Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 12 - 11:35 PM

Tons to do this weekend. No point in listing it all, but I'll report if I manage any large hurdles in the clutter around the house. I've filed papers this evening and cleared the kitchen table. Tossed a bunch of moldy peppers into the compost. :-( Didn't have time to cut them up.

We had rain today, after several dry weeks. It was very welcome, and there is still a chance for tomorrow, so plans will vary according to the weather.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 10:58 AM

Towels and sheets changed out, laundry in, shopping list in hand, headed out the door. At least I don't have as much laundry as Liz, who has to wash some blood out (see facebook - all is well now, except he has a headache).

It rained yesterday and again overnight - so very welcome! Now, how to drive to a place that is on a busy street and NOT go past the mall.

Shopping out of the way, some of it of the gift sort, some of it for the renovated work wardrobe, including shoes. Back at home I threw out two pairs of shoes that are worn out and will donate a couple of others that I never wear. Thrift store had some lovely slacks that will add variety. I tend to always buy black.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 08:13 PM

Pushing this back up to the top. I walked the dogs in two separate batches this evening so I am well-exercised. More laundry done, I had a small dinner, and this evening I need to start clearing out the living room clutter.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: ranger1
Date: 15 Dec 12 - 08:40 PM

Culled about a quarter of my books for the move. That was painful. New futon delivered to my new space today. Double bed frame will be going into storage, as the cottage is too small for it. Antique bedroom set in storage out of state given to my sister, so I can stop renting the unit there and maybe rent a smaller one closer to home. I must say,moving is an excellent way to declutter!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: MAG
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 01:57 AM

still sugar hangover from last weekend -- and I know better --

tell me to be good tomorrow

losing pounds but not inches

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: MAG
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 03:54 PM

Made gingerbread cookies for today's potluck --

feels good to get out those cutters; haven't used them for 20 years

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 05:06 PM

Took my ex to the airport this morning and that put me on the side of town for the clearance center for a nice department store so I stopped in - my goal was a couple of good blouses, which I found. Also found a gorgeous light cotton and linen Ralph Lauren unlined jacket, from $189 down to $20. It's a season back, but the price is that low because the little packet of extra buttons is missing. I imagine that with the difference if I lose a button I could afford to buy new buttons and replace them all if I can't match one.

I'm going to set up the "work clothes" part of the closet with everything hanging there to choose from, no more of this poking through the knit tops - I'm going to make sure it all goes together and put it together and choose from what is there. That is the plan, at any rate.

Some of the pants from the thrift store are in great condition, but the legs are too wide. I'm going to take out the hems and reshape a couple of pair. Since Moonglow is a great seamstress now with her theater costume design work, I'll run the idea past her, see if she has any tips. Isn't it nice when the kids start being the expert in things? ;-)

I have a bag for t-shirts that are going back to the thrift store circuit. Only a few in it now, but I need to be ruthless and weed out a bunch more.

The kitchen is starting to look good, but the afternoon is so nice right now that clearing up can wait - I need to take those dogs for a great walk. There's nothing like the dressing room mirror to inspire more exercise!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 06:00 PM

One parking lot ydy and back. One tdy and back by a longer route (paved). With walker as a portable chair (not support).

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 08:36 PM

Almost to the end of the physical move part of R's crisis, we went to the wonderful concert in Huntingdon this afternoon, then came to the cabin due to freezing rain - a great excuse not to go back to the city. Now I hear him snoring in the bathtub! Guess I better go move the clutter from the bathtub to the bed!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 11:00 PM

Three loads of laundry washed and hung, dishes done, turkey carcass picked over and soup made, fun ride on the Christmas train with Pete and Jeremiah. It's been a lovely day!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 12 - 11:07 PM

What an image - snoring in the tub! I've nodded off in the hot water, but if you wake when it cools, that's no fun.

The mantel is cleared of all of the crystal, is dusted, and now is ready for this year's holiday decorations. I've been so slow to get to this in place, but I have that dresser-to-buffet project going in there near the door (next to the fireplace) blocking access. I've packed up some of the saws and clamps and such and am a little closer to finishing.

After the last post I took the dogs for walks - first one dog and then the other two. I get better results because the first dog pulls and is in competition with the others and I've gotten tired of it. One-on-one she walks the way she is supposed to. I walked dogs for almost an hour this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Dec 12 - 07:48 PM

I made 5 gallons of turkey vegetable rice soup today, a pork roast in the crock pot with veggies and I made my first attempt at a Red Velvet cake for my husband's birthday. It turned out great with some minor glitches. All the dishes are done and son I am off to clean off the table so it's all pretty for dinner when he gets in on this very rainy, muddy, icky night. I'll be glad when he's home.

Michelle

PS. I did some grocery shopping today too...ran into a friend who asked Jeremiah about his train ride with Santa. He wrinkled his nose and announced he didn't like Santa. We talked about how Santa gave him a little gift (a bell to hang on the Christmas tree) and he was all smiles. My friend said, "So he's not so bad after all?" Jeremiah thought for a minute and said, "He's a good man!" LOL He cracks me up. I hear so much of US in him!!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 12 - 09:40 PM

Hindsight may render Santa a bit more tolerable. :)

I've picked up stuff around the house this evening, but it's time to finish up, do some ironing, then get to sleep early. If I want any time left at the end of the day in daylight I need to get started early.

I have an eBay item to list if I get a chance this evening. Getting back to that routine will help my pocketbook!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 12 - 05:38 PM

One big thing off my desk today. Another tomorrow. Scads to do at home. And it is only 7 days till xmas? Where DID the year go . . .

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 11:59 AM

Interesting program on Diane Rehm's second hour today. About shopping addiction. I don't think the de-clutter we're talking about has to do with shopping, it has to do with accumulation of useful stuff or inheritance and the slow deaccession of the collections we find ourselves with. Aspects of what they discuss may apply to the cluttered home.

Diane Rehm show Dec. 19, 2012 second hour.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 02:48 PM

Figured I'd HAVE to take a trunk-load of scrap to Harding Metals this morning or I'd have no room for a Christmas tree in the back of the car, which we really wanted to get today. But first I had to investigate and identify the water shutoffs in the cellar in anticipation of having a friend fix the leak in the bathtub faucet tomorrow.

EVERYTHING involves more and takes longer than you think it will.

After bushwhacking to the main water shut off for the house and clearing out the stuff in front of it (that's where the other clamp light was!) and moving around a bunch of other cellar stuff AND finding another length of copper tubing to sell, I came upstairs exhausted, out of breath, sweating and explained to Tom that all I had energy left for was drawing a diagram of the plumbing & shutoffs around the water heater (that seems to be the hub) and cleaning the bathroom.

Tom looked as if I'd just shot his dog (if he had a dog)...he'd really been looking forward to getting out of the house today. So... we went out. The scrap metal is GONE and converted into 33 bucks. Traded 16 of those bucks for a Christmas tree.

Yeah. I feel pretty good that there's two more things to cross off my list. The tarps which had covered the metal are now folded and in the boot of my car. Lunch was made and consumed. Laundry is in. Dishwasher almost totally loaded.

I think I'll take a couple pictures of the Rube Goldberg plumbing arrangement and maybe Tom can see it on the computer screen and remember exactly what he did when he was plumbing it...

I may bring a few more things up from the cellar to take up to the (diminishing) FREE pile at the head of the driveway. It's spitting rain. (At least it's not snowing -- all of Sunday and Monday's snow is gone except for a few dirty remnants.)

Gotta go do stuff or my body's gonna seize up. I can feel the aches already from this morning's exertions. Oh, besides the cellar stuff, I cleared out the stuff in the bathroom cubby (in front of the frozen cold water shutoff) and stored it temporarily in the guestroom. Mostly I've spent the day getting into weird positions and moving stuff. Who needs to pay a gym membership to workout?

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 04:34 PM

"stored it temporarily in the guest room" is to put your foot on a very slippery slope, Linn. I hope you know that!

Second major event this week out of the way. Now several minor things coming up. The house hasn't changed a lot in the last couple of days.

On the way home today I must purchase the turkey, and get some dog food (different transactions and uses, obviously!) and prepare to race against the clock over the weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 06:21 PM

Fact of the matter is, there's no available space anywhere else to put them -- but they not only definitely belong in the bathroom, but, once the leaky faucet is taken care of, they can go right back in the cubby where they belong.

I actually made some minor headway in the guest room this morning. It hasn't actually had space for a guest (unless they don't mind sleeping standing up) for quite some time.

Now that I've actually LOOKED at the plumbing in the cellar and where the shutoffs are, and how it's mapped out...I can't believe Tom actually put it together like that. It's like computer spaghetti code -- it was probably fine originally, but each repair cobbled in or add-on (or removal!) makes it look like a Rube Goldberg contraption.

I made some, ummm, "humorous" comments about it which Tom took the wrong way and got depressed, thinking that this (still unfinished after close to 40 years) home sweet home of ours will probably end up as a tear down. (Which will be a lot of fun because it's a pretty damned solid post-and-beam.)

I wasn't involved in the building of it and there are things I would have done decidedly different had I been involved. But building the house together is probably what split up Tom's first marriage (his ex-wife did all the cabinetry, by the way, and it is beautifully done). And if they hadn't split up, then where would I be?

Winter comfort food (mostly leftovers) for supper tonight -- beef tips in a savory gravy, oven roasted carrots, mashed potatoes and reheated celery root. Tom will probably want to split a beer, but I think I prefer wine.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 09:03 PM

Leftovers here as well, and an early night. I'll get up early and tackle the dishes in the kitchen. I'm trying to take Friday off - there is shopping I'd like to do before the weekend rush.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: ranger1
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 09:22 PM

Feeling discouraged that the move is taking longer than expected. Good news is that I have two open boxes of books slated to go to the FCS thrift store and I keep adding to them rather than taking any out. I've also thrown out, recycled, donated, or given away a bunch of the clutter that has been taking up space in the kitchen for several years. Bathroom is next, closet shelves are done, just the shelves next to the sink left. Living room and bedroom are another story, though. This is the first time in over four years that I've missed my truck...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 12 - 11:47 PM

If it takes a little more time to do it right, then you'll probably feel better when you finish.

The wind has picked up. It was quite warm today but overnight a cold front is due to arrive. This must be the leading edge. I suspect there will be some picking up around the yard in the morning.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 08:08 AM

Our problem is that Tom and I have NOT moved in 33 years. Tom had been living elsewhere for a year or so before we moved in here together. I, too, had jus (several years before) dissolved a marriage, so my belongings were fairly compact. (And most of my books were in storage.) Stuff expands to fit the space available and Tom's too much of a Yankee to throw away things that might prove useful in the future. "Waste not, want not." And he tells me, despite my Midwestern origins, that I was born a Yankee.

So now it's crisis level. Fortunately I've thrown off the chains of wage slavery and have SOME time left around caring for him, but he can no longer help with almost anything.

And EVERYTHING needs doing...cleaning...sorting...culling...

It would be nice to have the luxury of just picking one room and working on it until it's done. Then I could SEE the progress. But life doesn't work that way. I KNOW I've accomplished a lot since June (outside as well), but I can't really look at one spot and say, "Wow. That's done. And doesn't it look great!"

Gotta get away from here and spiffify the bathroom before a friend arrives at 10, bring up the tree stand, make sure the upstairs water shutoff actually works... I'll keep you posted...

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 11:51 AM

Well, tried the shutoff I thought would work, but it wouldn't turn so I couldn't even check it. Said to hell with it, shut the water heater off and shut off the main valve to the house.

In between I also managed to schlep the ladder up and down the stairs and schlep some lawn chairs and camp stools up to put in the FREE pile (and got them up to the head of the driveway).

Bagged some more cellar trash to go out next Wednesday and identified some other boxes o' crap that need to be hauled out of the cellar.

I AM seeing progress down there. Found some more copper and brass for a future trip to Harding. The next thing I need to do in the cellar is pull nails from all the shelves from the built-in that the guys took out last year when they insulated the cellar. I'm not going to nail them back in, but just getting them in place will GREATLY help in sorting out tools and fasteners, etc. -- what to keep, what to sell, what to give away, and what goes into the metal bucket for Harding.

My repair guy hasn't arrived yet (but we've communicated several times this morning), but I'm physically exhausted. I think I hear his car...

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 02:10 PM

Leak in bathtub faucets fixed. New handheld shower unit installed. (Tom started that project several years ago -- I think he was having vision problems at the time but was not telling me about it and probably denying to himself that there was a problem.)

I'm exhausted. Think I'll watch the other DVD my sister sent so I can return it and get a small package out to her ASAP.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Dec 12 - 06:59 PM

May I scream? Please?

My friend fixed the bathtub faucet. I turned the water back on. Water in the bathtub, faucet and shower, worked fine. No drip. Let me repeat that: no drip.

Later, I turned on the faucet in the bathroom sink -- almost no pressure. So I tried the bathroom faucets again -- and they worked fine. Maybe even more pressure than before. But when I turned them off, guess what -- the leak is back.

And when I dumped the water in a pan in the sink, it was a very slow drain. This is not necessarily surprising as it happens every so often. I dug around in the drain with the end of a coathanger and grabbed a really disgusting glob of...whatever it was. I tossed the stopper (which was also covered with slime) in a thingy of bleach.

I need to take a shower after supper and wash my hair. Let's see what happens before I email my friend.

Arghhhh!

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 12:37 AM

Linn, unfortunately your plumbing projects are a demonstration in how all of these problems are related and have a domino effect when you start working on one of them.

It's cold again tonight - the LED lights are on in the greenhouse, meaning it is below 45 out there, so the heater turned on. Now it will warm until 55 then turn off until 45 again - lights on and off all night. Same in the garage, but there are no dogs in there tonight. I brought them in (to their utter delight!)

Work tomorrow, then a long break. Time will fly.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 06:49 AM

Had to get up early this morning because Tom has an early doctor's appointment. Came downstairs in the dark with a flashlight. Woke Tom up, turned on the radio, turned the heat up and started turning on lights.

The switch on the wall next to the table was wet...

Grabbed a different flashlight, went down the cellar stairs and turned off the main water line.

Arghhh!

Not a great way to start the day. (Coffee isn't made yet.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 08:30 AM

And I didn't mention I woke up at 4 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep.

Sigh. After such I start, I can only hope the day improves.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 10:44 AM

The switch on the wall was wet? What kind of plumbing takes water over to that area?

After I moved in and did work on the house I had a leak problem under my kitchen sink, to the point that the MDF in the bottom of the under-sink cabinet swelled and buckled and got moldy. I finally broke it up and pulled it out and had nothing under there. When I finally called a plumber he looked at the odd mix of pre-cut PVC that was stuck together to drain from the sink to the wall - "the carpenter put it in" (when the sink was put in the new countertop). He understood enough and went to work, removing the various twists and turns and leaving with a tidy descending line with the trap bend and nothing more. It was later when an English professor friend was visiting that I had help to put a new piece of MDF under the sink. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 12:34 PM

The light switch is in the room below the bathroom...and directly underneath the bathtub plumbing in the wall above.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 12 - 05:48 PM

So the leak was aggravated, not fixed. Do you know what the repair consisted of?

I did a little shopping this afternoon, turkey brine (my daughter talked me into it) and cream for making some lefse. I still need olives and pimentos for Monday's empanadillas, so need to make one more run (possibly early tomorrow to beat crowds).

I wish the air wasn't so dry, my sinuses are very unhappy with the state of things right now. I'm going to put a kettle on to add moisture to the house.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 08:59 AM

He's coming over in about an hour. Probably (according to Tom who would have repaired it himself, but he just can't SEE anymore) everything just needs tightening.

The leak inside the wall is probably not from the faucet, but because Jeff replaced the shower flange and installed the new(er) handheld shower that I got at a yardsale.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 10:32 AM

Tom and I just had a discussion of semantics. He pointed out that the bathroom faucet was a DRIP and the water downstairs from it was a LEAK.

I do strive to be more or less precise...

It (they) may or may not be fixed right now. So far, so good.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 11:40 AM

Susie walked down for a visit this morning so we had a cuppa tea and I sent her home with a box of Celestial Seasoning's Throat Soother tea. I think the dry air here is making sinuses sore and contributing to sore throats.

Tons to do today. The turkey is in a sink full of cold water and after a while I'll put it in the fridge to finish thawing until I get ready to brine it on Monday night. I forgot I have a small fridge, I don't need the cooler. I'll have to turn the turkey in the plastic tub that fits in the fridge so I get the brine evenly soaked in top and bottom.

Now where did I put that can of primer? I need to finish that cabinet.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Claire M
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 02:29 PM

Hiya,

Finally got internet in new place, been waiting for ages. Been on various trips, actually saw Maddy Prior in 2nd week of move. The concert was in a couple of days & the staff didn't really know me/my needs. I don't know many places that would do that. I told    her about said move & she seemed pleased – now have framed photo of her & I on my wall. Slowly getting used to living with, & socialising with, so many (21 now) other people but when you've had one conversation with them you've said all there is to say.
Mum & Dad are at a bit of a loose end but they brought Merlin [dog] who thought everyone wanted to be jumped on

Looking forward to Steeleye – you wait ages for 1 gig & 3 come at once. Can't afford all 3 because I'd have to pay for carer's ticket too.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 05:46 PM

Over in the MOAB (Mother of All BS) thread Eiseley commented that she just came in from touring Don Aslett's Museum of Clean. For declutterers the man is a god! Lucky Kathryn. :)

I found the primer. I've measured the last board. Now I have to find my safety goggles and get started cutting.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 10:02 PM

Kitchen is now packed up and moved to the cottage. Tomorrow AM I will finish the bathroom and hopefully the living room. The bedroom is a work in progress, hopefully I can spend a solid chunk of time on it next week. The biggest problem is all the piles of paper. I think maybe I'll take one box at a time and sort and file, recycle, or shred as needed. I have an as of yet unused file cabinet fo just that purpose.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 02:01 AM

That was Ranger1.

I'm close to finishing the doors on the cabinet, but I need to pick up a planer or a mill file tomorrow and to rasp it down enough so they will hang properly with the hinges. It's too close to perfect to use the big saw on it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: ranger1
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 10:23 AM

Thanks, Maggie. The hour was late and I was exhausted.

I bought myself a Christmas present on Thursday: a smallish hardwood kitchen table and a pine bookcase. The bookcase looks nice in the cottage, but I've already filled it... A second culling of my books is in my future. Sigh.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 05:21 PM

Picked up a hand plane today and will test it on a spare piece of plywood before I try shaving 1/16 off each door. I'm that close.

Kitchen is a mess. Baking cookies tonight once I get everything cleared out. I'll paint primer on the cabinet (won't take long) then go back and forth on cookies and cleaning. I expect to feel like I've had a real workout by bedtime.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 05:39 PM

i did qi gong, standing up, not in my chair, last night. Morgan was a good elf, today. He came over and wiped down the lower kichen cabinet doors, the stove, fridge, and the wall by the trash can. He also vacuumed a bit and took out a bag of trash. I did some laundry, Rog did the floors and dishes. We still have to mop. Looks like we're having Christmas at our house this yr!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 08:56 PM

Sounds good! Will Morgan spend time at your house over his holiday break? And does he bring the new pup - do all of the dogs enjoy each others' company?

Just about finished the doors on the cabinet. The opening isn't quite square so it has been a slow job to adjust it to fit. I have one set of hinges on and got the second door adjusted. Now I'll feed the dogs then do the next hinges. Then race like the wind with the baking. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 12:16 PM

Initial coats of primer and then first of lacquer on the cabinet. It will look elegant but plain until I find the antique brass pulls I want for it, but it will be at work by tomorrow! Now to race to bake cookies, clean house, and clear the dining room table . . .

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 02:29 AM

Merry Christmas Sweet Friends!!!!!

Love to All,

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 04:05 AM

Way late, the kids just got in. All sleeping late tomorrow. Pancakes for brunch.

Have a great day with your friends and loved-ones!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 10:59 AM

In the first 24 hours back from the nursing home, I have begun to take back my house from the dirt and clutter only a very sick person and a lone, overworked bachelor can amass.

And OMG. To deal with it, there is enough OT and PT in this house to keep the home health services (HHS) peeps working with me for the duration of SAD season.

[shaking head] Will have to set some goals (SMALL ones) and develop a strategy of attack.

But I know this much-- it will have to start with any areas I personally use; there are still open wounds, which means that any infection control issues need to be addressed first.

And OMG, OMG, Jesus help me....

But I DID find the long long-lost electric parts for that heated lap throw sitting on the back a LR chair, in this first pass thru certain areas. And I DID find a great new place for the FreeCycle kitty tower I ejected a few weeks ago from the LR. The kittehs were found finally USING it, out in the laundry room, so I put it in a slightly-warmer spot while one slept IN it. Big Isis can resume her queenly perch on top of it once it heats up for her! :~)

A new winter chore can be sweeping my ramp. Dear Allyn Contractor actually laid tar paper (it is rough-- for nonskid footing-- not sticky) on the decking surface. In snowy weather that means sweeping, not shoveling. The walk, supporting myself on the ramps handrails, will be very helpful and will net some fresh air and sunshine I badly need. More home-based OT/PT THERE. The section right outside the door runs under the big porch roof and should be easily doable.... a little later!

I made my own breakfast without needing to sit down once. I expect to make our traditional Christmas brunch entree when Hardi gets home from church-- The P-Vine's Egg Gravy on toast, with cheese and what-not added. Precooked, peeled eggs courtesy of my Secret January Shopper.

Merry Christmas! The 12 days of 'em start today!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 12:09 PM

Breakfast will begin soon, but I have to finish taking any clutter to the garage before and shower and dress. We had a cold front with noisy rain and thunder last night so every trip to the garage will be met by muddy dog feet. I'll get that out of the way before I dress for company.

The house is looking better but it isn't ready. This is my last look in here for a while today.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Dec 12 - 08:57 PM

Christmas Day has been wonderful! We started here with stockings, then off to my Mom's house where we opened our presents and enjoyed lots of snacky kinds of foods. I firmly believe the holidays are meant for EVERYONE'S enjoyment and that means NO ONE should spend hours cooking a big dinner. :) This year we ordered a fruit plate from the local grocery store (which was FABULOUS), had a tray of meat and cheese and a large veggie platter. Doughnuts, chips and other things were abundant as well. I was good and truly enjoyed the fruit platter and some cheese (Cabot 75% less fat cheddar is pretty good!). :)

Later I went to a local nursing home downtown and delivered a fresh fruit plate with some cheese, ring bologna and a piece of chocolate to a friend who recently had her knee replaced and is doing so rehab therapy.    She was so excited and we had a nice visit. :)

At our house, we decided that to give Jeremiah all his gifts at once would be nothing but overwhelming and a huge stimulation overload sooooo he only did his stocking at home today. Mom had maybe 5 presents for him (2 books, 1 sweater, a magnetic train and a car carrier). That was PLENTY. He entertained himself for hours! She has other gifts but we decided to just do a few at a time so he can really enjoy everything! Pete and I will have presents for Jeremiah for the next week or so...just a few at a time. It is working beautifully!

It's been a lovely day and I am enjoying every moment of the day with my family!!!

Merry Christmas!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 10:59 AM

Got a lot done yesterday, there's more to do this week.

The dogs got me up early today. I had to dress and take them out the side and through the garage because the back door was frozen shut. I put salt on the track and it opened after a bit, but by then I'd been up for a while and decided to stay up. Now I've had breakfast and my cuppa tea and I still need a nap. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Exercise )()( December 2012
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Dec 12 - 07:29 PM

Tom and I shared kitchen duties yesterday. I made the stuffed oyster appetizer and Tom made the chicken with sort of a hunter sauce entrée. Didn't have to go nutzoid spiffifying the house because Jeri was our guest and she's family. (Better than family because she's not a housekeeping Nazi as my mother used to be.)

I was planning on goofing off today...but the trash had to be bagged up and taken to the road for pickup, Tom had to go to Hannaford's for meds... Then I decided I might as well do some laundry and, of course, make lunch.

Finally was able to take a nap.

Got a couple hours...I think. (Doesn't feel like it.) Then there was other stuff to do (including turning the car around so it's facing up the driveway). Then stole an hour or so to read and have some serious one-on-one time with Sabine, my needy black lady cat who can't seem to relax. (Does that qualify as goofing off?) Then I had to make supper.

Right now I drying Tom's sheets and pillowcases now so I can remake his bed and he doesn't have to stay up and listen to the radio all night...

Pie.

Book.

Gibson or Martini...but I got cocktail onions for Christmas and we haven't had them for a loooooong time.

Then, before I fall asleep myself, put Tom and the house to bed.

Somehow I don't think we'll be keeping his appointment with his cardiologist tomorrow...there's snow coming in tonight, though it will probably finish with rain and mixed snow and rain tomorrow. That's the really great thing (probably the ONLY great thing) about being over 60 -- doctor's don't expect you to drive when the weather is disgusting.

Maybe I'll have a snow day tomorrow and can sort some stuff that has surfaced recently (with an eye to sorting it right out of the house!).

Linn