Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012

Subject: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 11:09 AM

Debating about turning this into a NOV-DEC thread - they've gotten a bit shorter, fewer participants (dare I hope that everyone has finished decluttering and is getting adequate exercise and weight loss?)

Here is the Oct. 2012 thread.

I had to run out to an early appointment this morning; the cup of tea I made early tasted like dish soap so I dumped it and and started with a fresh cup. That ought to set the day to rights.

This month I must finish working on that chandelier and list it on eBay. It takes up space in the kitchen. Must revive the general eBay section of the sun room and move out more stuff that someone else can use but that I don't need. I would eventually like to spend time at estate or garage sales and turn around and sell on eBay, but I won't do that (much) until I clear out more of my own stuff.

How is everyone health-wise? I hope the cooler weather refreshes and energizes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 12:17 PM

General picking up and some decluttering going on here. Weight remains the same. My gyn/onc says that after what my body has been through, it's going to be a very difficult thing to get back to where I was prior to surgery. Lovely. *shrug* I'm healthy and happy and that is the most important thing to me.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 12:33 PM

You betcha!

I mentioned before, but I'll repeat here since this thread is just starting out again, that I am in the process of reversing the order of meals as far as size and timing. I've already pared my diet down to healthier foods, but the 30 pounds I'd like to lose haven't budged.

At my annual physical a week ago my doctor suggested doing what a partner in her practice has done, eat the largest meal for breakfast, medium for lunch, and a small meal for dinner, and try to not eat after 6pm. A study they read suggested this is a healthier eating pattern and her partner lost the weight she wanted to. I can do small dinner but I'm struggling with the early part. And I need to figure out what to have for breakfast that has the same robust and well-rounded quality of dinner. Breakfast may have to be reheated dinner items. Dinner may have to be breakfast items.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 12:35 PM

I've got LOTS of decluttering and other work to get done and I really do find this thread useful and encouraging. And, believe me, I need all the encouragement I can get!

I've loaded the clothes washer for right after the dish washing cycle is done. I also need to neatify the stuff that is still left up at the FREE sign at the head of the driveway. And I hope to take a small 3-drawer chest up there, too. And maybe today I can nail Tom's feet to the floor and force him to go through all the shirts he doesn't wear so I can take them to Goodwill.

And, since it was this morning's post on the October thread, here's my previous post again on this thread --

So today I have to do the stuff postponed until go juice was restored.

Believe me, the shower and hair wash was incredible! (AND I used my save for special occasions or just want to feel really good Vitabath Green.)

As soon as Tom finishes breakfast, I can run a load of dishes through. Later, there are several loads of laundry.

Anybody got any ideas on how to get rid of some really annoying flies? They're larger than fruit flies, much smaller than house flies, not drain flies (V-winged medium-size fly with black "dust" on them).

Kitchen and bathroom -- which seems to mean the attraction is water. They just all of a sudden appeared one day in late September and more seem to regenerate as fast as I can get them to take the sticky walk.

Flypaper strips (and "invisible" strips on windows) fill up immediately, but they just keep coming. Fly traps of cider vinegar, sugar and dishwashing liquid don't seem to attract them into drowning. I've tried the non-poison flying insect spray, but it may be old since even spraying right on them (neat trick if you can do it) didn't seem to work. I'm about at wit's end. I don't want to use toxic stuff around Tom and me or the cats.

I'll consult with an entomologist (and fiddler) friend at tomorrow's Press Room session, but I'd appreciate any advice. (Thanks, Maeve, for the PM!)

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 04:04 PM

I lost 107 pounds (with Weight Watchers) eating aftern 8pm every single night as that is when Pete gets home from work. One hundred calories is one hundred calories no matter what time of day you eat.

Michelle who has picked up toys, straightened the living room, made 2 trips to town, a few business calls and is about to hang her second load of laundry on the line when it is 30 degrees outside because her dryer still is not working. )(&*&%$^%R^%^&%$#%$#^%$

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 07:29 PM

When I was very young my Mom had clothes lines run from the ceiling beams in our basement for hanging laundry in bad weather or when the dryer wasn't working. I've seen stories about people with clothes lines in the attic (probably warmer up there). Any possibility of doing that? I may have a few more weeks of line drying here, before I take down the pins.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 08:32 PM

No attic. No basement. I do have a clothes rack and it is in use. The problem lies in the fact that it has been raining for just about a week straight....so I have way too much laundry to do all at once.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: maeve
Date: 01 Nov 12 - 10:11 PM

I've had years of it, Michelle...minus the beautiful kidlet's dirty clothes. Here's a friend's take on it: "Diapers by Heart" - Cindy Kallet Lyrics
And a sample as sung by Cindy and friends...excerpt- Diapers By Heart mp3

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: ragdall
Date: 02 Nov 12 - 01:21 AM

SRS,
I've mostly given in and am letting the clutter have free run of the place.

The garden declutter project was tabled when cold temperature rendered the ground too solid to remove weeds. Snow began falling October 25th and appears to have settled in until at least April. I have been decluttering snow from the driveway and deck. Does that count?

My spring built-in shower project has problems, one of which is that moisture somehow got into the plywood facing under the door sill. The plywood buckled, the tiles that were glued onto it cracked and split. After I removed as many broken pieces of tile as I could, I came up with the bright idea to use the unused silicon caulking that was left in the tube to "waterproof" the exposed plywood and cover the sharp edges of remaining broken tiles. About a week ago, when the wood was dry, I caulked any large spaces/gaps then spread silicon all over the surface of the wood and the edges of the tiles, leaving a clean white rubbery surface. So far it seems to be intact and repelling the water in the shower stall.   

My current pressing problem is ants. We've never had them wandering around the house this time of year before. They have made appearances in every room in the house. We see only one ant at a time. There is no indication where they are entering the house. I hate poisons and I hate harming living things. I keep hoping that the ants will disappear again, as they do in the spring, but suspect that I will have to take action soon.

rags

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: ragdall
Date: 02 Nov 12 - 01:33 AM

I forgot to mention that I've been decluttering crows. They were stealing the peanuts that I put out for "my" squirrel. At first there were only two or three but were becoming so plentiful that the squirrel was lucky to get one or two of his peanuts before all had disappeared.
I modified a broken plastic watering can to make a "Crow proof squirrel feeder". So far it seems to work. No crows are hanging around now.

rags

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: MAG
Date: 02 Nov 12 - 05:07 AM

living room is quite tidy, as I shoved it all into spare room for when trick-treaters came ...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Nov 12 - 08:42 AM

Tumor marker check up for me today. I always take my oncologists something to eat from the farm. One is a vegetarian (so he gets eggs and herbs) and the other, who I am seeing today is NOT a vegetarian. Last time I took him filet mignon. Today he is getting bacon. I can see his smile already...LOL.

Michelle who is leaving the toys on the floor and dishes in the sink.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 12 - 08:48 AM

Despite Sabine keeping me awake at 2 a.m. insisting it was the purrfect time to pet her intensively instead of going back to sleep, I evidently awoke at a normal hour this morning with a reasonable amount of energy.

Before going downstairs to wake the house for Tom and get the coffee started, I snagged a few skirts I'll never wear again and a couple blouses out of the closet to add to yesterday's pile of Tom's excess shirts to take to Goodwill before going to The Press Room.

Now I'll make Tom an English muffin for breakfast (I've already had banana bread) and take my tea upstairs to ease into the day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 12 - 08:52 AM

Oh, AND take the three boxes of books to the Nottingham library sale.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 12 - 11:28 AM

We had troublesome crows here this year, during spring and early summer before they moved on. The pattern of bird occupancy has changed as builders continue to take away the open prairie in the area adjoining my neighborhood. And the weather is changing, impacting plants, insects, and birds. I purchased bird seed a couple of weeks ago, thinking it might be time to put out the bird feeders, but I'll start with one in the front yard. The birds bother my garden if they're invited to the area by the feeders and I have a bunch more eggplants and peppers I want to harvest.

That is a clever squirrel feeder. I don't intentionally feed the squirrels, but they do figure out how to raid the bird feeders.

Just now I heard a startling noise - like maybe something big moving in the attic - and had visions of having to find and seal a hole into the attic after I drive out a racoon or possum - but it was a delivery man on the porch, moving the heavy bench in order to leave a large box out of sight. When the doorbell rang I relaxed from the attic visions. I ordered some items with points from a credit card - a bunch were about to expire and I didn't have a plan to use them as air travel points so I shopped carefully and have brought some useful devices into the household. The one I have been thinking about for a long time is the heat seal vacuum food saver device. I spoke to a friend who told me that Sam's Club sells a roll of the bag material that works well with them, keeping the cost reasonable. My freezer is full of bags with air in them and I'm going to shift to putting things in the freezer in the vacuum sealed bags to save space and help it last longer.

After the freeze scare last week it looks like we have a couple of warm weeks forecast. I'm going to try to make the most of the garden this year. I'm also thinking that a generator might be a good investment one of these days.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 01:11 AM

Long week, but I turned off the work part of the computer shortly after 5pm and I hope to spend more time pursuing my own projects this weekend. I've started by putting the chandelier where I can work on it. A large box was delivered today that might just work for this fixture when it comes time to pack it. Prisms and photos tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: ragdall
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 02:41 AM

SRS, you're certainly an inspiration. You never seem to slow down, or run out of tasks to tackle.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 01:38 PM

I kill way too much time on facebook, though. I'd get more productivity out of the day if I ignored it.

This morning my across-the-street neighbor came over to pick up an eggplant I offered earlier. And then we dug up the sweet potatoes on the berm in my front yard. Not much turned up, but at least the rats didn't get what was there. For two years I've tried different experiments and it hasn't panned out - that spot is best growing grass, sloped in such a way so I can push the mower up to the wall at the front of it. So this afternoon I'll take the wheelbarrow and hoe out front and pick up the vines then shape the area so it can be mowed. I may pick up a couple of squares of St. Augustine to put down (we're due some rain and cooler temperatures next week).

That large box I mentioned had a few items that were paid for with points from a credit card. I was due to loose a bunch of them at the end of the month so I looked at what was there and decided on a few things that I would actually use that I didn't have some version of already, described above. Now I need to get rid of some of the duplicates of things that I have that I don't use. :-/ Time for that call to the Salvation Army.

So the sweet potatoes were a wash (I really only wanted them for the foliage, so I'm not disappointed) but I do have some lovely crops on the side of the house where my garden works hard. Broccoli, broccoli rabe, and kohlrabe. I've looked up the later two because I haven't cooked them before. I think I'll get more broccoli rabe and broccoli (you have to put in new plants every few weeks to keep a steady supply going during the winter.) Kohlrabe is a test, the other two will be more regular diet stuff. A sauteed broccoli rabe recipe has my mouth watering in anticipation!

Back to the yard, now that I've printed my recipes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 02:38 PM

Sitting here while catching my breath in the middle of a few neatifying tasks before Jeri arrives for our postponed annual avoid-the-trick-or-treaters dinner. Don't have to go crazy; Jeri is not a judgmental housekeeper, but it's a great excuse to do some straightening which will make next week's necessary cleaning a bit easier.

Tom hates it if I sweep (or do any other cleaning) when he's around, so he's hiding here at the computer when I'm driving a broom.

Got one bagged (for easier carrying) box of books to the car; two more to go.

Just need to finish sweeping, finish spiffifying the kitchen counters (before Tom makes a mess of them making dinner), and pick up Tom's clothes in the living room and pull the quilt up over his bed on the couch. I already threw a tablecloth over his commode -- camouflage.

Might even get the table cleaned off...at least enough for three plates and wine glasses.

Jeri's going to help me take down the awkward-not-heavy painting at the foot of the stairs so we can hang Cheri Dennett's portrait of Tom (framed in a lovely wide plain gold frame). Portrait of Tom sans frame

Better take the cheese out of the fridge, too.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 03:17 PM

The furnace guy is coming to clean it on Monday, and possibly get it to stop making that truly obnoxious low vibrating noise it's been making since the power came back. It's like there's a one-stringed bass running the length of the house along that wall. (I think the fan vibrates and the wall or heating pipes pick it up.) So I was outside cleaning the way into the basement on the outside, and discovered the stone walk-way goes a little farther than I'd known. The volunteer sedum which I avoided ripping up has been ripped up.

It still amazes me how a little bit of playing in the dirt outside can alleviate stress so powerfully!

Ready to move stuff, ready to eat. I have one minor correction though: "Jeri is not a judgmental housekeeper" should probably be "Jeri is not a housekeeper"-- nor am I judgmental.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: maeve
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 03:44 PM

Jeri is a peach, and that's a beautiful portrait of Tom. I wonder what you could swap to barter for one of you by the same artist, Linn?

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 04:47 PM

Sounds like you're having a great afternoon up there! And I agree, playing in the dirt is therapeutic! I've been sloping the sides of a berm I built so I can now run the mower easily up on top, and pulling expired plants out of the veggie garden. It feels wonderful!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 08:49 PM

I have to rethink what will be hung below the portrait (the other painting was taller) and I think it's going to be some framed music-related photos that I haven't had room for (we don't have enough wall space!). Hmmmmm...photo of my Dad in the dance band (Frank Dessel and the Melodeons) he played in during the '40s, a great group portrait of a bunch of us from The Press Room the afternoon we played at the NH Farm Museum back around 1990, and maybe a copy of the photo of me that was in Downeast Magazine in 1980 leaning on a gravestone with Hilda Fife and others from the Maine Old Cemeteries Association. Plus the two terracotta heads.

I have no end of things to put on walls. Alas, I have a very finite amount of wall space.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 12 - 11:43 PM

Saturday evenings are my "at home with the TV" time - three PBS programs in a row that I adore. I've been puttering around the kitchen with the television on, and I have the wired the chandelier. All eight bulbs shine brightly, so I'm ready to load it with crystals.

Dr. Who is on. "How can it be bigger in here?" asks the child's father, after he and the Doctor are sucked into the cupboard. "It's more common than you think."* :) I need to build myself a Tardis bookshelf. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 12 - 12:51 AM

*If it were bigger on the inside then I wouldn't have such a clutter problem. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Nov 12 - 08:10 AM

In my experience, George Carlin was right:"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x_QkGPCL18".

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 12 - 01:52 PM

I'm running out of veggies so it's time for a shopping run this afternoon, but I have a pot of beans on the stove. Out comes the crock pot, and as and I fished out a wood cutting board to put it on I realized that while I got a lot of my basic cooking information and recipes from my Mom, I got a lot of my great gadgets and materials in the kitchen from my Dad. He had to start cooking for himself after they divorced, and he really built up a great kitchen. My siblings got some of the more charismatic devices, but I have a lot of useful odds and ends.

The beans smell great - I have some dried pinto beans from a while back that I added half again as many dried black beans to for this batch. I don't cook pinto beans often, these were here for something my son wanted to try, but I want more dietary oomph that black beans will add, and though I don't usually see types of beans mixed, I know of no reason why it can't be done.

Now that the beans are shifted I'll do a couple of yard things first before shopping - level the bird bath and put out one of the tall iron crooks and a bird feeder nearby. It's going in the front yard to keep them away from my garden, and near the window where I can watch them. I compared prices at Home Depot and at Wild Birds Unlimited - to buy the budget bag of Southwestern Mix at Home Depot with all of the seed hulls costs the same as buying a bag of patio mix hulled bird seed, when you figure how much of the seed is actually going into the birds. And there is a lot less mess if the ground isn't paved with millet and sunflower seed shells.

Preparing for cooler weather. It'll get here eventually.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Nov 12 - 08:26 PM

Tumor marker check up had to be rescheduled so I don't have any news on that front. I spent yesterday almost entirely alone...went to a quilt shop, finished (I hope) all my Christmas shopping for Jeremiah, hit a few other places and completely enjoyed myself. Today I had a day out with my mom...more quilt shop shopping (got material to make Pete a quilt for Christmas), lunch out, some grocery shopping...another good day! I have a busy day tomorrow as well but am looking forward to Tuesday when I can stay home and get caught up on things around the house.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 12 - 11:36 PM

Made a big batch of beans - the jars are cooling a little before I put them in the freezer. Did some shopping. Nothing exciting or very productive.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 12 - 09:41 AM

Sometimes the biggest accomplishment seems to be getting the trash to the curb in time for pickup. Our bulky pickup is again in December, but December isn't always great for doing the work in the yard that leads to having bulky stuff at the curb. I tend to break up the heavy pickup things and put them out during the week in smaller amounts. I'll be doing some of that with things from the yard that don't go in compost.

House cleaning this week, in preparation for company is my other thing to focus on.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Nov 12 - 11:34 AM

Nowhere near lunch yet and I feel pretty accomplished.

Right off the bat, I scrubbed down the bathmat (which really needed it) right after my shower.

Got a few more items into the scrapbooks and called the local metal recycling place to find out whether they'd take a 35 year old canister vacuum cleaner. It's almost all metal, so yes. Later this week I'll take that, a coil of copper tubing that used to run between the underground oil tank and the furnace, an expansion tank and a few other small items up there. A few bucks is a few bucks...

Took the other boxes of books to the car to take to the library sale later today on my way to the store, took the outgoing mail up to the mailbox. While I was up there, I stuck the vac in the boot, and bagged some other untaken items for trash pick up tomorrow, and neatified a smallish pile of things remaining and set the sign back up. Maybe later today I'll extricate that small chest from the bathroom and take it up there along with a few more useful items from the cellar. (Oh! it just occurred to me that the shovel head was also gone from the pile at the road.)

When I got the car back to the house, I brought in from the car the 2 large bottles of seltzer and large package of toilet paper that was among the groceries I picked up yesterday.

Had a WONDERFUL visit yesterday morning with a friend in Portsmouth who is an avid reader and former librarian (like teachers, there are no "former" librarians...) and, when I got home, I dutifully emailed her with links and clarifications of a lot of what we had talked about, but this morning I remembered a few more and sent along the links. A book she'd never heard of (and I've been fascinated with since the '70s when I first ran across a copy) was Caroline Mytinger's 1930s book (about her late '20s adventure) "Headhunting In the Solomon Islands, Around the Coral Sea" ("No woman is fulfilled, they say, until she holds in her arms her own little book."). While checking links, I found this -- Gibson Girl In New Guinea

Onward!

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 12 - 02:36 PM

It is difficult to fix a breakfast that amounts to the same amount of calories as dinner that is at all breakfast-like, so I seem to be having a fairly regular breakfast and a more robust lunch, and a small dinner. That may be the best I can manage for this shift of meal size/time of day.

I made beans last night, froze most of them, and today for lunch I set up the rice cooker to make a batch of rise with orzo (for the beans) and steam cauliflower on top. Yesterday's shopping brought in lots of produce and I'll be doing some kind of veggie dish for dinner. I have some broccoli rabe to try, to see if I want to plant more in my garden and to see what it is supposed to look like for picking. I think the plants in the garden are already too big. :-/

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Nov 12 - 03:10 PM

Did all my outside errands -- gassed up the car, picked up a couple grocery items and found some really good stuff on the markdown racks, and dropped off the books for Saturday's library sale.

Almost had a (figurative) heart attack coming up our road and seeing all sorts of fire equipment, police, EMTs, etc. close to our house, but it WASN'T our house.

Unpacked the groceries, made and ate lunch and discovered that the marked down celery wasn't in the bag. I'd really wanted it for the fried rice I'm making for dinner. Ah, well. I still have a couple small stalks left, so I'll get the $1 refund or whatever next time I'm in the store.

I think I'm more or less "done" for the day (after I take out the kitchen compost) and intend to go upstairs and READ. The book ("Folly" by Laurie R. King) is getting really good...

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Nov 12 - 11:05 PM

Ah, November! The clocks turned back. DARK so early! Thankful not to have lost power as we had no storm effect other than drippy, dreary, drizzly days. Was lovely to see blue sky this morning - for a while.

Saturday was: go to the library, the hospital bazaar where I found a very nice hanging lamp for the spare room (which looks pretty good now) to replace the one we do not like, chatted with a few people, then to the thrift shop and got a good lid for big frying pan, microwave cover so the eggs do not go everywhere when they explode, and a couple other items of use, then to the saw mill to wrest R away for lunch at Subway and a stop at the thrift shop for a winter jacket for him - needed right now! Grocery shopping and home to computer and read. Made and ate supper but R came home at midnight ++++!   

Note: I used a nippon taka pepper in the veggies. The veggies were so hot I could only eat a little. I am adding small amounts to black bean or split pea soup (made Saturday). That pepper, which grew on a plant I bought at the farm market in August, was the length of and half as thick as my little finger! I have a bunch in the freezer which will last forever!!

Sunday I finally had the energy to go pot. R had gone off to the "saw mill" again and I had checked the email. I went to put the computer down and OOPS, he forgot his phone. So I drove down and helped him unload some stuff and then lunch at Subway AGAIN. By the time I got back to the cabin... I did manage to drag the containers of winter clothes and boots into the garage and sort out what is most needful. I will repack and put them back outside along with two containers of summer clothes - another day. Frost last night.

I stayed in the country and managed to work most of today in the studio. Oh YAY! Went to the municipal council mtng tonight and connected with neighbours, some for first time. We are staying on top of the wind turbine issue as we do not trust this council AT ALL! I also managed to clear a bunch of clutter in the BR, finding places to stash stuff. Took hot baths last night and late this afternoon. They do help.

On the way home from the mtng, I saw, for the first time, the lights of the turbines on the ridge in New York State. What a horror - all those red flashing lights would definitely cause me to move.

My weight continues to maintain at 160 regardless. Maybe if I keep my energy up and make lots of pots... Tomorrow I need to complete the pots I threw today - 22 mugs and five tea pots - she says hopefully. Still need to throw lids and a couple more spouts. Amazingly, my hands seemed to remember how although I had not done any in many years. Our brains are ...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Nov 12 - 08:41 AM

I have always read that breakfast is the most important meal and needs to be the biggest, with lunch large and supper small. It is not part of how most of us do it. Have also read often that food eaten close to bedtime puts on the most weight. That makes some sense as we do not do much to burn it off. But also, as Michelle notes, ...

I have found I usually get through the morning quite well on one piece of that good rye bread toast with tahini. Today, I did two pieces and added a skim of comb honey. I am planning/hoping for a productive morning and not wanting to be hungry before noon.

FB does take too much time some days but it is mostly interesting and I meet some terrific people, like on here. But last night I thought, oh I'll just check emails (9:30) and got to bed about 11:30.... And ended up eating some cookies. I used to quick go to bed before I got hungry again.

Emails are done, heat is turned up in the studio (minus 5 Celsius outside this morning but very beautiful), off to work shortly. I warm the water in which I dip my hands with an electric tea kettle. Sure helps! And the next box of clay is near the heater. Maybe a fan pointed at the ceiling would bring the warm air down - high ceiling!

That is why I like this thread - it helps me think about things - what can I do better, what else can I get rid off, where is a better place to put... , what can I sort out next. I was doing very little at the cabin for a while, thinking we might be moving but if we are going to be here til spring.... Things to make life a little more pleasant, more attractive, more efficient. Of course, the gift of the futon/frame caused the resurrection of the spare room - and the inconvenience of having weekend tenants (through airbnb). Now it will not be inconvenient if others come along.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 12 - 09:14 AM

Clearing the kitchen counter, getting ready to throw in a load of laundry. Taking a bunch of eggplant with me to work today.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Nov 12 - 12:35 PM

Bigger breakfast was not the thing. Just as hungry by 11:30. Triaged stuff in the studio then realized I better go pick up pots at closed venue - DONE! - and try to pick up more animal food - not accomplished - and find stove wood - phone number for nearby place accomplished but no one around. Checked pots - too damp still so lunch. Then checked pots - still too damp but turned up heat and will go throw those lids, pull handles and whatever else I can manage.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 12 - 01:28 PM

Not a big breakfast, but a robust lunch. I'll plan on a small dinner, and see if this shift works. I guess the biggest challenge is to eat that last meal of the day earlier, I typically eat quite late.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 08:55 AM

It was a late night last night. This morning I couldn't find my glasses until I remembered that I fell asleep on the couch during Obama's speech. There they were on the coffee table. It'll be a bit slow today, maybe I can get a power nap along the way.

So much to do at work, it's killing my free time at home, but the extra work will be finished soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 01:04 PM

I decluttered my garden of about 15 eggplants yesterday, took them to work and sold them for a suggested donation to co-workers to donate the cash to our library staff association. This will mean this year I donated about $120 cash to the group. I may not have a lot of cash for donations but I have been rich in stuff to exchange for cash.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 06:42 PM

Didn't really get a lot accomplished today. Not sure if my fatigue is because I'm coming down with something or because I was out of sorts yesterday (and probably overnight) because of low (low? how low?) level anxiety over the election (and the constant get-out-the-vote phone calls yesterday combined with getting up waaaaaay too early this morning. Tom had insisted on my leaving the radio on low tuned to NPR when I tucked him into bed downstairs. Not sure how much HE slept...but all the lights downstairs were on at 5 this morning (which used to be my usual wake up time, but not for several years) and they're visible in the upstairs bedroom (canister lights inset into downstairs ceiling/upstairs floor).

I DID do an incredible happy dance (after putting on shoes to clean up the wine glass Tom accidently broke) upon hearing the news this morning and then revised my physical Christmas card address list and dug out the cards with good intentions to start writing them out.

But I went to the store, read for awhile and tried to take a nap instead.

Petticoat rule in New Hampshire! Maggie Hassan (D) governor, Carol Shea-Porter (D) and Anne Kuster (D) overcame the incumbents in their district for the House of Representatives and they will join our Senators, Jean Shaheen (D) and Kelly Ayotte (R).

Tomorrow is another day...

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 09:10 PM

Seriously derailed shoulder by trying to inappropriately move 20 kg boxes of clay yesterday, Impacted ability to complete pots today. In 3 hours I managed to have 22 mugs and one teapot to dry out for firing stage. Five more teapots were beyond my energy. The pain/discomfort is tiring and almost constant right now. I had been almost pain free for over a week. We learn by these things. Wonder what I will do wrong next! Now, if I could just find a comfortable position to just sit. Ahh, better.

While pulling handles, I improved the comfort zone by moving tools to better locations. a few inches made a difference. So I was able to complete the task.


So, today we had breakfast at a little cafe, then I sat with R while he talked to me and on the phone, trying to sort out a situation, then I drove to the country, interneted for a couple hours (I'll just check the email...), worked in studio for 3 hours and drove back to city, cooked supper and ate mine. Now TV: Dragon's Den and Titanic. Hope R gets home before midnight.

Yesterday, I picked up those pots and obtained more animal food from the dog rescue friend but no stove wood. "We don't have any." when R phoned. I'll have to ask around more.

Ah, Linn: A happy dance indeed! I did not realize how stressed I was until the tears of relief came - at the gas station this morning when the Quebecois staff exulted about the election results! We had spoken before as my bumper stickers from four years ago proclaim me. Oh joy!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 08:20 AM

Woke up to white stuff this morning...ach!

I DID start writing out Christmas cards in bed this morning. Got the letter pretty much written last week when we were without power. Just need to formalize it on leftover winterish stock and it will be good to go. But I'm not going to mail any until Thanksgiving week!

Today, I guess, after my hair dries, I'll have to shovel off the deck. Tom says, "It'll melt" (that's always his philosophy...no matter HOW deep it is!) but I don't want to have to chip ice out of his path to the car.

Dorothy, it's amazing how stressful this election has been...and, other than getting annoyed at the number of robo-calls, etc., I really didn't realize it. And the fact that, for all practical purposes, it's been going on for three years. I really think the game plan was to wear the electorate down so no one would vote. Such relief yesterday morning!

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 09:19 AM

I agree - the pressure exerted by both parties was tremendous. I was tired of all of the phone calls (I have a phone so I can talk to people I want to talk to, but all I was doing was answering surveys or telling them I already voted, hoping they'd stop calling. They didn't.) I pulled out the signs yesterday, figuring everyone else is as weary of this so I probably should flog the neighbors with political signage beyond the first day of gloating.

I did myself a favor last night by loading and running the dishwasher. I didn't want to be greeted this morning by a sink full of dirty dishes. I was going to try to take tomorrow off to get ready for a friend's visit, but I don't think that will happen. I'll have to scurry around on Friday night and on Saturday before her flight.

Still haven't finished the chandelier. Perhaps also something for tomorrow night.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 12:50 PM

Okay...

Cooler from last week's power outage cleaned and stowed on the cellar steps, snow shovels retrieved from cellar, door closed on inquisitive cat in cellar (with enough room left for his paw when he's ready to come upstairs), slushy snow and dried leaves shoved off the now very slippery deck (but it should melt completely and be less slippery, stuffed peppers prepped for supper and now I have to go serve Tom (and me) lunch of the leftover fried rice I made the other day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 03:14 PM

Got chicken stock simmering on the stove...for the freezer when it's done.

Just had a couple outside tasks to accomplish and found that the deck, while wet, is not slippery anymore. Got the snow off my windshield so it doesn't freeze there if the temperature goes below freezing tonight. (That also meant I got the brush/squeegee out of the boot and into its winter position on the floor of the backseat; sigh.)

Not sure I'm up to pulling out everything in the cubby in the bathroom, taking the little chest up to the FREE stuff at the road (not a good idea; it's raining), finding a place (or de-accessioning) everything in the drawers, and shutting off the cold water until either I need it or the friend who is going to take care of teh bathtub drip gets to it.

Think I might just go upstairs and read for awhile. I've read a bunch of post-election articles aloud to Tom and I think I crave something completely different.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 05:43 PM

I need to cut up produce for the freezer tonight. A lot of it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 05:59 PM

Today felt like a snow day, even though there was nowhere I had to go.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 12 - 10:09 AM

TGIF - and what a very long week. I was at the office much earlier than usual today, but a co-worker took one interview off my hands leaving me a chance to finish several things today. We're almost at the end of the data gathering phase of some research. Beyond the glazed over eyes we all see that the results will be interesting, but what a huge job it has been!

Scrambling at the house tomorrow to clean. There is a guitar concert tonight that Susie and I are going to attend, so the housework can wait till morning, when I'll race around the house picking up and vacuuming.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Nov 12 - 11:42 AM

Finally! Got the third (last!) stuck drawer out of the little black chest. Got the awkward thing down the stairs (despite the back wanting to fall off). Will bring the third drawer down when I go up to get my watch, which I forgot to put on when I got dressed. Then I can get it into the back of the car and take it up to the FREE sign at the side of the road.

Also pulled off the two Sterilite drawers that were on top of that, cleaned the tops off, figured out they're stackable, and, I think, I have another empty one in the cellar.

Meanwhile I can clean out the cubby -- a basket of vitamins spilled when I extricated the chest.

Last week I discovered a cache of packages of labels, both stringed and stick on. After an announcement on Facebook and a small emailing, I got rid of them all...most (maybe all) to be picked up at The Press Room session tonight.

Now I can access the water shutoffs in the bathroom and turn off the cold water until I either need it or the drip (which is waaaaaay more than a drip) gets fixed.

Oh, I also went through and threw out a bunch of local free papers.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: MAG
Date: 09 Nov 12 - 12:06 PM

I suppose I shouldn't gloat that I'm still pulling green tomatoes off the vine -- but I guess I am.

tonite is supposed to be our first frost and I must kiss the vines goodbye.

I'm told this is unusual even for Portland (OR)

lost a couple more pounds at the gym

house is a pit but I"m happy happy happy

off to breakfast w/ friends

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Nov 12 - 02:27 PM

With a bit of work (and being in a very uncomfortable position for someone whose knees are shot) I got one of the water shutoffs off. The other appears to be corroded and I can't get it to budge. Didn't immediately check which one it was, but it turned out to be the hot water. I'd THOUGHT the leak was cold... But it appears both the hot and cold taps in the tub are leaking. At least my turning off the one reduced the leak.

Tom can't remember the specifics of the shutoff he installed and says he needs to "see" it. Well, that might be a bit of a stretch for him, but he says if he can feel it, that might be as good. Still won't be easy; I think I'll bring my garden kneeler (with supports) up for him to attempt it. I think maybe WD-40 will do the trick. (Sure hope so.)

Little 3-drawer chest is up at the FREE sign -- hope someone takes it away quickly before they realize how much work has to be done on it. The drawer pulls are nice...

Linn

Baby steps...

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Nov 12 - 11:19 AM

Vinegar might be better for removing rust. WD-40 is a cleaner, but vinegar is good to use first.

There are only a couple of tomatoes on my plants and I'll have to pick them soon. We're predicted to have weather in the high 30s next week.

Lots of pecans this year and I picked up some with the dogs this morning. They wolfed down as many as they could find (and at the curb there are a lot of cracked ones, making it easier to break up the shells for them.)

Company coming, I need to work on clearing up the clutter and giving the floors a quick once-over.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Nov 12 - 12:57 PM

So instead of cleaning house I find myself out puttering in the garden. I am getting some stuff done, but it seemed like a good time to do a foliar feeding/aphid spray. Everything is at the end of its productive life, but still going strong with crops, so I wanted the ones I pick in the next week or so to not have aphids.

Okay, back to house stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 12 - 02:17 PM

just coming up for some air

had a severe reaction to an anti-depressant...last 2-3 weeks have been hell, but my Rog has been a trooper. he's done a lot, but i don't have energy to, so just for this morning, we cleaned up our bedroom...it had been too much a sickroom. so we emptied trash, swept up tissues that missed the bin, put all of our clothes away and a bunch of other stuff. i had, literally, no sleep tks to the leftovers of the med. so, we only had Morgan for short time this morning and it was great. he turns 9 on Wednesday and is so excited!

in amongst all of this we had to get together a bunch of financial papers for yesterday's mtg. with social security. if you can wait 'till 66 to retire, DO; they don't make you pay back any overpayments from the first year. because rog was forced into it at 65, we will be paying them over $7000 in $25 monthly installments.:-)

time for lunch and a nap, i hope,

i've missed this sharing thread,

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Nov 12 - 11:54 PM

a small step...my bod still remembers my qi gong...just did a gentle twenty minutes

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 12 - 01:08 AM

Good to see you post again, kat!

I've been out and around today - my friend flew in for 2 days after a conference in Lubbock. I probably won't be online much except morning and evening.

We went shopping today - kept purchases modest. The town she lives in has only a small Macy's and she has been wanting to shop someplace with more variety in women's clothes, so we went over to the Dillard's clearance center. I stuck to a few sweaters that I can use to change out my wardrobe look. There's nothing like those dressing room mirrors to tell you the story you don't want to hear - but I have to get more exercise to take off the weight. Since I'm on campus more now I might join the campus activity center. I think it's $25 a month, and if I got in there two or three times I week that would help. Now that I don't have to pick up kids after school, feed kids, etc, my time is more my own for a fitness activity, but I'm not interested in the YMCA or one of the clubs in the area. They're too expensive, and I think in general there is too much hype for those.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Nov 12 - 07:06 PM

With the ongoing business crisis, I have been staying in the city - a support just by R knowing I am closer than an hour away. Today, I finally managed to put a heater upstairs (so I could pot) but it was still cold after two hours so I have just sat here all day, reading and interneting. Sheer inertia. Did try to carry a box of clay up and decided 40 kg is not an option, at least not up stairs. And I just did not feel like ripping it open and taking half.

I guess I would much rather be in the country and shall have to go out tomorrow to refill the food for the guys. R did try to get the baseboard heat working but the necessary parts have disappeared in the years since it was last used. Maybe tomorrow.

I filled the food Friday and went to the cafe but the stress/worry got me so I had a bit of a melt down and came back to the city rather than sit there looking miserable. Clearly R was not going to get out and he appreciated me coming back. He works 12 hour days, sometimes more - physical mostly but mental is worse, and gets home wiped out. Last night he managed a bath and fell asleep in it. I guess the good thing is that he falls asleep on the sofa about 9 and I can get him into bed by 10 or so, and he manages to sleep most of the night from sheer exhaustion. How long can a 65 year old, even in good health, keep this up?

Saturday I drove him around picking up stuff and then sat in the car for 3 hours, while he and crew worked nearby, reading, in case he needed me. I feel like a security blanket! Yep, I guess I am. On Friday, I was terrified I would not be able to hold him together but I have. And this is my goal so... Not really complaining, just kind of worried. Friday was the worst day in the 3 years I have been here.

I have not completed the transition: things are there that I need here. I think I will go tomorrow without announcing my intent, get some work done and fill the feeder and return with vitamin pills and distiller. He can phone me and I can be back in 50 minutes. Not much different than if I went shopping on the West Island. I NEED to get pots made. Just a couple hours worth.

Reading the Christmas Tree thread made me think in terms of having company. If I set a time and tell him- repeatedly- he will be there. Saturday, 22 December in the country. Can prob have 8 people comfortably. And another in the city but upstairs. Would mean carrying everything up from the kitchen but there is a pleasant space for maybe a dozen. This is - I am sick and tired of not being able to have any company because he cannot commit ....!!!!! And this house is a disaster downstairs so let's get it together and use the upstairs. Enough is enough.

In the midst of all this stress, I have managed to keep the clothes washed, meals cooked, black bean soup made, groceries bought, but NO POTS MADE!!!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 12 - 01:10 AM

I have a day off tomorrow and will take a friend to the airport mid-afternoon. Nice visit, hectic week coming up, though, so I'll work late afternoon and evening.

Cold weather seems finally here to stay for a while and I think I'll have to finish picking the tender parts of the garden before Monday overnight, when it will get close to freezing in the area, meaning my dip in the landscape (along the creek) might just freeze.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Nov 12 - 05:52 PM

Physically very tired...but it's a good tired.

Started pulling Christmas craft and decorating/household/architecture books off a shelf this morning and I'm de-accessioning most of them. There are projects I know I'm just never going to consider...and if I do, I can find out how online.

Then I did one of the more important things today -- finished rereading Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" so I can get rid of that book, too, a start on the next library sale in May.

Ran the dishes through, but didn't get the laundry done. (I might still get it downstairs...) Turned on the hot water in the bathroom so I could wash my hair and later in the afternoon, give Tom a sponge bath. He still doesn't feel steady enough to step into the tub and sit on the shower chair.

Thought I'd missed my window of opportunity to finish flower garden chores. Last week we had the first frost on the windshield, then snow the next day. The snow melted pretty much before the end of that day. The weather today is gorgeous and in the 60s, so I got a bit of tidying of the deck and holding bed.

I'd brought a small chive plant into the house to winter over, but Rufus decided it was not only delicious but a great toy. So I set it out on the deck so I'd tip it into the holding bed when I could. Then the soil in the pot didn't exactly freeze, but it stiffened considerably. Brought it back inside temporarily to thaw out. Today I got it safely into the holding bed along with the contents of another couple pots plus a full. Banked potting soil around them and raked up some insulating dry leaves. That all HAD to get done today as it's supposed to get progressively cooler as the week goes on.

Also got tarps over the woodpile. Didn't use any firewood last year and may not use much this year. Maybe I can talk a friend into trucking some of it over to another friend's place so she'll be more comfortable this winter.

Did some personal archiving work -- typed up "The Log of the Amiable Mrs. Polly", the 1967 MGB-GT my ex-husband and I owned in 1972. Added the information from the log to my calendar for 1972. Then I got sidetracked looking up the Leilani supper club (and motel and village) in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where, in 1972, my parents had their 25th wedding anniversary bash. Found several Tiki blogs and articles on building the Leilani in 1961 (and the lava sculpture by a local sculptor), and also its sale in 1983 and demolition in 1996.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Nov 12 - 06:01 PM

It's been a very windy day here so I hung all kinds of laundry out on the line...tickled that I would have my clothes in a few short hours vs. a few days. Well...the wind whipped and whipped and tore the line right off the side of the house. Luckily the clothes landed in leaves and not mud. A little shake of each and they were fine. My laundry line, however, wasn't so lucky. I also did 2 loads of dishes, swept the floors and tried to vacuum but it's way clogged up..will have to wait until Pete is home and he can do that. I cleaned off the top of my piano which was covered in Jeremiah's books and have decided to store them in his room. There's no need to have the copious amount of books downstairs when he likes to scatter them about everywhere. I think we still have a good 30 or so available for him to pick from and I'll rotate them every few weeks...it will keep it fresh for the both of us. I also cleaned out a cupboard near my sewing area with the intention of keeping some of my quilting gear in there to free up space on my sewing table. Apparently I haven't used this cupboard in some time. I found a few boxes of glucose strips for my meter.....expired in 2008. Yikes. I emptied it out, dusted each shelf and found that I have enough diabetic supplies for one of the shelves, cooking magazines and a few cookbooks for the other shelf and the 3rd shelf is completely freed up for quilting gear...magazines, a binder where I a starting to keep track of each project/pattern/costs/maps/how to instructions, etc.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Nov 12 - 11:27 PM

Bummer about the clothesline. I've had that happen - and so I replace the lines every couple of years. Next year new lines are due.

I bought three pairs of slacks that all say to dry clean. I turned them each inside out and put them in the washer on extra gentle wash and cold water, then hung them up to dry. I ironed them a bit while they were still moist. I'll see how they look tomorrow. I liked the pants but have no interest in dry cleaning and the cost and solvents involved. I do wish I could press pants as efficiently as the cleaners do, though!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Nov 12 - 11:31 AM

I am resolved to take better care of the laundry, and hope to iron less, so I turned on the buzzer for the permanent press cycle on the dryer. Big load of laundry is drying now.

A friend and I picked most of the garden yesterday, and it was just in time. A heavy frost last night wiped out the peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and basil. Except the eggplant with a dozen lovely little fruits that I covered with a tarp. I think last night's freeze was the only one expected for a while, so I should have more eggplant next week.

Now that it is cooling it's time to shift to a lot more eBay work. I have several large objects, furniture pieces and appliances, to move out of the house also.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Nov 12 - 02:08 PM

Okay, I can sit down.

Got the trash together (including the two bags of stuff I've pulled out of the cellar) and up to the road.

Glad I did the outside stuff yesterday including getting tarps over the firewood, because it's very very wet today. Around 6 a.m. the deluge made the view out the window look like very heavy fog.

Brought some more stuff up (and consolidated some more) to take to Harding Metals when it stops raining...maybe tomorrow.

The first thing I did this morning, though (after finishing a book), was start sorting a box of letters, cards, etc. and found some very interesting stuff for my scrapbooks (clippings my Dad sent me -- from the late '90s) as well as some pertinent dates for my records. Of course, found another accumulation of unclassifiable stuff that needs to be organized in some way (prolly slipped into page protectors in a 3-ring binder) so I can find the stuff when I want or need it.

Also did the laundry which was on the docket for yesterday. Glad I finally figured out how to get soap scum out of washcloths; they now come out soft and fluffy.

Took Tom to the pharmacy and picked up a few things at the store -- such as enough brown sugar to make the peanut butter cookies I'd started. As long as I'm baking, I'll make Tom happy and make a chocolate cake.

Hope, though, I'll be able to escape upstairs and just sit in bed and read, preferably with a cup of tea next to me and a cat on my lap.

I'll take the map lamp down tomorrow...reinstall it next to the bed...whenever. I'm expecting a looooong telephone chat tomorrow with a friend I've lost touch with about 15 or so years ago. We found each other again on Facebook. She called while she was on break Sunday night to say her day off is Wednesday and we can finally get caught up then. I'm really looking forward to it. Her then toddler son is now in the military and got married this summer. LOTS to get caught up on!

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Nov 12 - 03:59 PM

That's neat, Linn.

I cleaned off my desk, put a lot of papers away, etc. Did some laundry, exercised the dogs and washed my hair!:-)

Tomorrow, Rog will pick Morgan up from school at early release instead of him staying for four more hours and we will have a special time together, for his 9th b-day. (Rog will have to go back to work.) We'll have a party on the weekend, I think. His parents aren't sure yet what they are doing. He doesn't know yet that we will b e getting him early!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Nov 12 - 09:37 PM

Nice surprise for a great kid!

I'm decluttering my C: drive in the computer - the Windows Media Center has been recording programs to that drive and it is filling up. I will watch or transfer to DVD a number of them and clear it out, but I wanted them on a different drive anyway. The M: drive has barely been used so far. It has over 3 hours to go, so I'll leave the computer on overnight.

The front room futon has now been dog-proofed (several layers of blankets over the mattress, topped with a polyester bed sheet that is too rough for anyone to want to use on their beds. Came from my Dad's house years ago and this is its highest calling.) If we have really cold or yucky weather they can come in and sleep there. I also moved the hay from the garage floor into their dog stall and am ready to start putting my truck in the garage again. Since the garden froze last night (all but one eggplant I covered) that activity will slow, once I tote all of the dead plants back to the compost pile.

I'll try to remember to haul the recycling to the bins tomorrow, but I'll have to do it before work because I need to dress up a bit and that means climbing into the pickup bed is out. :)

I've decided today is the last day for the ratty old gardening pants I've been wearing for a couple of summers now. Into the trash they go. I need to thin out stuff in my closet this weekend, and that will go to Goodwill.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 Nov 12 - 10:38 PM

Beautiful warm day yesterday so I pulled up the tomato jungle and piled in in the designated tomato area. There were a lot of tomatoes, missed before the frost but they will seed a new jungle next year. Maybe I will be pro-active enough to put the seedlings in an orderly fashion as they pop up. A couple plants went right up the clematis trellises. R really enjoyed this year's volunteer crop.

R had borrowed my vehicle and forgot he had I so I got it back about 6 pm. Then I went to the cabin to fill the feeder and get distilled water. Tony came in to eat before I even finished, made it clear I was not to bother him. He ate and then went up the ramp to the hammock and made himself at home. I left about 9, too early for the other 3 to appear generally; guess they were not hungry! I stayed long enough to have supper and then came back to the city "kicking and screaming". R came home about 4 am (he said as he left about 8 this morning). Not home yet.

Today I went off to market by way of driving a couple streets (trash day) and finding a couple needed pieces of plywood for my upstairs studio. Carried stuff up stairs. Brought the unfinished teapots from the cabin to finish them here. I got the area totally ready but - tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Nov 12 - 02:58 PM

My psychology of needing a certain amount of uninterrupted time. Also transitioning to the city has been difficult. OK, here I am. R came in last night sometime after midnight and found food I had left, warmed it up and ate. That is a first. I will plan that in the future. HE left about 7 this morning (also yesterday morning) and I proceeded to Get Things Done. Having tried yesterday to clean up some badly greyed, stained, molded white cloths with 2 cups of bleach in a med wash - left soaking a long time - without much success, today I put them in small wash with 3 cups. By 9 am I had to move upstairs as my eyes started to sting. By 10, I was feeling sick upstairs. By this time, I had plugged in a second heater and carried 7-20 kg bags of clay upstairs, read some and checked emails.

I called R to see if he had breakfast yet and thought he said he had but he was too busy to talk. I went to post office for a stamp to mail a bill payment then drove to places he might be and tried to decide how to stay, usefully, out of the house until the chlorine dissipated. PArked nearby and went in and put stuff through rinse cycle again. Took food to car so I could eat and read. Went in and put stuff through a full wash cycle. Went out a while more.

Finally went in about 1pm and read while trying to get feet warm with heating pad. R came home for "breakfast" and now he has gone back off, feet are almost warm, upstairs in warm enough to work. The sun is pouring in the windows. Emails are done, etc. Here I go!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Nov 12 - 10:09 PM

Looking forward to some days off next week, when I hope to get a jump on some of the work here. Not sure that I can take three days off in addition to the two we already get, but it is awfully tempting!

Shopping today, starting to pick up for the holiday. I need to decide what the main course will be. Possibly ham. I picked up one last year and it was a big hit. What are the rest of you (in the U.S.) doing for Thanksgiving?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 12:46 PM

Food on my mind today. I was so tired last night I went to bed quite early, so early I forgot to put the tarp over my lonely eggplant, but it was fine. In addition to cooking and freezing lots of eggplants, and freezing peppers, I may see about canning something over the weekend. More bread-and-butter pickles with zucchini, and maybe some eggplant and pepper stuff that Dean makes that is quite delicious.

I've been reading Dan's thread about smoking cheese. I could smoke some salmon for Thanksgiving. I'll have to see what is available - probably frozen.

Networking today about Thanksgiving - my son doesn't fly home because the travel time and the visit would be right when he needs to finish schoolwork for the semester. I have a friend out there he could have the meal with, if he doesn't have other plans already. The first year he was able to stay in his dorm, but last year they had to clear out so he went to a town about 75 miles away with a friend. He's in a house now so I suppose he could cook his own meal.

Getting ready to send several large items to the Salvation Army; negotiating a new mattress (my ex bought one of these big latex ones but it had a flaw, so they sent another, said to keep the first. That also had a flaw, so they sent a third. One is on his bed, one is on my son's bed over there, and one is in the garage. I'll take that off his hands - the flaw is only visual.)

As for accountability, I'm getting more dog walks in lately, and will go out at lunch around the neighborhood.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 03:45 PM

My exercise today has been extricating heavy metal objects from the cellar and schlepping them upstairs, out the door, and into close vicinity to the back of the car. Think I've got enough stuff to make the trip to Harding Metals worthwhile.

Baked a batch of shortbread for a Scots friend who gave us a lovely 2-meal container of nicely spiced chicken curry. Finished it up last night for supper -- the perfect meal for me sleep deprived with an upset tum. It had just the right amount of heat to settle my stomach and, best of all, I didn't have to do anything but heat it up along with the leftover rice from the previous meal. Oh, and open a Bass Ale to split with Tom. That was about all I could handle yesterday.

Also baked a chocolate cake for Tom. His indulgence is cake and icecream. How he manages to keep his youthful figure, I haven't a clue. (Although he's been having the occasional problem buttoning his jeans.)

Got to find some time to spiffify the house sometime between now and Sunday -- and between then and now is taking the stuff to Harding, tomorrow's Press Room session, and Saturday's sea music singaround. And bring a couple more chairs upstairs. Steve Carrigan has a folk show on WSCA, a local (Portsmouth, NH) community radio station, and has wanted Tom on it since the beginning (earlier this year), but that was foiled by Tom breaking his ankle. Steve REALLY wants Tom on (we'll record the show here) in the first year of the show.

Onward.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 07:22 PM

While carrying out the not-exactly-a-coil of copper tubing that used to run between the underground oil tank (history) and the furnace, I managed to drip oil on the unfinished piece of wood at the head of the cellar stairs and on the plywood subflooring.

I've done a bit of scrubbing, and it left the stains somewhat diffused, but the oil odor is driving me nuts. (Tom doesn't notice it.) It was really a small amount of oil.

Anybody got any ideas as to what to use for further scrubbing?

The stain I can live with. The smell is really getting to me.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 08:00 PM

I don't think you get oil OUT. I used to get stains on my work clothes (when I worked with oily things) and always imagined if I soaked the whole thing, it would at least be the same color. Try some more pleasantly scented oil, and don't get too close to the stove. Or stop some kitty litter into it if the stain isn't a problem.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 10:31 PM

Managed to throw some small pots yesterday. shoulders hurt badly while I was doing it. So I quit and came back to reading and interneting. Today, I spent the morning shopping at various food stores, sort of an interesting time of exploring what was available. then lunch and upstairs to check on pots. They were ready to trim but one of the heaters had self destructed and it was not warm enough to work comfortably.

Back to reading and dealing with internet/emails - interminably. Found a new potters group which is very interesting, Met a couple new people and finally have a handle on French butter dishes! Copied stuff to file so I can try making some and provide instructions to purchasers. They are not as simple as they look and at one point I commented that I would not try making them until I have seen one in real life! But by the end I think I've got it. Also on clayart, we discovered that milk in plastic bags is a Canadian phenomenon. That generated an interesting discussion! No sign of R since 7:30 this morning. He did get to bed by 10 last night after a decent meal and falling asleep on the sofa. This ongoing business crisis is impacting our lives seriously. May go on for another few weeks.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 10:59 PM

Linn, if you don't care what colour the floor is there, you could paint it with Kilz. They may even have one specific for oil.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: freda underhill
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 11:19 PM

water soluble lavender oil, Linn, is both a disinfectant and will cleanse the area and replace yukky smell with lavender. You could douse a rag in it to rub into the exposed wood.

In Oz we can buy water soluble lavender oil for cleaning at the supermarket, its cheaper than the 100% pure oil. But both are equally effective cleaners.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: mg
Date: 15 Nov 12 - 11:24 PM

I was wondering about murphy's oil soap.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Nov 12 - 12:13 AM

And if it doesn't work with any solvents you could always use a chisel to chip out the spot then fill it in with wood filler. Leave burning down the house as the last resort. ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: MAG
Date: 16 Nov 12 - 05:51 AM

I tried Murphy's on an oil stain on my unfinished wooden floor -- didn't do it.

will try the lavendar idea, as I love lavendar.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 01:06 AM

What a very long week this has been! Tonight's meeting went well, despite parking nightmares on campus and the catering was really late. This was the big day for Homecoming (they moved it from Spring to Fall this year - good choice, except it messed with our meeting date.) We had to wait for the bulk of the food, so people nibbled sandwiches and cookies (our dessert bars went missing because of other campus activities) and people weren't hungry when the hors d'oeurve were finally was set out. But there was a Homecoming fireworks show and we had a great view from our top floor windows. So it balanced out. I have to go to work on Monday, but I'm taking Tuesday and Wednesday off. Looking forward to a few quiet days at home.

P.S. - I decluttered some old stainless steel silverware today - I had odd pieces, they don't match my big batch of stainless steel that came from my Dad's house that I use for family events. This stuff had been in the garage, waiting for a garage sale or a trip to Goodwill, but instead I took them to work and added them to the staff kitchen drawer of odd cutlery, etc. I took several coffee mugs in last year and they are mostly still there. I am glad to provide a few useful utensils at work because we don't have a budget to provide any of this stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 03:52 PM

I finally figured out how to make the link from the kitchen computer (that connects to the television/monitor on the wall) to the recorded television programs on my office computer. I've wanted to watch stuff I recorded in other parts of the house, but I had to figure out where Windows Media Center parked them, and then put them where they wouldn't fill up the C: drive. And then make the connection back to the kitchen. Mission accomplished! I'm now uploading a bunch of InDesign files to the office data storage area. Only 45 minutes left. . .

Dug out the ads for the week and I'll decide what is for dinner on Thursday. I'm leaning toward a ham this time, and doing a turkey in December. I think I might have room for a turkey if I move some things into the side-by-side freezer.

Also thinking about making more bread and butter pickles, for gifts this year. They are simply so fabulous when made with zucchini! I found some nice zucchini at the Mexican grocery this week, so will pull out the recipe, see how much I need, and see if they still have it in stock. I suppose I could check for organic zucchini at the high-end grocery also.

Spent time this morning hanging things up and putting stuff away. I could spend all day doing that!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 11:26 AM

Cooked up a storm yesterday, but didn't get the counter cleared enough to do the cranberry bars. That's today. I don't want to make them for the first time right before a family meal, I'll do a test run and take the results to work and see what they think. (They eat everything - especially cookies and bars.)

I picked up my zucchini but I forgot to get garlic, and then I'm set for bread and butter pickles this evening. I've been finishing designing a card for work so it's ready to go and I can take extra days off this week. A one day work week - now that's a treat, as long as I'm not too far behind when I get back to work!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 12:37 PM

started a new med last night...no sleep, but may have been the once-per-year pizza. all bets are off for this day.;-<

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 01:03 PM

Kat, is there something in the pizza you're allergic to?

I realized I need to start the pickles Monday night because I'll have Tuesday off. I'll be at work tomorrow and have an evening event, so no time to cook and process the pickles. I have consulted with my canning guru and I'm going to make this batch of zucchini bread and butter pickles with some of my home grown poblano peppers. They'll be a little bit hot, but not so hot as adding the cayenne pepper the recipe calls for (that I omitted last time.)

Off to the recycler drop-off of household stuff, and I have head to Home Depot to research a gate for the back yard. I need my wrought iron gate welded, one corner broke. But I've been thinking about re-doing this corner anyway, so now is the time.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: MAG
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 04:17 PM

buying zucchini? what a concept!

I discover I have a few items to drop at the Sally Ann even tho I got rid of TONS when I moved .. how fast is it supposed to pile up?? (at least for normal people )

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Nov 12 - 10:56 AM

I know, I know! But my zucchini season ended several months ago. I've discussed these pickles with Dean and am going to make this batch with poblano peppers instead of bell. Give them a little kick, but not so much as the cayenne pepper the recipe lists as optional.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 01:20 AM

Time off - six days in a row. Here's hoping I manage to pick up around here and get a few other chores done.

I have reached the point to finally pay off the last credit card this month. It only took two years after the child support stopped. (I lost 1/4 of my monthly income when my son graduated from high school.) I'm sure I'm not the only mom in the world who had to work to reach this point. Now I need to be a savings machine.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 02:26 AM

Did some clearing up around the house, cut up a lot of veggies for the freezer, and I put a batch of zucchini, onion, peppers, and garlic in to soak in salt and water overnight to make pickles tomorrow.

Told my 20-year-old son how I make gravy, then after looking through several fussy ones on YouTube, I told him to forget what I told him because I found one that will give him results closest to what I make but without the extra saucepan. I make some gravy and keep extra drippings to make more gravy for leftovers instead of making it all at once. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRgZXQYFYEk. He's going to roast a turkey breast and it sounds like have a few friends over. I hope it's fun - we so often to potlucks here that I'm sure that's what he'll have people do. I'd love to be the fly on that wall!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 12:59 PM

Lovely day! I've been taking apart the piece of furniture that I want to modify into a buffet. It was well-made but treated poorly. I'm guessing it's from the 40s. It has old furniture screws on the back of the mirror frame (that had no mirror). I'm going to use that on the back to enclose the kneehole and put in a bottom and a shelf and cupboard doors. I'm going to use wood putty to fill in on the top gap in the veneer before sanding it (I was originally thinking I could mend the veneer with more veneer, but have decided to instead to smooth and paint. Then I'll top it with glass or a mirror.)

For exercise I'll be taking the dogs for a walk, and probably working in the garden some more.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 10:34 PM

Car maintenance on Friday/ two hours at Tim Horton's while waiting. Couple women there with some sort of "booties" on. They are made to be worn over running shoes to keep feet warm when biking! Bears investigation - cold feet!

Sunday was an US Thanksgiving afternoon at home of another one. Met two neat women, good conversation, went home tired. R even managed to get there for a few hours. He is still in crisis and in sleep deficit. Falls asleep in truck, in restaurants even! Sometimes in bed!

Snow tires on, new battery - I was having to use booster pack every time I tried to use the car! Wondered if they had done something when it was in the shop but it was fine after; until I left an interior light on from Friday to Sunday; that finished off the old battery!

Bisque firing yesterday and glaze today. Craft show on Saturday - need to do an "inventory". Glazing takes long time due to doing a few of this and a few of that. Very inefficient. Would like to do all of one glaze per kiln load. But will have to get more done. If I keep track of what I have, I will have a better idea what to throw and what glazes are needed.

Transition from country to city is progressing. Brought two printers in today and a few other things. One printer, bought at yard sale, has not been connected to computer yet so that needs to be done then I will take it back to the country. Lighting in LR is now adequate. Upstairs is warm enough to work there. Makes it nicer to go up for a bath also! All tools in order. Maybe I will produce tomorrow. Laundry is caught up. Energy level is better than most of the last two months.

Friday will be another car to the shop - for windshield washer pump - very needful as winter approaches! Then to country where I will turn up the heat and do the accumulated dishes. Maybe another glaze firing.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 12 - 03:22 AM

Snow tires! Dorothy, though there might be one day a year when they would be handy here, I am glad to say that in general we don't need them. And I haven't owned chains in years, either.

Finishing this late, I was away from the computer all day today and tonight except for a couple of trips in to see if I wanted to record anything on the DVR. Good day, busy, but I realized I didn't call many people. I'll have to catch up with family this weekend.

The kitchen is clean and I ran the dishwasher, so I ended the day with the house livable.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 12 - 06:30 PM

Leftovers for dinner tonight, and Susie is coming down to join me.

The dogs have been decluttered of a couple of months worth of backyard dirt. It's getting to the time of year when they'll be inside more, so on this warmish day (before some forecast cool ones) I washed all three of them.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 01:53 AM

I used wood putty on the gaps in the veneer on the dining room buffet/dresser I'm refurbishing. The dried putty was sanded I and painted on the first coat of primer on top as a declaration of my intent to move forward with the project.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 12:05 PM

Profitable morning so far...

De-accessioned a couple opal rings to a friend earlier in the week in exchange for the wherewithall to pay Tom's health insurance for the month. Got that safely into the credit union this morning and, on the way home, stopped at a neighbor's to drop off the egg cartons I've been accumulating. They raise laying hens; I'd LOVE to buy their eggs, but, alas, they're twice what I pay in the store. They're definitely worth every penny, but I don't have as many pennies as we used to, and even pennies count.

She also took a Krups coffee grinder that I think we used twice. (I think we have three other small grinders plus a blender...and an antique wall-mounted hand grinder that we need to sell.) And three medieval-looking St. Nick statuettes and a couple papier-mache deer. More cubic footage.

Then I stopped at my up-the-hill neighbor and she took some interesting clothes that I'll never wear again off my hands.

At the last minute on Thanksgiving morning I whipped up a small batch of a spreadable black peppercorn/garlic cheese and Jeri, Tom and I made inroads before the bird. Yesterday I bought a new container of whipped cream cheese. I may have room in the fridge for two containers, but not for THREE. So...combined the leftover spread with the rest of the cream cheese in the opened container, added some more butter and seasoning and, voila! More pepper cheese, fewer containers.

After I throw together some sort of lunch that doesn't involve Thanksgiving leftovers, I have to strip the turkey carcass. (Turkey tetrazzini for supper on Monday!)

Oh, I also beat my Christmas letter into submission so I can get the Christmas cards I wrote out a couple weeks ago (to far-flung and elderly relatives) stamped (both holiday rubberstamped -- I have an image to uphold -- and postage stamped) and ready to mail.

Then I'm going to goof off.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 12:30 PM

Good work, Linn! I have a lot of stuff to get listed at eBay to both declutter and supplement the family coffers. If you held onto stuff because it might be worth something to someone, it's nice to finally find that someone.

I covered the eggplant last night, and this week I'll probably pick the rest of the batch and toss that plant into the compost. I need to prepare the bed for winter crops. I stored my potatoes and onions from last spring in peat moss and forgot about them so they're sprouting now - I have to plan to use them sooner next time - meaning I need to put the bins where I remember them.

I brought in the 3/4 inch birch plywood from the pickup and will bring in the circular saw so I can measure and cut shelves for the buffet thing I'm working on. I'll snap photos and post in flickr or facebook.

Laundry is in, I've been working on hand-washing in the back bathroom (letting sweaters dry flat on towels) and am in general getting set for the next couple of weeks with some special events coming up at work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 07:15 PM

Tom and I have always been packrats..."Oh, this is too good to throw out...take to Goodwill...whatever. Might need it some time. Waste not, want not."

Despite the fact I was born in Upper Michigan and grew up around Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tom has told me for over thirty years that I was born a Yankee...

We've had retail space over the years...I had a friend's antiquarian bookshop to sell some books and ephemera (but that was over 20 years ago), we both had space in an antique group shop in Northwood for awhile, and then, in the '90s mostly, Tom traded time for space at the Victory Antiques in Portsmouth, which turned into the Gold Bug Antiques in York, Maine and which is now Tangibles. So, yeah, some stuff was acquired for resale. Plus we've just reached the point where some things need to be de-accessioned.

I need to call the magazine guy in Manchester and the LP guy in Northwood and our friend Bjorn who pays best for antiques because he doesn't inventory his stock, but flips it as soon as he can. Tom and I need to exchange cubic footage for little green pieces of paper.

Besides the books and ephemera and related smalls, I've started to sell some vintage and just plain interesting jewelry locally, mostly to friends and acquaintances.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Nov 12 - 02:32 AM

I've been working on the buffet. The shelf I put in the bottom won't sit quite straight - I may give it another go, making a pattern this time and laying it out on the other part of the leftover plywood. Or I may just screw it down where it is. It won't be noticeable once I finish the doors - and those are what have to be absolutely straight. I looked at hinges today - I don't want to mortise each door (four total) to put on fancy hinges - I'll have to see what my options are. I have a router but I've never really used it. I need to teach myself, but I need practice before I start doing door hinges and such.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Nov 12 - 02:14 PM

I have a short shopping list and I think I can get to all of my stores without passing nearby a mall (thus avoiding any traffic jams).

I'm going to do a mix of online and local merchant shopping this year - I've gotten to where I bundle enough things in an Amazon order that I can get free shipping. They are charging tax now, but it looks like they only charge the state tax, not the local county or city part, so it is still a little less expensive, and I don't have to use the gas to drive to the store.

Laundry is about finished, and now that I've gone back to using that annoying little tweet on the dryer during the permanent press cycle, I can get things out in time to avoid having to do much ironing. I'm headed out to purchase a sweater dryer rack, that's something I've needed for ages. Now that I'm in the office more, I'm revamping the wardrobe to look a little more in place over there.

I've thrown out a couple of things that were so worn that I shouldn't even wear them at home, in case I forget and go somewhere to shop. A pair of gardening trousers that were patched and grubby, and some yard shoes that again, I have forgotten and worn off the property and been very embarrassed by. Sometimes it is best to retire them earlier rather than later. ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 11:49 AM

No success on the sweater rack, it seems that this sturdier variety is "online only." It has a cross piece under the mesh the sweater lies on, to keep it from sagging down to the countertop. I may head over to the Container Store near the mall at lunch, the traffic won't be too horrible. The purchase price isn't so bad where I found it but the various vendors have a high shipping price, considering the size and weight of the thing.

Putting the back on the buffet, and considering a second shelf.

The kitchen is looking great - I cleared off the island and filmed preparing a recipe for my son. It's unlisted on YouTube, there for him and a few friends to see. I set the camera on a tripod and showed the setup and prepared the chicken he likes - all only my torso and hands showing. :)

SRS (who had to rescue this via the back button, since it didn't take the first try.)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 02:57 PM

What a lovely morning!

First off, as I was pulling out of the driveway I saw someone had stopped and was taking stuff from around the FREE sign -- turned out it was the custom-made (by Tom's ex-wife) 2-panel screens for our highly ideosyncratic windows. They were never actually used and have been stored in the cellar for 35 years, but were too good to just throw out. I KNEW someone could find a use for them!

Then I managed to get 2 bucks off on my Bausch & Lomb Simplus contact lens solution AND a 12-pack of Newcastle Brown for 10 bucks (cheaper than the grocery store) at Rite-Aid. I also gave a unicorn Christmas ornament to my favorite clerk there -- I'm trying to de-accession ornaments, too -- and she loved it.

Found some stuff I needed at the grocery store also on sale or on the markdown rack -- every little bit helps.

And, on my way home, there were 13-16 wild turkeys grazing and wandering in my neighbors' front yard. Sat in the car and watched them a bit, counted them, I think, four times. (That's why the range in enumeration.) As they left the yard single file, I counted 15, so maybe that's how many there were.

And in the mailbox was a package from my sister which included the mouthpiece for my clarinet. (The one I had is my father's Selmer and I didn't want to sell it along with the horn. My sister thought she had Dad's, but it turned out to be mine...and she didn't want it anyway.) So, now I can see if I can find a buyer for my circa 1958 Noblet clarinet of which Artie Barsamian said (when he repadded it some time ago), "It blows like a bitch" (that's a high compliment!).

Gotta make the turkey tetrazzini for dinner tonight and probably turkey pot pie filling to put in the freezer, but for now I'm going upstairs and goof off a bit.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 07:00 PM

This afternoon I was decluttered of a couple of cavities on the right side. These are tiny little caries that a new type of camera can spot when they are very small.

I headed to the Container Store from there and found a sweater drying device (got the Bajer one that has a spring around the outer edge (like those windshield sun screens). And I'm looking at rearranging my closet so I picked up a hanging sweater bag that I can use for sweaters and handbags. I'll move the thing the t-shirts are in and put them on the shelves where the sweaters are now. I think.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: MAG
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 02:17 AM

emptied out a couple more boxes from the garage. Loving the turkey leftovers. pulled the last half dozen green tomatoes from the vines. actually may freeze here tonight.

I also went to the dentist; love that clean spiffy feeling -- also love the nitrous oxide -- I can just feel the tension melting out of me -- lovely stuff -- good thing it's not available on the open market

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 08:32 AM

Today I'm sorting Christmas gear and de-accessioning what we no longer use. It's all on the bed so I HAVE to do something with it all TODAY.

We don't entertain as we used to, and for the last few years, our tree is a lot smaller than we used to get. One year we tried just a ball of greens, but, no...we HAVE to have a tree and it's got to be real.

The main theme has been music since Tom and I got together, but I think even some of those ornaments will be passed on. That's what local friends and acquaintances are getting instead of cards this year -- an ornament. Gave the unicorn to a Rite Aid associate yesterday -- she's ALWAYS so cheerful and friendly, even when she's having a "retail" day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 02:09 PM

We're sorting ornaments and discarding old stuff at work this week. I'll make a run for some replacements in a few minutes.

The house is a disaster area, but it will be remedied this evening. I was going to work on clearing up the buffet project but when the dental anesthesia wore off I felt like I'd been slugged in the jaw. Motrin and a nap, and then quiet work and to bed. Nothing that required any concentration.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 05:08 PM

And then I broke my toe...

Sigh. It's not the first time, so I know the drill. (Not much you can do about it except avoid kicking anything for awhile...and watch how you put your foot down.)

Had to schlep some heavy things down the stairs and a few more heavy things around outside and then do a bunch of other things before I could go upstairs and under-react.

Just at the point of slipping into nap mode, my sister called. After that I was awake enough I figured I'd better make the innards of a turkey/vegetable pot pie so I can freeze it until fowl fatigue goes away.

Should take some pictures of the Christmas stuff I'm looking for new homes for so I can post them at Facebook and hope someone coming to The Press Room Friday would like them.

Now it's almost time to make dinner (Thanksgiving redux cuz that's what Tom wants -- I was going to heat up the leftover spaghetti and meatballs...) and there are still boxes on the bed. Sigh.

Linn

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Nov 12 - 10:15 AM

Ouch, Linn! Take it easy!

I didn't do anything last night but eat dinner. I started to nod off over the computer so turned it off and went to bed. I'm shifting my work hours so an early night was a good thing. I'm going to be heading over early when I do go, though today I've dawdled because I had to do some shopping in stores that didn't open till 9am (CST). So I'm out the door now. I did set up and run the dishwasher this morning so I'll come home to a clean kitchen. It was a disaster area this morning.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Nov 12 - 12:01 PM

Guess I'm not wearing my contacts today. I just did (and, I hope, recovered from) something really stupid. I was distracted, thinking about a gazillion things (always a big mistake), and screwed up something I've done almost every day since 1973. Instead of wetting my right RGP contact lens with the appropriate solution, I used the red-tipped (to warn against using IN the eye, fer-pete's-sake!) cleaning solution. Noticed RIGHT AWAY (oh, yes, I did!) and washed it out with saline. Washed the eye out again with a solution of rue, fennel in saline (which has healed every eye irritation I've ever had) and also threw in some lubricating eye drops for good measure. I'll take care of the eye over the course of the day and it should be okay by tomorrow. But my loss of attention at a crucial moment scares the bejaysus out of me. With Tom requiring as much help as he does, I CAN'T damage my body or get sick...

I'd been trying to finish a book, sort through some boxes in the bedroom, rearrange and sort a bunch of stuff in the guest room, pull out some stuff to store in the cellar for the time being, looking for the rest of the Christmas ornaments which aren't where they're supposed to be, getting dressed, and mentally planning some lists related to my reading lists (which I've kept since 1972), and mentally composing a note to a friend who is going through some of the same things I went through earlier this year, etcet etcet.

Lesson learned: when taking meds, putting in contacts, fixing something...PAY ATTENTION! Don't let your mind wander.

And always anticipate where you might get into trouble so you can avoid it. Gawd, I've been harping on that with Tom for years, especially since I broke my arm 5 years ago because I was rushing and tripped in my kitchen with no one around. And I've been extra careful especially while working in the yard and cleaning out the cellar because if I break something, Tom is not going to be able to do ANYTHING to help me...and he'll be in serious trouble, too, because he can't get along at home on his own.

Ach! Going to go back upstairs and rinse out my eye again and keep the eye drops with me for the rest of the day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: MAG
Date: 28 Nov 12 - 03:10 PM

I gave away all my xmas tree ornaments, because with a cat (THIS cat) any tree is not an option..

Now I have windows which would be perfect for hanging ornamnets sigh

this is why some of us just can't get rid of stuff.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 12 - 08:47 AM

Working at the house today so I'll be able to walk the dogs at lunch. It's a warm but overcast day, so perhaps I'll get a little yard work done also.

I'll make another push to work on the buffet again this weekend, and I need to start on eBay stuff. I'll sort through and see what appears to be potential gifts and list that now. I'm sure I have some holiday themed mysteries in there. Books are easy to sell and ship.

Time for work in the greenhouse, and since it looks like it will be a warm weekend, I'll do some work around the outside of the greenhouse also. I need to stabilize the corners to help keep it level. Over the time the dirt, sand, and gravel I put down has settled and I need to shim it in a couple of places to level it so the doors open and close properly. I'm afraid that if it is not level and we have prolonged really cold weather it could crack.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Nov 12 - 02:07 PM

I have no choice but to declutter - I've just started the process of moving. It really is amazing how much useless stuff one acquires after 13 years in the same small space...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Nov 12 - 02:10 PM

Is this a planned move? No landlord problems this time?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: MAG
Date: 30 Nov 12 - 08:05 PM

you have a greenhouse?? how big? how much outside space needed?

how big a problem is mold?

MA, cutting up frozen tomato vines for compost

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Nov 12 - 10:59 PM

There is a great deal to be said for de-cluttering, however... Sometimes - A friend hung on to a tailgate for pick-up truck for years. Well, the truck was long gone and this pack rat decided to put the tail gate in the trash. A week later, a friend said, "Hey, Tom, that tail gate you have... " Would have fit his latest truck. Oh, well.

Friday: went to country and fed animals, did some work in studio and partly set up for craft show with help of a friend. Went to cafe and left early to get good rest.

Saturday I had a pain in gut which caused me to reach out for help. A couple friends helped me with the craft show. pain subsided - I had not been careful enough about what I put in and it clogged the twist in lower colon. Back to city after show.

Sunday - did laundry and some cooking, checked on upstairs and watered plants.
Monday, ate something for lunch that did me in. Dizzy and queasy. Did a couple errands and went home and collapsed. Only out of bed for 3 hours on Tuesday. Kind of limp ever since but laundry is done, dishes washed, we are fed.

Weds- visited friends who carried six boxes of pottery up to their 2nd floor flat, unwrapped, bought a bunch, repacked and carried them back down! That was a lot more fun than a craft show and less work! Took all afternoon. Then the snow started.

Thursday - Did not want to go out on fresh snow but had to move car so went to library and grocery store. And that is all! Still tired from Monday.

Today also. Two hour phone call with #2 son. Nice surprise. No arguments!

Animals are out of food because I have not been back to cabin; just too tired. Hope they are managing - holed up and keeping warm in this cold spell. Did not go to Cafe tonight due to R having to work on current crisis - still. And a memorial service tomorrow. Will have to go to cabin tomorrow or Sunday. Weather is to warm a bit and I am feeling like a very bad mom!

Another month has flown by.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise - NOV````2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Dec 12 - 02:11 PM

Snow! Brrrr! It's in the 80s here already in Texas. Odd year, very dry again, we're back in drought.

Here's the next thread.

SRS