew it would help and it did. In about 10 min. I'll be off to my friend for an adjustment and anticipate feeling even better!

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 08:18 PM

I figured out the lethargy problem - am taking care of it. And this evening, in my clean and clear kitchen, I am going to assemble the mother of all lasagnas to take to work tomorrow. It's our holiday luncheon. I have to get a gift for a coworker- I haven't a clue what to get this woman. Maybe a gift card - so uninspired, but I don't really know her tastes.

The third disc in the Jewel In the Crown series arrived yesterday, and I'll put that in the kitchen computer and watch it while I work. I suspect this kitchen TV on the wall is over time going to get more use than my bigger fancy one in the living room.

Zeke is coming over tomorrow morning. Susie is headed out of town and staying with a couple of friends, but one of them doesn't have a setup to handle a large dog, so he'll hang out here with the girls. They love it. He's getting used to this being a home away from home - he got out of the house earlier this week and Susie went looking for him - she found him here in my front yard. He hadn't gotten over to the side gate yet or the girls would have let me know he was here.

Off to my evening of cooking. If I have extra ingredients I'll of course make myself a lasagna for freezing.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 09:44 PM

Good program on autism on Suzuki tonight. Mainstream seems to be finally figuring out the interaction of gut, environment, genes and neurotoxins in the brain.

Most of day spent shoping: groceries, thrift shop, Zeller's - closing soon to make way for another Walmart so everything on sale. bought some useful items but no long johns for R. No hot pads; guess I need to make some.

Home: check e-mails, share animal advocacy links and others. Note from friend on Whidbey that my former dog has gone AWOL. Apparently she was failing in health. I suggested they accept that she went off to die in her own way. She was always her own person -very sweet but independent. Age unknown but she was old enough. She will be well remembered.

Tomorrow! music, the country!    Also rearrange LR and maybe some sewing.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 10:57 PM

Lasagne assembled, in the fridge, ready to start baking at 9:30. I figure 75 - 90 minutes to be sure it is baked through, then pop it into a box of towels to keep it hot for the 30 minute drive to work.

All of the dishes washed again, and one episode viewed. I have other things to do this evening, but my chamomile tea is having a good effect and I'll probably get up early and take care of a couple of things in the morning.

This weekend is a push to get more stuff on eBay. Some perhaps for gifts, but most for people who have a few days off who might be browsing to see what they can find to round out their collections. Surely a few of the 99% have a little disposable income?

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 08 Dec 11 - 11:44 PM

Has brother been diagnosed with autism? Some of his behaviors sound like he could be on the spectrum...mg

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 12:42 AM

I spent today going over my mom's new prescription plan, consulting with several pharmacists and deciphering the new rules...if this, then that but if that then not this blah blah blah. I think that stuff is designed to confuse and frustrate people to the point that they throw their hands up in the air and say WHATEVER. Not me. I kind of enjoyed it....welcome to my Geekdom! :)

Mom was worn out by all of it by the end of the day but I was super energized! So...by the time we had dinner and the baby was in bed, it was going on 10:00pm. I decided to do the dishes, sort through a large pile of our own paperwork, rearrange the main counter top that I use (cleaning under and behind everything) and balancing our budget. :) I've still got a mountain of GO happening so I'm just going to go with it. Maybe it's the (almost) full moon with the combination of snow..who knows?!?!?

Later Gators!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 06:47 AM

Gained a pound or so this week, but I got hooked on some really lush cookies, so I only have myself to blame.

The decorators have started work, and the tiler is here till lunchtime. The joiners will be here Mon-Weds next week, and that should be enough to complete their work. The tiler will be back on monday. The electrician will be here tomorrow, but the one person we could really do with is the plumber!

Managed to get the first of the cat's meds into him, so I hope that's a good omen.

The gales from yesterday have blown themselves out, but it's a bracing 3C out there right now!

Andrea

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 10:44 AM

mg: That is an interesting thought, however, After considerable wondering about a possible diagnosis - his failure to comprehend could fit into the Asperger's but nothing else fits. I have not read the entire DMSV IV but, in my experience, nothing fits this man. A good friend of over 40 years with tons of experience and knowledge (my major go-to person) states that bro was born with a brain dysfunction that cannot be touched by any therapy or drug.

It seems, after 2&1/2 years, the only strategy is avoidance. That is what I did in 1972 when we shared a flat. It is harder now as I live with R and the phone rings - and rings, and rings. R copes fairly well most of the time, as long as he is OK. Sometimes, he just "leaves" - turns off phone and hides out, goes walk-about - when bro gets to be too much. I suggest that moving to Tasmania would be a good strategy - but bro would probably follow!

My hope, perhaps in vain, is that R can get the shared business into a shape that enables him to be away more. I point out that he is enabling bro - when he allows him to keep blithering ( while I am saying "just hang up!"), when he allows him to interfere and get people upset, thereby causing business problems. Hard to change 64 years of habituated behaviours!

I am going to try to choose not to get upset by his clearly uncontrollable behaviours. Avoid, and support R in avoiding as much as possible. R is still suffering from the parentally instilled belief that he has to take care of his (older) bro. The things parents do to their children, often without meaning to do so.

Any other ideas, short of murder, will be given serious consideration. It is very hard for both R and myself that his bro cannot be welcome in our home. I consider his briefest time here a desecration of the sanctity of home. My gut twists if he comes to the door. I can turn off the TV but not bro. HE has no off switch - request, beg, plead, scream - no off switch. I will absolutely NOT have him in my vehicle, nor ride in one with him present. The noise is "crazy-making". R has actually referred to him as "a crazy-maker".

Otherwise, he has high intelligence, a wonderful mind and the capacity to be very sweet and kind. Go figure! Yes, it is sad for all concerned, including bro. He has few friends, a couple people who are able to endure him. It totally stunned me when he commented, blithely, "My mother never did get used to my screaming and yelling." She lived to be 97! At about 93, his dad said to a visitor to the family home, "Can't ANYONE shut him up?"

OK, thank you guys. You may not think this is about de-cluttering but actually it is about the ultimate in de-cluttering.

Now to fetch ink for printer and a couple other things in an area I do not generally frequent. Still have not gotten to sewing; maybe today. Buttons back onto down coat are becoming a priority. Maybe even the old zipper off - challenging! and new zipper onto warmer jacket. Temps are going downward. 13 days to the solstice!

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 10:44 AM

One thing about having an overage of stuff around the house is that you have it there to choose from for small gifts for coworkers. I had a box of lovely olive oil soap unopened in the hall bathroom (I bought it for my son to use last summer, but he spent most of the break at his dad's house and with friends.) Saves me a side trip this morning.

Our office has kind of lost steam with several vacant positions. The library dean, an accountant, a secretary, and this week, our reception person who was also an HR clerk. No one stepped forward to provide what amounts to the main dish, so I offered to bring lasagna. Of all of the things I could make, this is easiest because I had all of the ingredients here. If I hadn't had such an early frost I'd have used much of this in making and freezing casseroles for myself because the garden was perking along when it was struck down.

This weekend I'll sort my decorating stuff - Susie gave me a Norfolk pine because she doesn't like me not having a "real" tree - but I do sometimes go get one on xmas eve at the local nursery. I offer a low amount and they accept it because the day after it has no value. Better something than nothing. And I end up with one of those $250 trees that way.

Do all of you have trees, real or artificial? Other decorations? I always decorate my mantle, and the last couple of years I put up lots of crystal bowls, pitchers, plates, vases, goblets, etc and put glass ornaments in them. I have some up-lights on top of the mantle so it sparkles wonderfully!

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 11:54 AM

I've some thoughts for you, Dorothy, but will have to post them, later.

SRS, same here in response to your questions about decorating.

For now, just stopping in to post: meditation and qi gong this morning.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 01:11 PM

Well TBTG, I sure hit the trifecta today!

I needed to be here on the premises today, so allocated the day to catching up on housechores I've recently had to let slide a bit. It LOOKS like a disaster but I have learned that even on these meds (appt next week), I can get it done if I chip away at it on my own.

So:

1. I have a friend with whom I'm on a mutual-support deal who, today, is checking in with me hourly to be sure I am progressing on the day's chore/moving oals
2. The very short funds available this year for Christmas (the trip to see sis was expensive) all went to an online vendor we like where it turned out... I had boocoo points saved to cover a HUGE amount of happy-making...
3. ... sending one and all the perfect Christmas item that just came out today!


Did I mention we got a freebie (FC) left-recliner last week, that is now in my house wrapped in cushy cotton for those days when the PT gets a little too intense. It's also great support for assigned exercises, because of course the height is remote-adjustable. Bonus: I can get up without pinching a hernia the doc sez is too small to fix surgically YAY! When I do not need it anymore it can go to other local friends with physical challenges, and we LOVE the peeps we got it from!

Sister's furniture is sched for FC pickup this weekend.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 03:51 PM

I have spent a week putting off opening a letter from the solicitors in case the queries from the buyers concerned my troublous neighbours. Not very rational, since answering will bring their removal from my life nearer. It's a battle between conscious rationality and paranoid subconscious.
Plan A - get up early and do it before breakfast so that procrastination cannot sneak in. Subconscious victory - over-sleeping.
Plan B - drive to solicitors and do it in the office. Problem is that documents have been moved half a county away, about 40 odd miles, because "my" solicitor had a heart attack. I would have done it, but yesterday was storm day, high winds and heavy rain.
Plan C - take letter and computer into school when I go in to teach swimming and do it in the staff room. But I also had to tell the IT guys about a web site (Snow flake maker) and then the maths colleague who told me she is retiring next week, so I had to go to the office to contribute to her leaving gift...
Plan D - on way home drop in to original solicitor's office and do it. This one worked. No worries about queries.
Got home and started to type letter. And halfway through, Word went into a conniption fit, repeated every time it attempted to recover the letter. I was using Word rather than OpenOffice because the envelope function is better. Then I realised that I have a prepaid and printed envelope, so that doesn't matter. But it was too late for the post, so I'll do it tomorrow.
Yes I will.

Meanwhile, I have unpicked a long hairy scarf that Oxfam was throwing out and loomed it into a snood and a matching beanie. I was going to take it back to them, but it's my colours, so I need to negotiate a price with them. It's not what I grew up thinking a snood was, which was a sort of bag for catching long hair into. It's the new version, a tube which can be a neck warmer or a hood. I started to do the hats with left over yarn, and they look good with the hood partly over them. Slightly Islamic, I suppose. Oxfam have sold one set, in red with glitter yarn in it. I will post photos sometime.

Penny

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 08:47 PM

Successful shopping today. Made a large pot of tomato soup with tomatoes R brought home from cut rate fruit and veg store. Put it through blender as I detest the texture of tomatoes. It's tolerable.

I am sitting here eating TOO much choc as R thought he would get through in time to go to country but then, at the very last minute, I had to agree that it would be best if he completed what he was working on and it was getting late so NO MUSIC tonight. We'll survive - the lack of music but I might not survive the overdose of choc. Time for more magnesium and maybe some herbal tea. Right now I wish I could puke!

Christmas is not a big thing for us. I will get around to putting the one string of lights on the balcony railing - tomorrow. There is not room for a tree, even a small one. Upstairs, if we were using it, we could have a grand tree - but i am OK without. No children to enjoy it!

I was too tired after shopping for the rearrangement of LR. Tomorrow. or sewing. ditto. Totally drismal day with flurries. Tomorrow supposed to have some sun.

We may have reduced mouse population by one - caught in waste can and put out. But major mouse still with us and a smaller one also - if one can judge by size of droppings. We are good natured about it but it really would be nice if there were not new droppings each morning.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 09:33 PM

Dorothy, I find a little bit of cheese or other kind of protein helps if I've had a bit too much chocolate or other sugary thing.

SRS, we may use our Norfolk Island pine as the Christmas tree this year. Last year we bought a live potted tree and plant it in the springtime. It's doing well, but they're rather expensive so I don't think we'll be doing that this year. As far as inside the house goes, I have a few little things that Morgan I will put out probably tomorrow, but I already have so much to dust if I don't get that first it really wouldn't be very nice even if I did put up Christmas stuff. I am going to ask Roger to probably put Christmas lights on the tree from last year that's planted in the front yard.

Tonight, we went to Morgan's school to pick him up and go into the main building where they had an arts and crafts fair for the children. There were activity tables set up where they could make decorations for Christmas trees, jingle bell necklaces, and some kind of gingerbread dough which they rolled out, then use cookie-cutter shapes and get them home on a paper plate, after being told they will set up in a day or two, at which time they can be hung on the Christmas tree or wherever with a paperclip. We were there for about an hour, I wore three of my Morgan creations (necklaces) which he pointed out to his teacher quite proudly. I was very proud of him in the way he interacted with the other children and the adults. At one point I asked him to get a chair for me, but be sure to ask the people who were standing in front of it if they didn't mind. He did so very politely and brought it around to me. The woman sitting next to us told me she was quite impressed with how gentlemanly he was. Makes the grandma proud!

I got the annual holiday letter written that will go out with the cards I hopefully will get done this weekend. Haven't done very much of anything else. The doc told me no sweeping, no dishes and I have another treatment on Monday, so I'll be careful this weekend. Which reminds me, have any of you tried out the yoga ball chairs? The doctor recommended one. I found one on Amazon for $68 which has high reviews, but I'd like to hear from folks I know if they've tried it.

It's about an hour and a half after our suppertime. I can smell it so it must be almost ready so I shall go. Before I forget, though, Dorothy, would you mind posting a recipe for your black beans, i.e. what spices etc. you might use when cooking them? They sound so yummy with guacamole and with salads. I'm supposed to be doing a bit more protein I figured be good to have some of those cooked up. Thank you.

kat

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 04:05 AM

I always used to get a cut real tree, not having anywhere to plant out a real one. It was always a hassle to drag it out through the house again. The year Ian died I bought an artificial one (which he would not have entertained) and replaced it with a slimline 7ft tall one for my smaller living room here. I also bought a small potted Norway Spruce, which is still alive, a year later, by my front door. This even after the ice and snow last year broke its growing shoot off, and it now has a much more rounded shape. Also, despite my best efforts, it gets blown over quite often by the strong westerlies. I put some solar lights on it this winter, but they aren't working, so once the electrician is finished, I'll dig out my smaller set of outdoor lights and fit those.

The village is all lit up this time of year, and I have a string of their coloured LED lights from my guttering. The lights are timed from 4pm till about midnight, and the village tree is on all the time.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 11:45 AM

Housemate has moved out; time to start readying the space for its next user. Needs cleaned and re-arrranged.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 02:50 PM

Andrea, if you plant that Norway spruce in the ground it will be a lot happier (and be sure the root swell is exposed and the roots untangled from being root bound). It will also get a lot bigger (so don't plant it close to the house) and will send out a new central shoot from a nearby branch.

Today it warmed enough for a comfortable hour in the garden. I cut down big okra skeletal remains, pulled out a huge sunflower stump and raked up a lot of detritus that is now going to hum along in the compost. There is more to do, much more, but I broke it down to one task because I have a lot more elsewhere to take care of today. Potatoes will go in soon, so next I need to dig those beds.

I have some shopping to do, but this time of year I have to work out a route that takes me around the horrid mall-congestion at some intersections and freeway exits. And before I go I'll have a dish of re-heated leftover lasagna from yesterday's luncheon. It's always better on the second day!

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 03:34 PM

Feeling kinda sick today so I'm not doing anything than hanging out with my feet up. I did give Jeremiah a bath but Pete has managed everything else today. What a good man he is!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 04:13 PM

I think there are little bugs going around, not just big things like flu and colds. I felt puny (I learned that use for the word when I lived in Kentucky) for a couple of days this week also. Swung by the doctor's office for a flu shot yesterday.

I've made a lot of progress today. Third load of laundry has finished, these are things that need to hang or dry flat, a type of laundry I always seem to have more of in winter than summer. One item is a bathrobe, a favorite but I've worn it for so long that the collar is about frayed off. I'm going to see if I can pick up a soft ivory colored corduroy to make a contrasting collar to give it more life. The robe is an aqua-colored terry cloth.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 07:12 PM

WEnt off to the Sally Ann and got two "harps" for the two lamps for the LR but the shade I bought at the thrift shop is too small. Will continue to explore the solutions for that problem. Also got a very nice wool winter jacket with hood in grey/purple/turquoise. Like it better than the one which needs zipper. And a cosy pair of gloves for R who never has too many pairs - he loses them regularly. I keep threatening the string method...

Wondering when I will get back to the country since we have totally missed this week. Guess I will go administer the slight rearranging of LR for a slightly less cluttered appearance, she says hopefully.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 08:12 PM

WOW! That massive lamp is the same colour as the wall - sort of off white toward Devon cream! and the light blue flowers are not bad at all. But the thrift shop shade... ICK and too short, wrong shape, wrong fabric... The lamps were free but the shades may be hard to come by at a reasonable price. In the meantime, we will get used to the one looking elegant on the antique sewing machine which seems much less intrusive, although basically useless (when one needs storage), against the wall. And the TV is back on the coffee table sort of thing I brought in off the street. It has a lower shelf for the ever-increasing profusion of papers/magazines/... I keep hoping will someday be reduced in amount. I just found a pile of outdated flyers under there, guess I will go through the whole pile - now!

I was once at a workshop and people were going around the room talking about their fantasies. I had no idea of any fantasy I might have until I spoke, later, with a wise older woman who told me, "I have a fantasy that someday (her husband) will fix the...." OH! I am becoming ruthless about paper but R has not, yet.

That is today's improvement.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 11 - 11:18 AM

Dorothy, get a shade that is the right size and put new fabric over it. Nate Berkus does that all of the time on his program.

I've been reading this morning, but I have to go take care of several things on my list. I did find sheets for a duvet on clearance, and I found a piece of chenille that will work on the robe. The corduroy I found was strange - there is barely a "cord" to it any more. My local fabric store (JoAnn) had moved and in the process changed the amount of various things they carry (less fabric). The people who were cutting fabric quite conspicuously don't sew, don't have functional knowledge about fabrics. Perhaps it's just extra help during the holiday season.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 11 Dec 11 - 02:59 PM

Decluttering is a very slow process! Not helped by the fact that everytime I sort stuff for charity or bin Geoff comes along and lifts it all out again. I feel the house is a little bit like one of those puzzles that you have to move one square to get another to move. We put boxes in the caravan then swap them with other stuff to sort. Clear one room then fill it with with the junk from another. I feel sure that somewhere down the line we will have some semblance of order but not sure when. Next job is to clear enough stuff to allow for Christmas decorations. Watch this space - what do you mean "What space?"

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 11 - 04:26 PM

Mrs. Duck - you're in the right place - we know exactly what that looks and feels like.

What is the smallest room in your house? Even if it is a closet, a laundry room, or a bathroom, if you can get one set up perfectly the way you want, move out any extras (and deal with that stuff, don't just stash it) then you'll have the kernal of the cure: one room at a time, moving outward.

Let us know how it goes!

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Dec 11 - 05:55 PM

SRS: I have not seen any lampshades the right size and shape or I would do just that -- if I found something reasonably priced. $25.00 and up is not! I'll check Craig's list.

Wore my new $7 car coat today - so cosy and nice, it surpasses my hope.

More or less do nothing day. Another late night and early morning so it is mostly reading and internet. Just met a neat woman in Eureka, CA. Feeling the lack of not having been to the country in over a week. Shall have to go on Tuesday - just for me.

Remembering my mother's home of 28 years. When I went to move her out and there were pathways through the house, paper - piled to the bottom of the DR table and everywhere else, 4 BRs and 4 walk in closets - FULL. ETC.... Such a good learning exp! Wish R had seen it!

Don't tell, but I dumped 8-10 inches of paper in the recycling yesterday. YAY!

Just found out raccoons are good mousers! That's what I need.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 01:18 AM

I made a big pot of vegetable soup with a hamburger stock that came out great. That'll be lunch or dinner for several days this week. I also finished some work for work so I'll have some free time this week - my son flies in on Wednesday for the long winter break from school.

Not much else to report. I think tomorrow I'll be able to get the dogs out for a long walk that will do all of us good.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 04:15 AM

I have a lampshade I made by covering a frame with fabric to match curtains. When I was at school I was taught a method of making shades by winding raffia (synthetic imitation) over frames.
So. for my new home, I went to look for frames to make my own, as there weren't any in the shops I really liked. And nobody had any, and I couldn't find any on the internet.
So I understand Dorothy's problem. (I have bought a couple of capiz shell shades, and some of those student type paper shades, and one fabric one for a serpentine table lamp which really doesn't work well.)

I have now acquired a replacement autoharp, thus reversing some early decluttering. I paid more than I had planned, getting involved in a last minute bidding war, but I felt it was the right instrument, from the right seller - one who is only selling because he has upgraded to 15 bars, and plays in his local club, not someone who knows nothing about the instrument. I have an invitation to meet sometime! He reckons me to be the right buyer, as well.

My knitting loom has arrived - and I'm beginning to think it may have been a mistake as I try out various stitches. It doesn't really work the same way as the round looms and is more fiddly.

I have listed an old bakelite phone on ebay, and have 5 watchers but no bids.

Yesterday I lined the ceiling and part of the back of my airing cupboard with foil radiator reflector material. When I was moving things about in the morning it had felt cold and even dampish. It is right under the flat roof, and there is a void between it and my bedroom which I suspect of also channelling heat to the roof. The hot water tank has been losing heat surprisingly fast during the day, though it doesn't feel warm to touch. Even though it is not a really tidy job, stuck into plce with odd strips of gaffer tape, this morning it does feel much more like an airing cupboard. In summer, it gets quite hot in there. Now is when I need it. I've got more foil ready to do the rest of the back when I feel like crawling around in there again. Oddly, it makes it look darker in there than the white paint did.

The weight loss has reversed. I can't believe this is entirely due to the box of chocolates the school gave me, and am now rather suspicious of the scales. The losses it recorded sometimes seemed too big for what I had eaten and disposed of, and now the gain seems too big ditto. How can I put on more weight than I have eaten? Doesn't make sense!

Penny

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 08:59 AM

A quote seen elsewhere, apropos of nothing but so suitable for declutterers:

"If you don't get what you want--
just think of
all the things you don't get
that you don't want."

~S~

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 11:35 AM

What we don't want could be a huge list, so just giving that remark consideration makes the house feel positively empty. :-)

Penny, there is more involved than what you eat and what you burn. There is also the chemistry of what you're eating (with salt, etc.) and how much water you're drinking versus fluid you might be retaining. We fluctuate a lot based upon time of year and how much liquid we drink. I'm taking a week's worth of antibiotics and the bottle says "drink plenty of water." But I should have been drinking plenty of water anyway, and just got out of the habit with the cool weather.

Digging out my desktop - lots of scribbled notes. I need to act upon or add to a more durable list then I can get rid of all of these little notes.

Kat, are you able to do any seated exercises today? I've read about some you do in your office chair and upper arms and added a link - can you do that without jostling your ankle? Who else? Susan, are you still getting to the pool or are you finding more terrestrial PT activity now (I can't think of anything less appealing in cold weather than getting into a swimming pool, even indoors, but that is just me!) Andrea, did your plumber finally turn up? Or the electrician? Has the tiler finished and all of the rest of the guys, are they lined up and ready to finish their work soon? Claire, has our Western Pioneer moved into the neighbor's garden shed? (I have a really cute greenhouse now - I can see putting a cot out there for someone who wants to sleep in the yard without being subject to sleeping on the ground!) Jeri, have you made yourself a list? And Mrs. Duck, have you cleaned out a tiny room in the house, just to get a look at what you can accomplish? Michelle, I hope you're feeling better today. Don't worry about the checkup, you may not feel good because you scare yourself sometimes. You do have cause - we all know that, but try to relax, and give Jeremiah a hug for all of us! :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 12:41 PM

SRS, I can, even one of my qi gong dvds is done in a chair, but I have to keep it elevated to keep the pain under some kind of control, so not for now. I've been sitting up, turned kind of sideways from my desk, for about thirty minutes, with it up in a chair with pillow next to me, but that stretches other muscles and makes it throb, so, it's back to the bed, soon.

Because we have no wheelchair and we do have stairs down to the car, we have to have the fire dept. guys come over for a "lift assist" to get me to the car, then will have a wheelchair available at the doc's. Rog has taken the day off, a rarity! I hope she can put it best to rights, so I can get up and down from the seat without his help by tomorrow. (The walker does not work and is anathema to my hands and fingers.) I
ll be better in a day or two.

Thanks for being here, gals.

kat

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 01:55 PM

I do appreciate this thread!
I found S's quote worth a helpful chuckle. Penny's lampshade considerations thought provoking. "shell" ? Oh, I have two beautiful shell shades going begging but they are too short and a couple shades made over frames with nifty fabric - go out and look through my available fabrics - really need off white or very pale blue. But---- finding a suitable frame... Drum shaped - straight-sided and about 14 inches top to bottom   and diameter. Hah, you made me get up and go measure. Now, I am inspired to consider how I can make the frame - look in the yard and shed and watch the trash tomorrow - for found objects of use.

I am only just getting a handle on Kat's level of difficulty. That last post is stunning. I was ready to give up on life when it was hard to walk in August and then I read what Kat is dealing with. ten million gold stars, Kat for sheer stick-at-it-ness. I am so incredibly fortunate to have the level of health and mobility I have. I know it but I see I am spoiled rotten.

I have not been paying attention - again. I was vaguely aware that pants were tight, red jacket was hard to get around my hips to zip. Checked the scale and tried to convince my self that it did not say 170. This calls for serious strategy. !. more frequent de-toxing. 2. much more careful eating. There was a reason why I brought that little scale back from the country - other than that I had two for weighing clay and did not need it there. 3. Go out somewhere for some walking before the temp starts to drop again (only 40 right now).

Here I go. Fabric and frame and walking.

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: Penny S.
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 03:30 PM

I think the problem with shade frames is that they are low value and take up a lot of space. Shops don't want to stock them. On-line suppliers don't want the hassle.

I went round all the lighting departments - loads of stuff, but nothing was right. I'm currently looking for a rise and fall fitting for over the dining table - mind you, the dining end of the room does look like a farm kitchen with papers and stuff over the table and the sideboard looking like a dresser, with stuff. All those lights look very industrial, though. There was a stunning white sphere in John Lewis - £200. so it's tissue paper for me.

Cooking program on - a London market, and a bubble and squeak and bacon bap. Oh my diet - two lots of starch! Two lots of fat! Thank goodness bubble needs a day's advance planning.

Kat, I have such admiration for how you are dealing with life.

Penny

Subject: RE: Dec. 2011 - Wrapping up Declutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 03:35 PM

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

~William Morris