Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 23 Mar 12 - 05:04 PM

Yesterday, I decided that I need a new duvet cover, as the one due to go on the bed was old and rubbishy (it fastened up the side and was forever coming undone, and it only had one matching pillow slip). So I went to John Lewis to buy one (and a satnav, as last Saturday I was stuck for ages in a jam I would have known about in the old car, which had a trasffic warning system). In a whole department, there was only one design I liked, but it only came in King size or Super King size, and they only had square pillow cases on display. I spoke to one of the staff, who found some standard pillow cases, but no duvet cover, so I bought them, plus two that I thought would go with an older cover which no longer had pillow cases. I meant to buy the divet cover online.

No luck. There were the huge sizes, a waiting list for doubles, and no reference for singles at all. And the pillow cases turned out to be half size ones.

Back I went this morning, to plead for a refund. But while I was looking for an alternative (Nothing I liked in any other store, woould you believe?) I spotted a single of the design I wanted on their display stand. No, I couldn't have that, as it would be needeed, unless the range was withdrawn. The member of staff I spoke to checked the other stores, and there were only a scatter of odd ones in the country - her supervisor confirmed that there was trouble with supplies, and they weren't sure there would be any more. She was going to ring round, but I suggested having the display one, she agreed, AND knocked £10 off for it being the display one. Very satisfactory.

I think I'm going to use the old cover for making a hot bag for cooking in like a haybox. I have some foam backed foil left over from the airing cupboard, which was heating the atmosphere and getting cold and clammy, and I will need some insulation. I'm not sure about using old blanket, or buying some polystyrene pellets, or both. And I'll need a metal pan without a long handle, of a suitable size. I've had a wartime haybox cookery book for ages, but always fell at the first hurdle - making the box. Rather like the reasons I did not take up astronomy - chapter 1, grinding your mirror; or stage magic - chapter 1, practice rolling a coin round between your fingers, so that it cannot be seen from the other side. Too much could go wrong.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Mar 12 - 02:31 PM

This seems to have been a very long week. Lots of stuff piled up do to on the weekend. The weather is improving so it'll be fine for mowing, yard work, airing the house, etc.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Mar 12 - 12:21 AM

Oh, well, hope the neighbour can use it.

I started on cleaning out my large old desk in the office. Started with the huge, deep drawer which holds legal sized files longways front to back, so it's easy to read the tabs if I just pull it out and turn to look, rather than having to read them crosswise front to back, if that makes any sense. I had a lot of paper to recycle in there...old stuff from 2005-2008! Found some things I'd been missing, too. I will try to finish it this weekend.

The dog is getting much more exercise these days...must've put in at least another two hours, today, in about 3 sections, fetching the ball. I also raked a bit more of the yard which felt good.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 07:30 PM

It's unbeautiful plywood underneath, and it isn't old - that's the problem. It's very new, only a couple of years old, I should think. And no staining or insect infestation or anything. Compared with other things in the room, like the damage to the wardrobe doors and the paint spills on them, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

I don't have room in the garden to use it. I have thought about offering it to my neighbour who has an allotment.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 07:16 PM

Looks like more rain. I won't wish it away, but I wish it would pace itself better. Once a week a good steady soaking and I'd be content.

Not particularly motivated to go for a walk at the moment, but the weather radar shows that the actual rain is past here and we're just seeing heavy overcast. Going when I'm not motivated helps me feel more motivated later (I'm working on something I'd like to finish, but I can finish it after dark after I walk the dogs.)

I'm going to bring in some chard to go with dinner tonight. That will perk me up!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 12:03 PM

I am so glad our daughter ripped out the old carpet in our LR about a year after we moved in. There was beautiful hardwood underneath! After fighting flea infestations back East, years ago with indoor cats and dogs that went out and in, I'd never have carpets again, with pets, esp.

meditation and qi gong this morning

Yesterday, I cleaned out the frig and did more laundry.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 12:02 PM

I agree with mary - send the old carpet into the yard to do some good. Paths in the garden, whatever. I hate wall-to-wall carpets, they hold onto tons of dust and dirt, even if you clean them regularly.

Susie's surgery was delayed, she has an infection of some sort (according to the blood work). She is very disappointed at this delay, but she definitely doesn't need surgery with an infection. The result could be disastrous.

Rained overnight, so more delay until I can get into the garden. Where some of the potatoes are finally putting up tops. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: mg
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 11:55 AM

I would absoutely rip out old carpet. They are petri dishes for all sorts of nasty stuff and can never get clean. I would get down to bare floor and scrub it and air it out...old carpet can be cut in strips and used to kill weeeds in gardens etc...mg

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 10:23 AM

And I have a moral problem.

I ordered the new carpet tiles when I thought the new owners of the last place weren't going to give me the old ones. I would like the old ones in my bedroom, but it has a carpet that is not in a state to be replaced, and I hate to dump stuff that can be used for something. all that rationing waste not want not stuff is heavily ingrained. I wouldn't be able to lift it in one piece, either. (The nice thing about tiles is that they can be laid without moving the furniture to another room, just about a bit.)

I might be able to lay them over the existing carpet - boring grey - but there would be a problem with the door strip.

It's a bit puzzling, actually. New carpets were laid as part of the sale, from the age they appear to be, but the ones they replaced must have been terrible since three were in awful states. One had the sponge back reduced to powder, so must have been decades old, one had mysterious stains that I didn't want to identify, and the one in the bathroom looked OK, but stank to high heaven, and was filthy underneath. (That's already benefitted from the old bedroom tiles.)

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 06:25 AM

Go Penny!

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Mar 12 - 04:35 AM

I am expecting a delivery of carpet tiles for the two spare bedrooms on Monday, so need to find the steel straight edge and the Stanley knife I last used to fit tiles in the main bedroom of the old place. (Which the new owners have now lifted! They are going to let me have them.)
Tuesday, I sorted out the stuff in the garage which I had brought in the last trip and stowed it in the cupboards - but did not find the errant items. I also searched the small spare room where the tile offcuts are. No luck. And the boot of the car. Ditto.

Yesterday was health walk day, and then an ex-colleague came over for a chat, so the tidy was suspended. I have to search the fuse cupboard alcove in the garage where I have stored some other bits and pieces.

I have another knife, but I might have to buy another ruler. And find something I can make white marks with - I was using a tippex pen, which should be with the other things. And I need my flexible curve, though that is for the tiles for the downstairs loo basin. I have some that were dumped by the guy who didn't fit my kitchen, plus some that I found had been flytipped at a place we stopped to photo a sunset! At the moment there is painted wall with the marks where the previous owner removed an earlier basin, and an unsealed gap which allows water to drip down to the floor. I've got all the tiling gear OK.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 08:53 PM

Laundry done, folded, put away.

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 05:39 PM

I basically am ..as are probably most people who are overweight...I can keep it under the magic numbers usually if I eat pretty high fat, moderate protein, extremely low carb...so probably I am very diabetic but am brave enough to ignore the usually bad advice...mg

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 01:57 AM

Kat,

   C~O~F~F~E~E!

(I am so sleep deprived it isn't funny.) Jeremiah is up with a nasty cough tonight...almost barky. There was a sign on his school door today that said any children who were in school on the 13th were exposed to strep throat and now is about when it will start showing up in other kids. GRRREAT. I think the parents of that child should be responsible for paying for everybody else's trip to the doctor. Seriously..if your child is sick, KEEP THEM AT HOME.

While he tires out, I have made an easter wreath which came out pretty cute! It's round and looks like spring grass with daisies and polka dot easter eggs on it. It hangs by a pretty pink ribbon.

*YAWN*

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 11:59 PM

That's good to hear about Susie, SRS.

Michelle, where DO you find all of that energy?! Go, gyrl!

I had cabin fever, today, so the dog had about 2-3 hours, off and on, of ball-fetching, plus I did a tiny bit of raking out my perennial garden. It felt good to be out and to just sit in the sunshine.

Our daughter has agreed, tentatively, to drop Morgan off three mornings per week before school, so we can see a wee bit more of him than just weekends. Rog will take him to school when it's time. Morgan's been wishing he could be here in the mornings, so it's going to give us all a great start to our days.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 11:10 PM

Took the dogs for a nice long walk up and down hills and around blocks in the neighborhood. Good exercise for all of us.

Susie is on schedule for surgery on Thursday. They'll put the piece of bone back in her skull. This surgery will be the last stage for the head injury - I don't know how long it takes for the bone to heal, to bond back into place. She'll have to wear the rubber helmet for a while longer, while the bone knits. The doctor says this isn't a big deal, it is cosmetic, but for the woman with the concave dent and the helmet and bald head, it is a huge stride. She can grow her hair, get back to her old self.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 07:45 PM

Made arrangements for a personal trainer today! I can't wait!
I spent 5 hours with a friend who is working hard to declutter and get rid of things that she no longer needs, wants or uses. It's much more fun with someone! :) She will return the favor later, I'm sure. I got Jeremiah some swim shorts and signed him up for swimming lessons. He LOVES the water so this should be lots of fun! Both Pete and I will be in the water with him. Pete isn't a water bug so I asked him if he was sure about this and his response? "I'd do anything for Jeremiah. I'd do anything for you and Jeremiah."

*Pause while my heart melts*

He is an incredible Dad an Husband. We are so very lucky. <3

Tomorrow is off and running to another appointment 2 hours away. This time it's to the endocrinologist for thyroid and diabetes monitoring. I'm taking a friend along and we are both looking forward to a lunch of vegetable rolls (think sushi style) and fresh fruit. And a trip to her favorite yarn shop (and you should see what she's teaching me to knit!)

Gotta get dinner started.

Later Gators!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 06:19 PM

I have to make myself sit down and declutter my brain of a few hundred words for a newsletter article this evening. Inspiration isn't going to be the motivator, I'll just have to make myself write it.

Dog walk coming up soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 03:44 PM

Pool per schedule, 1 hour mixed stuff.

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 12:04 PM

My son heard that story on NPR, too, SRS, and told me about it, last night. Interesting.

meditation and qi gong this morning

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 10:58 AM

I heard a story a couple of weeks ago (on National Public Radio) about how humans used to sleep, before electricity and such. Going to sleep in the early evening and waking at maybe 1am, awake till 3am, then back to sleep. Apparently there is evidence of this being quite commonplace, before a couple of hundred years ago. Claim the biological divided sleep habit. :-)

It thundered all night but it looks like the whole large system is slowly moving east. Perhaps it will be sunny by this afternoon. I need a walk (with the dogs) after a couple of days housebound.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 03:34 AM

I really wish I could sleep like a normal human being. My guys are all tucked in and sweetly sleeping but not me. I just am awake. ARG.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 12:56 AM

I did dishes here today too. It was far too nice outside to tend to dishes! I also vacuumed and paid my car insurance, house insurance and taxes today. And then I ordered myself some new yoga clothes for the upcoming April Challenge (yoga). YAY!

I am officially broke and I don't care! LOL The taxes are paid, everything is insured, there is food in the pantry and I'm gonna get to go to yoga! Life is good!

:) Now...if I could just sleep!

Goodnight Everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 12:16 AM

Dishes out of the way here, also. Dogs in now, asleep in their beds on a rainy thundery night. Various devices charged and ready in case power goes out overnight.

I hope the rain doesn't drown the garden.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 12:03 AM

I did a ton of dishes, today. Took me two separate tries, but got them all done. Usual chores fell by the wayside this past week and weekend.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 04:53 PM

Good fats are great. I eat half of an avocado at lunch and the other half at supper, every day. Check the protein in veggies, esp. when juiced; lot more than I ever realised and I am doing great with that as my only source of protein. I see the first juice on that page has 11 grams. No meat and the only dairy is about a tbsp of shredded low-fat cheese. Almond milk has protein also, as well as nuts in general. The kidney doc I go to advised against fish, partly because of the sodium, but mostly because of the mercury, etc. I used to use rice protein powder in my smoothies, but it was too much protein.

kat

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 04:43 PM

mg,

   Are you diabetic?

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 04:41 PM

I think you're right, Mary. Good quality fats, olive oil, fish, etc. I began to be aware of where my kidneys were - an ache that was my body telling me that what I was eating was piling up. So I'm drinking a lot of water, eating more fruits and veggies, smaller protein amounts during the day. I had a fruit and yogurt smoothie for breakfast (banana, a big handful of frozen strawberries and about 8 oz of yogurt). Lots of carbs in bananas, but healthier than wheat flour products, etc. Lunch was out with a friend (I moved her large potted tree thing from the office to her apartment - she retired a couple of months ago and this plant was waiting for a good time for us to move it for her). Mexican food - chile relleno, refried beans. Tonight I'll have a salad, some sauteed zucchini, and a small portion of salmon. And I'll be getting a lot more exercise now that spring is here.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 04:07 PM

If you don't like too much protein and like low-carb, try adding fats..I find that I need higher fats than people like to see me eat..but it is the only way I can stabilize my blood sugar and slowly lose weight..even 40 or 60 carbs a day are too many for me..I try for zero and there are always hidden ones..bacon works like magic for me in terms of weight loss...I also find dark chocolate and cream cheese to be wonderful..I mix dark chocolate, stevia, cream cheese, ground flax seeds, coconut oil and cinnamonfor a blood sugar stabilizing treat...mg

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 03:56 PM

PS I have leg extensions to add to the routine as soon as I rig up a base to pull from. I can do one type with the 5-lb boots but need to cable for the reverse of it.

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 02:04 PM

Returned to exercise routine today, up in my Own Room.

The basic routine for now is the same as from PT (all as 3 sets of 10):

Supine leg raises (5-lb weights)
Supine triceps (5-lb weights)
Side-lying leg raises (5-lb weights)
Side-lying arm raises (5-lb weights; was up to 8 but waling it back till external shoulder rotation comes up to 5)
Side-lying reverse clams (5-lb weights)
Side-lying external shoulder rotation (2-lb weights)

Rowing - 30, black band plus red
Deltoid/pec extensions - 30, black band plus red

Step-ups-- there are the equivalent of 10 step-ups on that staircase.

===

All these exercises are posted on the wall, along with last year's scooter-commemorating laces. I did not really lose any strength from the 1-week layoff. The weighted boots I made were great. The pillow choices I made were great. Faulkner is a great little trainer. To add tonight during Hardi's workout in the room below this one-- find pre-bedtime my stretching routine.

===

But the great news that arrived while I did this-- bloodwork results: duh, THYROID is and HAS BEEN under functioning. Meds begin tomorrow.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 01:03 PM

meditation and qi gong this morning

Busy weekend. We moved my DR office to the old office and all is functional, but I've got loads to sort through and stash somewhere. All of the jewellery stuff is out in the DR now to be sorted, also. Thought I'd have Morgan, today, but both parents are sick, at home and, even though he is feeling fine, I don't want to take a chance of any cross-germination.:-) we did get to Moon Farm on Sat. and it was a blast.

Today would have been my mom's 96th b-day.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 12:43 AM

Well, I opted out of mowing because I still can't use the string trimmer. I spent more time pulling weeds and didn't have a chance to work on the carburetor. Maybe tomorrow.

I have concluded, after getting over the cold, during which I had a different diet and am now metabolically feeling better, that the Atkins diet just isn't going to work for me. The amount of protein just doesn't feel good. That said, I know low carbohydrate diets work for me, so I'll be looking more at the Zone - one that has a lot of everything but in more modest portions and you make a point of having more fruits and veggies and smaller amounts of meat. Soups, casseroles, salads, those work. I think the Atkins diet messed things up more than it fixed.

Dog walking, working in the yard, more exercise in general, I should be able to lose weight easier now. I'm not so brave as Susan to name it, but I'm close to what was my pregnancy high weight with my first child, so I know how far I have to go to get back to my normal weight. The ice cream this weekend was a treat, but I didn't really enjoy it that much, now that I'm pretty much out of the habit of eating sweets. I'll stick to more savory snacks for the time being.

SRS

P.S. - good job, Michelle!

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 06:45 PM

I spent the day at a Relay For Life fundraiser dinner. I was in the kitchen for a good part of the day, also setting tables, putting desserts out, manning the ticket table for a bit, taking photos, etc. It was busy but good. Now I'm home and my body is reminding me that it is NOT GOOD for me to stand in any one place for too long (I did that for a few hours today, taking orders at the counter) and now I'm paying for it. It was a good day though. Our Relay team took in a little over $400.00 in profit. HOORAY! Job well done!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 04:18 PM

In for a drink and a cool down then back to the yard. I am making progress and may well be able to put in some tomatoes today. The mower is out and I'll also lower the settings and give the front yard another mow. It's looking ugly because I don't have a bag to catch the heavy grass - there are furrows of mulched weeds on the ground out there, but the grass will just have to come up through it.

Maybe time to put in a load of laundry, then head back out.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 02:08 PM

... so I washed my porch-sitting recliner to get the first 5 layers of gasworkers' dust off, de-trashed the van, brought in a few folding chairs that had barricaded the driveway, did the dishes, updated the auto-schedule that reminds me of each day's priorities the day before, fixed a dozen buttonholes, made Hardi's after-services Big Lunch, and took a short nap because soon we head out for another church event (only 3 today).

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 12:15 PM

Fighting the good fight against very high pollen levels right now. Getting into the garden in spite of it. Tomorrow and Tuesday we're likely to have rain, so I'd like to finish some of the weeding and planting today. I put out bowls of beer last night and took a whole bunch of snails to their last garden party.

I need to clean the carburetor on my weed-whacker, and I found a good video on YouTube for the type I have. I picked up the cleaner last night and I'll run the video one more time before I head out to the greenhouse to give it a try.

eBay hovers on the edge of my consciousness, I have pieces that people are interested in, I just have to clear enough space to the a photo of the entire set and then list a few things individually.

Paid the last monthly bill - in time but later than usual - I insured the smart phones back in January (a couple of weeks after we got them) but only one of them showed on the last bill. So I called and said I'd put both of them on the plan and it took a few days to get a confirmation that they both now are. So now the bill is paid.

Q, it sounds like you decluttered your pocketbook a bit with that high-tech bedding option you put in!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:14 AM

LOL, Q, we also got rid of a do-nuttin' recliner and replaced it with a lifteroonie jobbie. I don't need it now, but during PT it was invaluable! I also no longer need the wheelchair a friend gave us, which I used for awhile to do seated housecleaning; that was FreeCycled a few days ago to someone in urgent but temporary need-- who turned out to have been the person we got the FreeCycled lift-recliner from! WINWINWIN!

Today is last catch-up day, and then tomorrow begins the return to scheduled exercise. I am loving the daily schedule I set up for myself with this return to functionality, and I enjoyed getting some work routines re-established as well as the monthly trip of a few days ago-- I scoped out what I needed to boondocking-wise and there are a lot of neat activities I can do there as well, that cannot be done here. One MAY Include horseback riding, which I have not done since.... over 30 years ago.

It WAS a real big part of my life, for a pretty long stretch. The physical issues that took me out of it were re-defined by the PT in such a way that I actually think I can try that again. If it works, I can do it for the rest of my life! It would be the equivalent of a lifelong guitar player losing and then reclaiming that ability-- aquatics and horses, that was me. And in the meantime, stirrups for my scooter. There's a pesky discomfort on the scooter I think they will solve.

OK... last catch-up day.... how to spend it.... part of it outside.

~S~

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 01:58 PM

Got rid of our old-fashioned beds. Time to dispose of out-of-date stuff to Sally Ann.
Our new beds provide massage while you sleep, if you want it. A click of the hand held programmer turns on the vibrators, and eureka, exercise while you sleep.
Other buttons change the attitude of the bed, raising the head and/or foot portion of the mattress, or providing comfortable reading or TV positions.
Electric blankets that program themselves to hold the bed at the desired temperature complete the modernization of sleep furniture.

Next to go to sally ann will be chairs that just sit there and do nothing.

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 07:49 AM

We have packets of seeds waiting for it to be time to plant. The temperature is perfect for planting right now, however, it IS March....NOT late April or May. The ground is even ready too as it never really froze much under the surface this year. We do have some seeds to get started in the house which will happen this weekend.

I'm up, dressed and ready to scoot out the door shortly (it's WAY early for me on Saturday morning) as a girlfriend and I are headed to a craft fair about 65 miles away. I haven't been to this particular one in years. I'm looking for a little something for an Easter decoration and something small and cute for my Nana who is in the nursing home. Something, preferably, that she can hang on her bulletin board, door or walls. The maintenance guy is GREAT about putting a nail in the wall or whatever is necessary..super fast too! :)

Time to pack up the coffee and get going! My girlfriend has a child that is 5 years old but not yet in school (he missed the birthday deadline by mere days). He has learned how to read and is VERY excited to read Green Eggs and Ham to me on the way to the craft fair. I have to say, I think I am equally excited to hear him read!!!

Happy Saturday Everybody!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 05:28 AM

I am now busy scanning a knitting pattern book. I got so carried away with selling on ebay that I put up, and sold, several books, and then realised that a couple had stuff in I wanted.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Penny S.
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 05:26 AM

Yesterday was teaching swimming day,which I combined with planting my tree, which was supposed to be my leaving present. This is the third time I have tried, but the previous two attempts have resulted in two dead rowans. The site had been occupied by Japanese knotweed, treated with herbicide, which should have been cleared some years ago.

The previous times the caretaker had dug the hole and planted the trees, despite, last time, my asking him to wait for me to bring some compost for the hole.

This time, I got in first. I dug a hole down through what looked like good soil to a layer of gravel. Then I poured in two buckets of water to flush it through - and found that it didn't drain, which is odd with gravel, but the pebbles are very close. (I've just wondered if it's actually concrete down there, but that shouldn't be the problem, as rowan grows in very little soil on rock on mountains.) I sank a cardboard box in the hole, and put bought topsoil in it - I'd heard this trick on the radio, for dealing with replanting roses in the same place - and then sprinkled the hole with Rootgrow, a mycorhizzal spore product, which should help the tree get established. Then I put the tree in. It's only a couple of years old this time, with no side branches yet, and I got it at a low price from the London Wildlife Trust garden. I staked it, and put a decorative plastic fence from Lidl round it, to keep the children from it, hopefully.

I had to buy new topsoil, and though I only needed one bag, I bought four, as they were on offer for 4 for 3, and I want to build up a couple of beds in my own garden. So I've been lugging heavy bags around, which I feel SHOULD have had a positive effect on my weight (well, I suppose, negative) but it hasn't. Bah.

Penny

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 12:14 AM

The antibiotics are finished, but the allergies are kicking in so I'm being careful. The weeds are going full-tilt, so I'll be taking benedryl at bedtime to boost the daily Zrytec.

More garden tomorrow, and planting tomatoes. I always live in hope of a good crop. Or a couple of crops on either side of a hot summer. I put in "Super Fantastic" as the type and they seem to do the best job of sticking around till fall and their crop is "indeterminate" - they produce all season.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 11:04 PM

Yes, we are feeling MUCH better...all of us! The baby is still on antibiotics and coughing but nothing like he had been earlier. My ears are still somewhat cloudy but manageable. :)

I hope you are feeling better too!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 09:59 PM

Sounds like everyone is feeling better there, Michelle!

I finished weeding the first garden, the one where most of my herbs grow. I used the weed popper for some, but it's just as easy to use that Korean cultivating hand tool (with a kind of curved blade) so went back and forth on those. Three wheelbarrows full of weeds to the newest compost pile in the back.

I took my LP gas tank over to the place in the next town where I get it filled, and since it was just time for a friend to get off work I called and took over boxes I'd picked up in the recycle area at work. He has lots to sell on eBay - I didn't want to overwhelm him with huge boxes, but these are modest sizes, sturdy, and will store flat in his apartment. He needs to sell the stuff in the storage locker to at least break even on the monthly rental on the locker. Now I need to get going on my own eBay stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 07:12 PM

Got those 4 stubborn pans with the caked on stuff all nice and shiny clean!!! :) Did some laundry too. Am about to go sweep. Loving the energy I have today!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 03:52 PM

Today has been a little different time wise but I've gotten quite a bit accomplished anyway!

Most all of our paperwork is in order, easy to access and easy to find. I have one section yet to do and that's taxes. It should take me no more than 15 minutes as it's been pre-organized time wise and sorting wise. I just need to do some highlighting and get them in the appropriate binders.

Dishes are done with the exception of 4 pots that are soaking. I mopped part of the kitchen...mud season has begun!

I talked with the folks at the Montour County Relay for Life about what they are wanting in a speaker and how much time I'll have. I sent them my montage....got back an email that said OMG AMAZING! I'll take that as a yes, they'd like to use it! In the course of the conversation they also asked me if I would consider being part of the American Cancer Society's Voice of Hope program. Absolutely! :) Then the speaker for the Coping with Cancer group called (I'm the schedule person)and we talked a little bit about his upcoming visit this week.

Jeremiah has been busy today too. A friend gave him a Mr. Potato Head which is a Godsend for when I am doing dishes in the kitchen. It keeps him happy, busy and out of the dishwasher!

I love how much he is growing daily. His vocabulary is exploding and he understands some things that are asked of him (Help Mommy put your toys in the basket. No. Put that back. Close the door. Where are your shoes? etc.) Today he is asking for a tissue for his running nose (although he is feeling SO MUCH BETTER).

I took photos of some of his old clothes that he can no longer wear and downloaded them onto my computer. As soon as he settles into a book or a nap, I'll upload them onto Facebook to a local yard sale site. Baby clothes go fast if you put a fair price on them. It's time to make some cash. My oncology camp for women just sent out this year's camp schedule and I am hoping to go to at least 2 of the camps...which means I need to come up with $200.00. Where there's a will, there's a way!!! :)

Later Gators.
Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 03:23 PM

Weeding the garden, came in for a drink and to dig out a small screwdriver. The weed popper works on the big rooted gooshy weeds that break off if you try to hand pull them, but the tines get wood chips and stuff in them that needs clearing out regularly. I'm rescuing asparagus, onions, and garlic from the mix of tall weeds this afternoon.

The fresh batteries for the invisible fence collars arrived and the dogs were surprised - the zap is back! A zing each and they looked around to see what had changed, but now they know the old boundaries (away from the fence) apply. I swap the collar between the two until I get a second one (used) from the supplier. Those things are expensive.

Must work on the trimmer again, I have to declutter the curb of the weeds growing over, either with the trimmer or by hand with a pair of loppers.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 11:19 PM

I sent a message out but it had a coding error and I killed it before I realized what happened. Darn.

I visited a lovely antique store today, one I have passed by when it was closed, but when I went in I found it is owned by an acquaintance from events at work. Great conversation - and he confirmed my suspicion that the china I've been selling on eBay is only going to go to a few die-hard collectors who DON'T mind that semi-vitreous china was a bad idea. Better for kitchen tile than plates.

I enjoyed this Mudcat exchange earlier today. First two from where the link lands once the page loads.

Kat, it sounds like you have a more grownup place to work again, and just because it doesn't have a view of everything isn't bad. Fewer distractions. I hope Morgan is up and ready for Moon Farm soon! I have tomorrow off - our building is closed, no power, due to a huge but fast electrical upgrade of 50-year-old transformers or whatever. It's spring break for students and faculty, but staff works all week unless something like this comes along. I have tomatoes to put in the garden tomorrow, then I'll mulch all around them. This year I'm trying the Ruth Stout approach, at least as far as hay mulch. I still use amendments and such.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 05:21 PM

Well, our day changed horses before mid-stream this morning when Morgan called bright and early to tell us he was sick and had thrown up a couple of times, so no Moon Farm, today. I knew I had to get out of this house AND valley, so, after taking the morning to do pretty much nothing, we left for a long ride. Only, it didn't sit well with me. Wrong place, wrong time, so we came home, then went to the grocery store. Came home, ate lunch, then talked about what we can do to make this place look more "chic" than "shabby." Rog has decluttered an enormous, dust-ridden mass of wires and cables from under his kitchen desk, swept the area and made that look better.

I think we are going to move my PC back to the bigger desk in the old office. I'll have more room for paperwork and be able to have the scanner and tape dubber in handier spots than now. We will leave the library table in the DR and move the jewellery stuff to it.

It's a little iffy for me as I like being able to see the front door, see Rog, the dog on the sofa and out the DR windows, plus that's where we watch netflix, but I think I need the change. We agreed, if it doesn't work out, we can always put things back.

As far as I know, Morgan will be here, tomorrow, provided he isn't sick. He says he's fine, now.:-) If so, I'll have him help me start by moving the jewellery stuff out to the kitchen table.

Moon Farm may happen on Sat. or Mon. as he also has Mon. off from school.

Another goal is to drag out the old aluminium awnings from the kitchen door and window to see if we can salvage them with a new coat of paint and get them up. A few days in the 60s and the high altitude sun has the house warming up to near 80F inside during the day!