Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!

Subject: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 12:15 PM

Some late entries last night remind me that while we now on January 1, 2013, it is tempting to plan for an entire year on this holiday, but it is more practical to keep the house safe and livable and make sure you're ready for work tomorrow. Or for whatever tasks await this week. It is, after all, just another day.

Yesterday I turned in the second of three parts of a collection I have been curating and last night I worked on it more while a couple of movies played. I'll work on it again today and hope to complete this and turn it in later this week. It has been a journey through a family's extensive attention to and love of music and theater.

I have a bit of a headache this morning - a combination of staying up late (I was watching Harry Potter movies - they are LONG!) and a couple of extra drinks on the holiday, but that is now the exception. I like a couple of glasses of wine in the evening, but I read an article that spells out why that second glass of wine way after dinner, or the glass of wine before dinner, isn't such a good idea. From Huffington Post - "The Effects of Alcohol In The Body" - shows that if it isn't consumed WITH food it is going to have more deleterious effects. So my shift in dining is that if I don't have the wine with the meal, I won't have it. This tends to support some of the studies I've heard about in the past that talk about drinking in European countries, where in Italy or France the wine is most often consumed with meals and where people also have fewer weight and alcohol problems. So my goal from here out, not just for 2013, is to keep eating healthy and to modify the evening drink.

And today I have a short term goal to finish a few things around the house so the house is orderly for heading to work tomorrow and welcoming when I come home from work. I'll make a batch of soup for meals this week and make sure my closet is in order.

What about the rest of you? What plans for this week, this month, this year?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 12:55 PM

I'm continuing to organize my new space and pack up things from the old space. There is now drama associated with the latter and I need to get it done by the 7th.

I spent this morning cleaning and tidying in the cottage. I held a second book culling and made room for more of the books still on the floor in the bookcase. My plan was to go to the 24 hour laundromat and do a bunch of laundry and then go on a nature hike at the park, but plans have abruptly changed due to aforementioned drama. Said drama is not mine, personally, but does affect me. Sigh.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:05 PM

I think you've told us about the source of the drama in the past. Here's wishing you a new year free of drama once you're completely moved into the new place!

Time for another cup of tea!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 01:49 PM

Tea! Now THAT'S a good idea.

I've managed already this first morning of the new year to get Tom pissed off at me for suggesting he not put flammable materials on the electric cook surface AND have my mother (in Milwaukee) hang up on me because I refused to argue with her while she was insisting that we were, indeed, arguing. (Deep sigh) All I did was say that what is a common rental practice in her area is not usual practice anywhere else. I wasn't arguing. Others had already mentioned the same thing to her (as she had just told me about "arguing" with my aunt about it). My mother can be the most exasperating woman on the face of the planet. Life will be a lot simpler (you'd think I'd have figured this out in the past 63 years) if I just never mention ANYTHING no matter how trivial that counters her world view. (I think that will be one of my New Year's resolutions...) She never has let unimportant things like actual facts mess up her thinking. (After all, she votes Republican...)

But I've also gotten caught up and decluttered some magazines and free papers. And I'm about to message a friend who is horticulturalist at Strawbery Banke museum to see if he wants some mid-'90s "Herb Quarterly"s for his archive. And I've filed some more stuff in my binders.

And I've washed -- FOUR times!!! -- the waist-high stack of black plastic letter files that had been stored in the dusty part of the cellar. I washed them in the shower thinking that would be most efficient. Rinsed off enough dust to have to clean the bathtub drain several times, but when they dried, they still looked dusty. Spray rinsed them off yet again...and when they dried, it looked as if I'd just moved the dust around. So did it again with Windex and paper towels...and when I turned them upside down, found I had to do it one more time... But now it's done and I can organize the loose papers in the bedroom into it and get them off the floor.

Right now I'm literally in the middle of cleaning the two litter boxes.

I think I've done something else useful today besides put the quiche away, but offhand I can't think what. (Maybe make a shopping list for later this week after social security comes.)

I've got to try to make some headway in this room, too. The day is still young...

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 02:11 PM

After spending the last hour and a half catching up on dishes that have been set aside with our holiday activities, I'm happy to say that my sink is sparkling clean and all dishes are washed. One load in the dishwasher and probably another 2 loads washed and are air drying.

I spent some time working on the area around my kitchen table chair too. I had a bag of Relay for Life stuff there, some of it outdated and so it hit the garbage can. A basket of magazines was sorted out, old ones I no longer want were tossed. The bottom of the basket was cleaned of all dust bunnies and repurposed. Also there is a stand with 5 drawers sitting to the left of my chair. I had all my beading supplies in there but since I haven't been doing much beading, I put all those things in a tote to go in my office....all neatly stored for easy access should the mood strike. I have it now supplied with daily things I need. One drawer with my insulin pens, record chart, pen, extra lancets and strips, glucose monitor; the next drawer is equipped with my Weight Watchers things that I use daily (except the scale which sits on the counter), the next drawer is all needle tips for my insulin pens (this drawer has always held these...there are hundreds of tips floating around in there which makes for easy access when I sit to do my insulin). The fourth drawer has stamps, envelopes, address book,etc and the last drawer is a collection of Weight Watcher items that I use as a reference. I also cleaned the top of this set of drawers off, moved it and cleaned the sides and underneath it. While I was under there, I cleaned under the feet of our pedestal table. :) I took all the framed photos off an antique desk, dusted the entire desk dusted each frame and Windexed the glass on the frames. I am hoping to pick up the toys that Jeremiah missed when he goes down for his nap, dust and vacuum. Perhaps the ornaments will come off the tree too. Maybe not...I really love our tree!

I am not making any resolutions or goals for this year but rather a few very private intentions for myself.

Happy New Year!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 02:38 PM

I plan to fly by the time my birthday rolls around. No, not on a plane-- just FLY.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 04:07 PM

Had mid-afternoon port and cheese instead of the tea.

Also cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes. Did some prep for supper. Decluttered a few more free papers for tomorrow's trash pickup.

Put some books away.

Now to go see if I can get through to my elderly great aunt in Milwaukee who has neither caller ID nor voicemail/answering machine. The line was busy every time I tried calling earlier.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 05:55 PM

Back to present reality... the new ramp is 48 feet long... call it 50 each way if getting coat and shoes. So a lap down and back is 100. With an incline of course.

One lap today and winded. It's a start tho and a longer straightaway than can be done IN the house!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 12:50 AM

My kitchen is cleaned up, all of the containers that came out of the fridge (I made soup with the stock from the turkey) are in the dishwasher that I'll start before heading for bed. I have the breakfast and tea stuff ready for morning and clothes hanging in place in my dressing room. After I get home tomorrow I'll have to do some ironing, but I'm set for Wednesday.

Now to remember where I left off 13 days ago.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: MAG
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 03:57 AM

went thru several bags of paper, in order to winnow it down -- making room to set out my recorded music (am still analog)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 07:44 AM

Drama has been quieted for the moment. Other than affecting how long I have to pack the rest of my stuff, it really isn't my drama. Anyway, today has been reserved for going to the laundromat and calling my mechanics about an issue that showed up right after I had work done on the car. If they were at fault, they'll take care of it, and if not, they'll either fix it or recommend someone else to me if it's not something they do.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 10:19 AM

Further declut of sked today and setting of fone alarms to train myself to the new structure. It includes more ramp-walks per day. Today's first one (imminent) will include chopping out some ice that is making it unsafe in one longish spot. A later one today, down and around and up icy steps onto the main porch area (which is only safe for me when someone else is home) will include, hopefully, digging out a saved slab of foam cushion and a squishy pool noodle-- I need these to make my sleeping chair work better for my healing.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 10:29 AM

I found and ordered a small crock pot on eBay to replace the cracked ceramic bowl on my 40-year-old crockpot. I like to make oatmeal overnight and the 1 quart size is perfect for it, but I accidentally cracked the hot bowl when I put in cold oats (they came out of the freezer). My bad. These come up every so often (a couple a week, different models - I want the low-power one with the removable bowl) and I got one for about $20 the other day. I'll declutter the broken bowl when this arrives and keep my eye on eBay for anyone selling just the bowl since the old heating element and lid are still good. Then I'll have two sets of them, one for me and one for a friend who also likes to cook oatmeal overnight. :)

The work week is here, I'm packed up and ready to go with my bottle of turkey soup, a half a baked sweet potato, and an apple for lunch. I prefer a diet without all of the tempting sweets around so it is good that the holidays are over. I hope there aren't residual candy gifts on my desk when I get there this morning. If so I'll have to put them in one of the public areas where students pick up candy we leave there. They're always hungry!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 02:31 PM

Ramp chopped, part one. Part two, going out now. Taking doggeh. Him have tie strap waiting so him keep me safe no fall downs.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 06:45 PM

Ramp ice BADZ. Getting salt for the worst patch which gets no sun and is constantly watered from a drippy gutter above.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 07:19 PM

Slept very poorly last night. This morning managed to get the usual morning stuff done plus gather the trash and get it up to the road for pickup and shower and wash my hair (AFTER going out into temps in the teens F.)

Then I took a nap. Not that successfully, but better than nothing. Made lunch for Tom and me, read Tom a couple articles, then went back upstairs to under-react and read.

Then decided I really needed to do SOMETHING useful today, so added items to my binders -- 1999 to 2003 -- and separated 1999 and 2000 into two binders. (Haven't a clue how they'd managed to fit in one!)

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 07:44 PM

"Under-react and read" LOVE THAT

Third trip on the ramp today, CHECK.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 08:02 PM

It's still cold here, I'm really tired of this. I live in Texas, ferchristsake, it's supposed to be warm part of the time in the winter. I have to put away the holiday decorations this evening. I'm sure there are other things that need doing as well, but that is the only one I'm committing to. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 09:46 PM

Hey Maggie,

   Care to share your recipe for overnight oatmeal? We have oatmeal just about every other day here. Love it!

   Pete and I had our very first outing ALONE in months!!!   Oh what a wonderful day!!!!!! We did tons of walking, lots of antiquing, lunch and dinner out and enjoyed ourselves immensely but also found that we missed our little man. (A few calls to the sitter happened, of course...just to see that all was well).

   I ate more than my points allowance today but will be helping with firewood on Friday so I'm sure it will all be burned off just fine. :) (Helping to load and unload 2 cords of wood on Friday, possibly a cord tomorrow too).

Also...I got to pick out my Christmas gift today....completely excited about that...there's something I've been wanting but didn't have the money for...today I had some Christmas cash AND the item was 40% off and an extra 10% off at the register! SCORE!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 08:58 AM

CLOSET: At the moment I am wearing a favorite cotton flannel shirt that is starting to be TOO baggy in front. It's that good flannel that wears and washes softer with no pilling.... I think I will pin some princess seaming into it, and baste it up later to try it on. It is time to start prepping individual items for the seamstress for that hourglass shape... she can take apart my basting and make 'em right... it will mess up the hems but these are all too long anyway!

I bet I can get a year and a half's wear out of that magic pastorwife closet, before I melt so much that I will need to start investing in new, better-quality stuff...

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 09:21 AM

Oatmeal with the regular store brand (knock-off Quaker so it doesn't cost as much) is your classic 1 part old-fashioned oats and 2 parts water with a dash of salt and a handful of raisins. I set that up overnight so it's ready, but it doesn't take long on the stovetop.

The one that really needs the crockpot is when I cook steel-cut oats. Those I put 1/4 cup (per serving) in the crock pot, a pinch of salt, a handful of raisins, and 1 1/2 cups of water. In my little 1 quart pot I have to start with the water boiling or it doesn't cook enough overnight because it really is low power. On the stovetop those take a minimum of a half-hour and closer to 45 minutes to be near the consistency of the crock pot, and it's easy to burn to them in the pan if you're making a small amount like I do for just myself.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 11:07 AM

It was so cold this morning I just couldn't make myself head out the door as early as I intended. So instead I've let the day warm a bit and I'm burning DVDs of work photos in my computer. Virtual decluttering and taking these in to the office in a bit. I have a bunch I need to burn as backup, but I'll do a semester at a time. This morning's task is Spring 2011.

It's supposed to snow tomorrow. Again. I'm tired of this odd weather. Just as the dry warm fall was odd (we should have had some cool and rainy days, but not necessarily the couple of really low freezing spikes that hit and killed my fall garden) we don't usually get weeks of below-freezing weather like this. It usually comes and goes and gives one a bit of a break and a chance to get out in the yard to work every week or two. Not this winter.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 01:14 PM

Thanks Maggie!

   I make the regular store brand of Quaker oats, in the pot with boiling water, raisins or whatever I feel like putting in it. It just so happens that I have some steel cut oats to try so I'm going to give it a go in the crock pot! It will be nice to wake up and have it all ready to go, especially next week when Pete returns to work after having 3 weeks off....we have all gotten absolutely spoiled rotten having him home!!!! Anyway...we've been sleeping in daily so getting back in the swing of things will take some adjusting and this just might be the ticket!

   Today I am returning Christmas gear to it's storage spot for the year,doing some deep cleaning and getting the house back in order, specifically the living room. Now, without the playpen and the Christmas tree down, I finally have room for my treadmill again. I'm looking forward to that. Next week I begin yoga classes again. :)

Michelle

PS. Regarding the flying comment, there is a song I love, specifically the following:

I am a fallen angel. I am a sacred heart.
I am awake and I am alive.
Some say that I won, some say I survived.
An angel vigilante others might proclaim
As I breathe I will not be a pawn, a piece of anyone's game.
I am a fallen angel. I am a sacred heart.
I am invincible and I am divine
I could be a beauty with a little bit of shine
Or maybe patron saint of rage with black marked eyes
Well I have looked into the face of fear,
I know what I'm doing here
WATCH ME FLY!!!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 07:09 PM

I decided to work in the kitchen instead. Pete was outside dragging logs out of the woods and Jeremiah was watching intently from the kitchen window so I worked out there. I emptied my purse, cleaned that all out. Went through the mountain of paperwork on the middle of the table, dusted the various jelly cupboards, did all the dishes, took down almost all the Christmas decorations in the kitchen (left the nativity on the ledge over the sink...it's one of my favorites), cleaned the baby's chair (really scrubbed it down) and oh yes, we started potty training today and so far, with great success!!! HOORAY! I might still take the ornaments off the tree tonight while we hang out in the living room in front of the fire. We'll see.

There were lots of little other things that were done as well...those itty bitty things that you set aside to put away later....yeah..their time has come!

Dinner has been cooked, eaten and dishes are done (normally we don't eat for another hour and a half).

Family time! HOORAY!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 08:47 PM

Spent a couple of hours at the apartment going through the mountains of paper clutter and sorting them. Biggest pile is the recycle pile, then there's the shred pile, and the rest is being sorted and put into file folders as I sort. I invested in a package of hanging file folders today, so all I will have to do when I bring the temporary storage box home is put the manila folders into the hanging folders in the filing cabinet. I just have to remember to wear a dust mask when I'm at the apartment...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 09:22 AM

Potty training is one of those occasions when if you let the child lead by naming the reward (within reason!), have a calendar on which they can cross of each successful day (that is a reward in itself!) and count up to the number you both determine is appropriate to earn the reward, it is a win-win situation. Both of my kids were pretty easy, I'd say it was 4 to 6 weeks and we had it down.

Burning a few more discs this morning then headed out the door. The snow didn't materialize (!) but I'll make a point after work of heading to Home Depot to buy a load of top soil and leave the bags in the back of the pickup until warm weather is with us again. That helps with stability in slick weather.

Looking forward to the weekend - it's supposed to warm a bit on Sunday so perhaps I can finish some of the clearing of the gardens (the collapsed cannas and finish trimming out the datura and pull up the old eggplant and cut down the asparagus.)

Last night I fixed another batch of the empanadilla filling (I sent some over to my ex on christmas eve) and I'm going to measure and freeze it. I've figured out that if I use 1/4 cup of flour I can make enough dough for two of the meat pies, so I'll freeze this in portions enough to thaw and make them two at a time. I bought the pork, olives, cilantro and capers, but the rest of it, onions, peppers, tomatoes came from my garden. I need to work now to draw down what is in the freezer. Last year I was too slow and had more left than I needed when I started filling it up again.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 10:48 AM

Sigh. Louder sigh.

Oh ok. I've done my room. Nothing out that could be put away, nothing there that doesn't belong there... and my desk (!) and the dining room. Do the twins count as something I should put away or throw out? They are almost 18...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 12:32 PM

In the long run you'll be glad you kept them, Mrrzy. :)

I've been told I need to start decluttering my work file drawers of photos into the university archive's file drawers. I've asked people off and on for years if they want any of these, this is the first university archivist who not only wants them but wishes one of the other archivists had asked for them starting 15 years ago.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 04:26 PM

New 48' ramp:

CLICK!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 05:36 PM

Today we are decluttering more dressing supplies-- especially the expensive Wound Vac parts that cannot be returned for a credit. But we know how to pass them along and they can stop reminding me how sick I was, and they can clear outta my UPSTAIRS Sick Bay too, dagnabit! :~)

Also passing along a bag of unopened adult diapers the nursing home gave me by mistake. Maybe I should save them for the MudDorm--- NONONONO.... just kidding there really is a bucket up there.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 07:57 PM

What a long week for only three days in the office. It was also a lot more interesting than usual because I was able to do some things that are more creative and unique than the usual news stuff. I worked for two years at a local newspaper and I enjoyed writing articles, I didn't mind writing obituaries, but it got old doing the "Bulletin Board" items - rewording the little announcements for various community activities. But that is mostly what I've been doing for the last couple of years. I'm finally doing more challenging things - now to get the job description that goes with it!

Many things on my weekend list, and I'm not sure what direction I'll go first. Dinner. Then I'll see. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 08:48 PM

Helped to load 2 cords of firewood today and unloaded 1 1/2 cords of firewood on my own. I was just too tuckered to do the last 1/2 cord myself. It was a GLORIOUS day outside...bright blue skies, cold, a little wind....it makes a body feel SO alive!!! Also, the exhaustion my body is feeling comes with almost a high...much like a really good yoga class.

I am exhausted but in a GREAT way!!

Also, my best friend's (he died in 1999) sister is here from Georgia and stopped in to visit for a few hours. Gonna go out to dinner with her tomorrow too (and unload another 1/2 cord of firewood if my arms are still functioning tomorrow morning)

Life is good!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 11:23 PM

I bet your arms and shoulders will be stiff and sore tomorrow! Sounds like a great day!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 09:57 AM

HHS PT began yesterday. That woman knows her stuff! Gentlest exercises yesterday, major aches today, YEE HAH the right track is before me.

I am to repeat 2-3 times per day. She returns Tuesday or Wednesday next week to add more/correct form. Dressing changes now go to every other day, so hopefully nursing and PT will alternate days. I am also cleared for stairs (in the main house) at my discretion-- so shower bench, here I come!!!

Next PT visit to be up in my attic workout space (the old MudDorm), with the great hard double platform bed she can climb on with me to move me around as needed. There are two mattress options up there for it-- her call. One is a slim foam mattress for firmest surface. I hope she will clear me then for those stairs, too-- no handrail at all in that stairwell. :~( Very steep and twisty. But I need to be on that bed to FEEL what I am doing-- my left leg is still almost numb and the scar tissue is binding muscle movement/getting in the way. Till we get up there I can do the exercises she gave me standing, or in my extends-nearly-flat recliner.

I am to keep up the ramp walking 3x/day and increase distance as able. On her next visit I will also show her our treadmill and I hope I can be cleared for that as well-- to walk while Hardi does his weight-lifting.

When I go off HHS I expect to pick right up at outpatient PT and, hopefully, with ultrasound to soften that scar stuff up.

Osteo and MFR (Google "myofascial tissue release") will resume with my DO in a few weeks.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 11:07 AM

OK, the prev post was the PT context. I forgot to mention that the PT is good with making my workouts into ADL/IADL for now. Here are the current goals/plan:


<> In Sailboats bedroom bed, at bedtime and rising: three supine stretches/exercises as illustrated/assigned.
<> On ramp, 3x/day interval walking as tolerated, starting with one lap and increase as able, after each meal. "Intervals" is where you go to the limit of your particular aerobic tolerance-- briefly-- and then slow back down just enough to get back to a normal workout breath/pulse, and then go again before totally cooling down. (Increases stamina/endorphins.)
<> Sitting at ramp, shoulder shrugs/neck rolls to break bedrest neck tightness/pain.
<> At laundry time, step-ups on 4" platforms leading to machines, with each load/machine check, for stair-climbing muscle-building (quads), with proper weight-shifting, probably start with 1 set of 3 reps per trip. Step-ups is where you carefully start on one leg and go up, and then go back down backwards. Then again starting on other leg. Normally reps are increased to fill a set of 10 reps, before adding additional steps to the process, but this spot has only a few "steps" to play with, so....? We shall see.

This is a LOT more than the PT assigned. We will see how I tolerate it. She may wind me back down a tad... I'll be focusing on getting these into a routine, decreasing reps as needed.


Today-- very tight and sore from breaking bedrest "rigor mortis" with PT yesterday, so normal chores to keep moving. At top of ramp, cinders are now swept (back rotation), items rearranged (bending, gentle lifting), rollator (walker with seat) placed in position for outdoor exercises. Heavy items left for hubby to remove.

The first bird feeder arrived yesterday. Hopefully hubby will arrive home this aftn with birdseed and we can mount this one on one of the ramp's posts... I hope the waterer/bird bath comes next! I can feed and water the "stock" each morning (cardinal colony. They can bathe before their water freezes! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 11:35 AM

My arms and back aren't sore one bit....the back of my thighs are complaining a little bit. I'm going to do 1/2 a cord in just a few more minutes..the combination of the cold air and physical labor make me feel really, really good!!!!

Yeah baby...bring it on!!!

YAHOOIE!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 12:54 PM

In case your bird bath freezes, there are devices and bird baths that keep the water from freezing. Scroll through the products on that company.

It's a lovely day, I'm going to run a few errands but plan to return home before dark so I can walk all of the dogs. It has been ages since they've gotten out of the house and yard.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 02:14 PM

Thanks. I know these from farm mgmt. The bath/water dish I bought is tiny. The country plan is topping off with small amounts, hot water. Repeat daily. (Think small, renewable puddle.)

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 02:53 PM

That plan is probably less likely to electrocute any birds.

Bills paid (most of them) now off to declutter the wallet.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 03:34 PM

Wood has been taken care of, a healthy lunch has been had, laundry is on it's way into the dryer, I'm on my way into the shower and then out to enjoy an evening with friends at a lovely local restaurant! I have already decided what I'm having and have counted the nutrition accordingly! YAY!

I also made a pact with a WW friend at the meeting this morning. :)

It's going to be a great week....big results are in the air!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 05:32 PM

SO sore... but I easily did three laps of the ramp, so whatever I did in the last few days was apparently good for me-- maybe the long tour of the nursing home next county over, which got me so whipped, took me to this next level. I hope soon to extend off the ramp and into the driveway with the dog, but we are due for a thaw/refreeze cycle so that will not be good for me for playtime for a week or so.

I discovered a stool we had that is tiny enough to fit our tiny shower but large enough for my butt, so I rinsed the PT ouchies out with a good soaking shower. But I am not going in to the Sat. nite svc-- I am saving these tired ole legs to get up to my BED tonight! After I take a warm nap!

The step-ups were pretty awful-- weak leg (left) is the same leg now almost-numb from the surgery, so THAT side did NOT want to do the 3 reps I told it to do. Oh well. We know the muscles are in there and just need to recondition, but yikes!

It is so weird having energy (thyroid, metabolism), but no stamina!!!


Hardi was late with hospital visits this afternoon. Have birdseed, but the feeder goes up tomorrow. We enjoyed a hockey game instead!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 08:20 PM

... post-nap report (not planning this amt of posting daily):

I DO know this PT planet: I rested enuf for ydy's exertions that now I can move as directed and do those step-ups, GO TEAM!

And....

My abs are starting to work around all the scar tissue criss-crossing them. I was not sure I could DO this at all but I already can!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 08:46 PM

My mother once remarked that after her various surgeries (mastectomy, gallbladder, and abdominal surgery to put dacron arteries to replace the ones that were constricted from decades of smoking - Burger's disease) she felt she looked like a diagram for how to cut up a chicken.

Finished the running around today, got in just before dark. It gets cold when the sun goes down now, so the dogs and I will walk in the morning. No plans to go anywhere tomorrow, and Susie is coming for a visit.

No luck today finding any good-looking hardware for the buffet, but I'll work on it some more and mail-order the ones I want. I need to sand off some dribbles in the lacquer and re-paint a couple of drawers, and need to adjust the cupboard doors (the paint affects the way the doors open so I have to shift the hinges.)

I turned on the dishwasher before I left, now time for the clothes washer. I realized this afternoon that the t-shirt I was wearing is the one I wore to work on the turkey on xmas - and I have to treat it for some grease spots on front after wrestling with the turkey. [sigh] I wish I'd noticed it before a lady walking toward me in the Lowe's parking lot peered directly at my shirt. She probably wasn't reading the "MOAB" on the front. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 11:30 PM

i did 30 minutes of mostly standing qi gong yesterday.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 09:29 AM

Not a decluttering event (although I was poking around in the last place I saw something I intend to give away), but I had an absolutely amazing thing happen this morning.

I don't know how many months ago (sometime last summer) my adventurous and inquisitive red cat Rufus managed, in the middle of the night, to knock over several boxes on the high shelf to the right of the bathroom sink, strewing jewelry, essential oils, the container holding dental floss with earrings hung from the rim and just about everything on four shelves all over the sink, counter, bathroom floor...everywhere.

I managed to locate and put back just about everything. Some stuff was hidden under the RubberMaid drawers, some under the edges of the linoleum... You get the idea, things scattered every which way.

The one thing I absolutely could not find was a large (and favorite) silver earring -- just the one. I tore the bathroom apart, looked everywhere, likely or totally unlikely. It HAD to be there someplace, but damned if I could find it.

Until this morning. I was into the middle of those RubberMaid drawers and saw an unusual shape silhouetted against the back of the translucent drawer. I pulled it out. It was the long lost earring.

HOW it got in there (there's a narrow slit in the back but it's protected in the direction the spill came from), I'll never know.

But I found it. And I now have a favorite pair of earrings restored.

Great way to start the day!

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 10:21 AM

I was afraid you were going to describe pulling a gob of hair out of the drain and finding it - a much more satisfactory disposition!

I made more progress on the playbills last night. I've also found an interesting bit of history - Betty Buckley is from Fort Worth, she's the one who you've seen in many movies and musicals - and is probably most well known for her version of Memory from Cats. There is a playbill from Texas Christian University and a student production she performed in.

I hope to make a foray outside today. It's supposed to be nicer this afternoon.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 01:33 PM

Way too big an earring to have gone down the drain. Plus, we're Rufus-trained -- we keep a washcloth folded over the drain at all times except when we're standing there. Rufus likes to just...see what happens when he taps something with a paw.

I have a dilemma. Yesterday I was offered the musical archives (mostly papers, notes, some recordings) of a deceased elderly friend, the woman I learned "Aunt Clara" from over 25 years ago. (She learned it from her college roommate's father back in the '40s.) According to her partner, it doesn't take up as much space as a banker's box...but the RESPONSIBILITY for preservation, etc. would take up a HUGE space. I would ultimately also be responsible for finding a permanent, accessible and searchable home for the archives. (Bess was originally from Philadelphia, I believe, and any folk archives around there would probably have a priority

I'm already working on archiving and preserving not only Tom's legacy, but that of the 30+ year old Press Room session that he founded and still guides. And, believe me, that is a GIGANTIC project!

Any advice will be appreciated.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 01:55 PM

Ask Jeff?

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 10:48 PM

It's been a busy day yet nothing in the house got done. I did get to nap for a few hours late this afternoon...oh how I needed it!!!! Now I'm up and puttering. Isn't that usually the way? :)

Another day well lived!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 01:53 AM

Linn, I picked up the six boxes of playbills and other ephemera in the summer of 2010. I organized them for the donation to the Special Collections at the library where I work, so I turned over the first batch of a couple of large boxes in 2011, and another large box fully packed last week. And today I finished organizing the last, smallest, and most local of the playbills, oddball stuff, clippings, etc. They are in file folders in a larger box and I have all but the overtly-church connected stuff listed in an Excel spread sheet. I'll go through the folders and assign values this week and they will be the 2013 portion of the collection. Because they are so rare they are the lynchpin of the collection and the archivists are waiting for the entire thing to get started on it.

It has been quite a journey, to learn something about a total stranger. I am astonished at what I have learned. I've had to rely on a lot of external resources, but I have also realized that I'd like to write about it and I know several people I need to interview in this context.

If you take on a project like that you'll probably learn a lot more about your friend. You may find intersections with the things you're already working on. I just got my dining room table back after all of this work, but I feel like I've contributed something really important to the community - not just theater but I think a lot of demographics are represented in these four large boxes of organized papers. I've pulled a couple of people from obscurity and they will have a collection with their names on it, and I'm hoping to find more information about them personally before I'm finished.

These are just observations, but think about it - what else will happen to her papers if you don't take them? Even if you simply mark them with what you know and hand them over to the proper library or archive, you've done a lot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 01:04 PM

I am a regular listener to the Diane Rehm show, a radio program on National Public Radio. Today she had an interview from which one each of us would take away useful information, depending on our health issues (or not, just general wish to maintain good health). The bottom line: sugar comes in many forms, is typcially disguised in many processed foods, and is something to be avoided.

Diane Rehm show, January 7, 2013, second hour. The guest was Dr. Robert Lustig, and he has a video (scroll down and they have a link). I'll be listening to that this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 09:55 PM

Major grocery shopping today. Hours of walking, lugging and putting away. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 11:22 PM

My son is here, or at least, he was. We had dinner then he went over to a friend's house. He says he is going to pack in the morning. I hate it when people leave that till the last minute. I suppose I could drop it all in a box and mail it if he misses stuff, but it is the last minute aspect of it that bugs me.

Gotta go iron some clothes for this week. I worked at home today. I head to the office after I drop him at the airport.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 11:25 AM

Finally a day at home (well for most of the day)! Dishes are done, I'm on my 3rd load of laundry, all Christmas gear has been moved to one central location, bubble wrapped/bagged and awaiting totes from the storage building to make it inside (should happen tonight). The tree is still up....I think I will take the ornaments off while the baby naps and just leave the lights until the tree tote arrives as well.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 12:52 PM

Recently, it's been difficult for me to get past a mental block of doing housework alone. I do okay when Roger is here, but just haven't been able to get myself to do things, other than laundry, in the interim. Well, he may be in for a big surprise today. I backed up the kitchen trash for him, organized the dirty dishes which he usually just leaves scattered all over, and put away clean dishes. I would have washed the other dishes that have no gloves and I've got two stitches in a finger which need to be kept dry. Also did several loads of laundry, washed, dried, put away and did a lot of just general pickup stopped, clear countertops and tables and put stuff away.

I've been at it for about two and half hours now, feel a bit fatigued, so I am going to go have a short nap before lunchtime. It feels good to have done so much work. Hope this means things are on the upswing.

kat

P. S. – I wrote the above using Dragon. Any glaring errors or otherwise are not my fault except that I have not proofread. :-)

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 01:41 PM

That Dragon software seems to be working pretty well. And it sounds like a good morning's work! I find when the days are really gray that it's hard to motivate myself. Yes, I grew up in a more generally overcast part of the country, but I've been living in the sunnier south for a long time now, and I seem to feel the dull weather more. Success breeds success - getting this work done might inspire you to do more, or to set up a personal project and work on that!

This morning I drove through the airport and dropped off my son, on his way back to school. He was annoyed when I asked him about getting a job next summer - the classic situation between parents and children, I suspect. He is looking for an internship; that is all I needed to hear!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 07:39 PM

I don't think I ever appreciated having energy like I do now. I guess over 2 years of no energy will do that to a body!

Yoga (first time in well over a year) at the studio. YAY ME!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 07:47 PM

My mum came up to help me organize and decorate the cottage. We discussed various storage ideas, argued about placement for a couple of things, made a chair that I thought was going to be too large for the space work very well. It and the futon now create a separate living/sleeping space and kitchen without making the space look too cluttered. Mum also brought up a carload of stuff that my grandma swears up and down was mine, but that I've never seen before in my life. Maybe she's decluttering her basement? Anyway, one box was old plastic food containers and it went to the recycling trailer after I picked out the one that I'm going to use for my compost container. I also gave the hand mixer to my friend Andy (I just got rid of an extra hand mixer, lol), along with a crate's worth of albums. I don't have a turntable and am unlikely to be getting one anytime in the near future and they were taking up valuable real estate. I did keep nine out of the batch, but may part with them at a later time.

Now I have to psych myself up to go through the other boxes mum brought and see if there's anything there I actually do want.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 12:00 PM

The Christmas tree is down and I've decided to rearrange the living room. I'm about half way finished and have decided to take a break, make a little lunch, fold a little laundry. I've been running around all week and was scheduled to take the car to the garage today but I've rearranged because I am pooped!!! It's nice to be at home...still in my jammies (why get dressed when I'll have to get showered later anyway?) I love jammie days!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 12:28 PM

Woke up did mawnin' orful sore (slept in a wrong position), but DID get a lot of HOURS of sleep. Greg lab results from Monday physical, great news on thryoid meds dosage... pain ebbig as I creep around organizing my closets for my new size and shape.

At the moment, I am trying on a nice blouse (bought catalog/women's) that will be quite nice once it gets some shaping seams added. I have two-- light blue solid and blue/green small floral on white.

What is GREAT about this is that it has several lessons in it:

1. It's a 5x. The shoulders and arms are right. The rest can be tailored. Two seamstress jobs with one plan.
2. Label size is no guarantee of fit. I also fit into a yummy 2x sweater today. TRY IT ON, always.
3. I am now in a size range that should allow for some in-store shopping in the girly-girl department. I will not pay anyone to tailor the tropical menswear shirts that are wearing out-- vacay camping will be the place to wear and discard them.

I also discovered something else nice in the last few days-- the ubiquitous bike shorts/capri's that had been lost on a laundry loop came up to the top, and they FIT pretty well. I can add these to the wear-under-loose-jeans category for warmth, and then toss them as they get too loose.

This means that the 2 pairs of pretty leggings I bought can get a rest. That makes one pair my new PT uniform, worn with a snug sweater too stained for public wear but which shows the PT my shape/muscle movement.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 03:06 PM

RAMP UPDATE

Allyn is here adding HANDRAILS!!! Nice smooth ones. We also discussed flattening out the mud ruts that froze in place, now that a thaw is on, which he had to leave us Christmas Eve when the ramp got finished just as the hard freeze cemented the ruts/holes at the base, which were left by the heavy equipment he'd used on site.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 06:16 PM

PT exercises, check. Ramp walks, up to 5 laps now.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 07:01 PM

Do you have stairs in your cottage? Nice way to use the space!

It's pete and repeat with the weather these days. Dreary with heavy rain. Last night I kept the dogs in because of the thunder storms and this morning I stuffed a new batch of hay in on top of what the dogs already have in their stall - they love it when I add more.

I worked at home today and when I got up to move around and stretch I hung up and put away things. More of the same for a little while before dinner.

I don't know too many bathrooms in regular houses that have any kind of spa feel, but it is that time of year for hot baths so I need to go ahead and scrub my pretty Mexican tile free of soap residue and have the scented bath salts handy. I'd love to rearrange the bathrooms and kitchen in this house, but any of those plans involve "breaking the foundation." Expensive.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 12:07 PM

Normal chores done, thinking about doing some cutting for my quilting. I have a sweet little pattern called Yellow Brick Road...all blues and yellows. :) I tried a new pattern last night (not quilting) for a table runner. It took maybe 20 minutes (with ironing which is the bulk of the work for centering) for each one. I made 2..one for Valentine's Day with the center part being a soft butter yellow and old fashioned pink roses and greens and the outer part is a sage green. Very sweet and pretty. The other is for springtime and is a medium bluish fabric in the center with pink and yellow flowers and the outside is a somewhat darker medium blue border....equally lovely. :) I love when I make something that comes out pleasing to my eye!

I boiled some beef bones last night and have the pot of broth sitting outside in a pile of snow. I will scrape the fat off soon and add some veggies and let it simmer on the wood stove for a few hours. Should be ready just in time for dinner. :)

Anyway...all 12 pieces of fabric have been ironed for the new lap quilt and I am really hoping I can get them cut while Jeremiah naps later today. :)

Have a great day everybody!

Love,

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 12:32 PM

The boxes that mum brought have been gone through. Most of the things in them are heading right back out the door and off to FCS. I did find a nice set of dishes that I may keep. Quite a few of the pieces are chipped, so I'll have to see what is actually worth keeping, looks as though it might once have been an eight place setting, so plenty of spares, I think. Another treasure was part of my step-dad's mother's coffee set. Granted, only the cake plate, two cups and one saucer are there, but I'll stash them in a box and hope that the rest surface in the next batch of stuff Grandma thinks is mine.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 02:30 PM

Now that the rearranging is finished (still have some things to put away), I am eyeballing the dusty treadmill in the corner that currently serves as a handy place to store my fiddles (the treadmill folds up). Both the fiddle cases and the treadmill need a good dusting and some use. I finally feel like I have the energy for it and now with all the rearranging, I have room for it too! Yeah baby! Who knows...fiddle playing may commence soon! It's been too long....

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 07:32 PM

I started on treadmill the other day, first time I was cleared to try it.... 3 minutes at 1.2 MPH. Tonight I aim for 5 minutes.... probably too much but....

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 09:01 PM

Naw I got my full 5, at 1.2 - 1.5 - 1.2.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 11:37 AM

I have declared war on the tumbleweeds (aka dust bunnies, dust kitties, etc.)! I have also discovered that I can't let the dirty dishes sit - they just bug me. Yay!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 01:53 PM

Now that I'm "retired" (whatever the hell THAT'S supposed to mean) I find I'm doing more housework than I ever have before in my life.

And it's just reinforced the conclusion that housework is NEVER finished. As soon as a task is completed, it needs to be done again. Sometimes within minutes...

I'm not sure what doing housework accomplishes other than keeping me from other tasks that, while not necessarily enjoyable, at least can be finished. (Some even with hope of finishing in my lifetime.)

Just my coupla cents' worth for today. Sigh.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Janie
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 06:34 PM

Tinker is having some problems with internet connectivity so hasn't succeeded in posting yet, but will be trying again.

In the meantime, she has been able to read at least some of your well wishes and expressed her appreciation. She and daughter are doing well, all things considered. Trying to entertain her but dinner plans had to be canceled due to rain and fog tonight. (As I told her, I don't know if this means I am getting old, or means I have finally grown-up!)

While I deeply regret the circumstances that has her here for the next several days, I'm really looking forward to some good visiting time!

Janie

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Janie
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 06:35 PM

Oops! Eyeballs didn't line up. Posted to wrong thread. Sorry.

Love to all,

Janie

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 06:51 PM

winwinwin

(caps alert)

I now fit in SALVATION ARMY sizes-- women's!!!

[mad cackling]

I walked around and stood around without help, in there, too, for a LONG time and then walked MORE to/from car at various stops! Far walking! Farthest for years!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 09:14 PM

Topped the 10,000 steps on the pedometer today! Weigh in should be great this week...looking forward to seeing the results that I've been working for!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 11:04 AM

Oooh, I don't want to go near a scale for a little while, I'm sure I gained a few pounds over the break. The consequences of liking your own cooking.

Yesterday I decided to impress a bit of old household technology into service. I browned a pot roast, filled the crock pot with cut up veggies, put the roast on top (deglazed the pan for the great flavor) and left for 9 hours. Susie came down for dinner and we discussed the past year (on Jan 12 she was hit by a car in a parking lot) and the resulting months of hospital, rehab, and now, lawsuits to get medical bills paid.

The first load of laundry has finished, now to start the dishwasher (the kitchen was a disaster area this morning). Pay a couple of bills, run to the library, and finally get a few things listed on eBay. I've been active there again, making a couple of small purchase. Now I need to build momentum and start emptying the sun room of contents waiting to be listed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 01:59 PM

Loaded my car with things to be donated from the apartment last night, then repacked one set of dishes that came from Grandma's basement and loaded those into the car, too. The second set that I wasn't even going to unpack got me curious when I checked the maker's mark on the bottom of one of the bowls. That set may be worth something and Bat Goddess is checking with a couple of people she knows for me. Saw an identical set on ebay that sold for $140. Going to hang on to that one for a little longer, I think.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 05:29 PM

I'm up to 6 laps on the ramp. PT has also added 2 new upper abs/extremities exercises. So gentle! She is really rebuilding my muscles from the babiest baby steps.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 07:07 PM

Helped unload a cord of wood today. Pete and I have it down pretty good but I had a young helper today and while I loved his enthusiasm, it made my work about 4x harder. It's all good and I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight. I love the activity points I've been earning.

Tomorrow I head to Geisinger for an overnight. All is well. I can have my laptop and am going to pick up a few DVDs from Red Box to take along.

Part of my adventure includes a tumor marker check.

It will be exactly 3 years from the day my cancer was removed. YAY! Time to celebrate!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 12:05 PM

The time has flown! Good wishes for an easy visit, Michelle!

I made progress yesterday, the kitchen and dining areas are looking much better, the laundry is finished (but not folded), and I got rid of the inexpensive tub bathmats. The house has smelled funny since I replaced old Rubbermaid mats with clear PVC mats - they stink and that off gas isn't good for anyone. For about three times the cost I bought a new rubber one, and later I'll buy another (hopefully less expensive, but I was at Bed Bath and Beyond yesterday and that's what they had).

Bright day today, but still quite cold. Just as the warm dry fall wasn't typical (there are usually cooler days and some rain) this prolonged cold and mostly heavily overcast isn't typical either.

Next: paperwork and eBay work. There is always sticker shock after the holidays, and this year is no different. I have to organize my papers so I can do my income taxes soon. There should be a refund this year and it will go to pay bills, there is no other better use for it. Also today, I must research power companies. Every year I change and get a year's low rates. At the end of the year the rates go way up if I don't switch. It's a game we play in Texas.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 12:52 PM

I made an error...I'll be away tomorrow night...not tonight. Today is the day to make sure all my laundry is done (for all of us, of course) and to pack food for my 48 hour adventure. I could eat out but I'd rather stay on course with WW. The food has been planned, now to fix and get it packed and ready for an early departure tomorrow morning. I'm quite proud of myself. This will be a stressful visit so I know I will want to munch....planned for it and all is still well nutritionally speaking. YAY ME!

Thanks Maggie.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 04:45 PM

Add weights, decrease reps, so:
4 laps with the heavy boots (2 pounds each leg).

So the new ramp goal is getting back to 6 laps, with the weighted boots. Then 4 with the 5-pound boots, etc.....

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jan 13 - 01:07 AM

Motivation was scarce at first, but I finally got through the paper that was stacked on the file cabinet and my desk area. It's all filed or in a container waiting to be shredded. Tax forms are accumulating and a few bills and deadlines sorted.

The kitchen is sparkling and one of the eBay crock pots is being tested tonight with a batch of steel cut oats. Rival made a couple of types that had removable crocks, a 47 watt and a 75 watt cooker. My crock-ette crock pot (given to me in about 1973) is the 47 watt one that is perfect for the oats. I'm afraid the 75 watts will cook too fast and turn it to India rubber by morning. I'd won an auction for a replacement used pot and it was 75 watts but had the bowl I needed. Then I found and won another at 47 watts also with a good bowl. I'm testing the new 47 watt one now. (It was only my one bid on each, and I waited till the last 20 seconds before launching my bid. I didn't want someone else realizing I was interested in one of these little gems!)

Another day I'll try the 75 watt one, but I think it will have to be used for other cooking, not overnight oatmeal. These are serious concerns - once you have perfect oatmeal overnight you're spoiled! I'll give the spare to my ex or one of the kids - I have managed, after all of these years, to have a family where everyone eats oatmeal! They weren't thrilled with it in junior high or high school, but they love it now (as poor college students!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jan 13 - 11:00 AM

I've spent time this morning tracking down the links in my various browsers to enable Java again, and I have updated the Java software (they pushed out a fix this morning): http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp. I use a 64-bit computer but some 32-bit software so I had to install both updates.

The oatmeal crock pot worked out well. It's a little hotter on one side so there was some cooked onto the side more than in the old pot, but not a problem to take this out of the running as a good setup.

In the kitchen technology department, I got a vacuum seal system in the fall but I haven't had an occasion to use it till now. I picked up two pot roasts that I plan to cut into 1-pound chunks and freeze. I'll do it this time in the food saver bags.

After the filing, after taking the remaining playbill papers to the office, I feel like I'm ready to move on to new projects and to the typical new-year activities like taxes and planning my garden. I have my dining room table back and I need to begin processing my Dad's collection and I need to get back to the Sandburg American Songbag work I was doing here at Mudcat (working my way through according to a list that Joe Offer put up a while back).

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Jan 13 - 05:26 PM

The year is already 1/24th over and I am muddling along in low gear, doing the most necessary things and not much else.

point: yesterday I tried to make pot holders. I could NOT do it. I even threaded the machine wrong - the same on I have used for over 50 years! Plan: need a binding for edges and try again, more carefully.

plan: appointment for massage on Thurs. Hope it will help shoulder which is clearly skeletal Done: helpful chat with massage therapist about enabling - and caring for self, she says first but I cannot quite manage that. It is simply not my nature.

Plan: Leaving cabin about 6:15 tonight to go directly to folk dancing. If I go home first, I get stuck. Clothes laid out and I will eat and GO.

Plan: Phone recommended by friend chiropractor tomorrow - further to shoulder.

Done: banking on line for both my dear old CU and local commercial bank. Thanks to lovely woman at CU help line who talked me through it and gave me impetus! Also viewing of credit card accounts. Fewer trips to bank! More clarity.

Done: arranged with local thrift shop to collect quilts/blankets too stained or torn for resale - for dog rescue lady.

Done: Gallon of chicken stew that I will now have to transport to city as R absconded on Saturday and never came back. So much for having company for supper.

Resolved: Some life style changes need to be made.

Weight: same old 160 no matter what I eat or do not eat!   

Need to bring in some wood before I go....

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jan 13 - 06:45 PM

Lots and lots of walking today.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Jan 13 - 07:23 PM

Ramp x 6:

1 warmup lap, no weights added
5 with the 2-lb boots

Also some long, breathless yard walking after the &*(^&*& contractors left to try to set out NO DRIVE HERE flags (anti-rut-making markers) along the worst of the chewed up yard. Just SLOW DOWN and drive on the actual driveway, morons!!!

Unless of course they WANT to play "who got stuck today" roulette...

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 14 Jan 13 - 08:07 PM

To Life! Alberta Whiskey Cake. Delicious.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jan 13 - 09:55 PM

Did you finish all of your medical stuff Michelle?

I've spent the afternoon rather fruitlessly trying to finish a flyer. I'll have to email the place and ask if they have a large photo of their building to send me. Nothing useful online.

It's still so darned cold out, and all week to be down into the mid-20s. I put a little water in my onion sets to keep them alive and now they're growing and I don't have a garden to put them into yet.

This evening I got out the new food saver vacuum machine and cut up two roasts. Seven pounds of meat will go a long way. A friend tells me that Sam's Club sells a very large roll for making custom sized bags, much cheaper than buying the name-brand bags and rolls.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 10:53 AM

Geez, Louise! I woke up to a thunder snow storm this morning. It's icy with snow on the lawns. Yuck yuck yuck.

SRS, slogging through the day

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 01:26 PM

After sliding around in mud yesterday, the temperatures have dropped a bit (has been unseasonably in the 50sF. the past few days) to at least stabilize the mud a bit. Came dangerously close to sliding to my butt in the driveway. And, as it is, I did something to aggravate my right knee, which left me in a lot of pain last night and I had to be very, very careful how I put weight on the knee.

Right now I'm almost at the point of tears (of frustration) while trying to get Tom dressed and shod to go to Lee Urgent Care because of the pain in his foot. No problem when he was at the podiatrist last week, but the foot has been very painful since Sunday night, interfering with his sleep and, today, keeping him from being able to walk up the stairs.

Have no idea what the problem is, but the foot is a bit redder than the other one. We don't think it's related to his ankle injury, but ya never know.

Fortunately, I got a few things accomplished this morning, because I'm sure nothing else will get done (other than maybe finding out what's causing the pain and getting it treated) for the rest of the day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 02:04 PM

Dorothy, it seems to be a low point of the year here, too. I've only done very basic things and napping a lot.

DFinally figured out something which has improved my sleep, though. On my using Susun Weed's book for refernce, i self-treated with acidopholous, something i usually only take if on antibiotics. Anyway thw low grade itching I've for several yrs. all over my body is gone!! I think i have had thrush, so will make sure the doc knows and we keep on top of it. I cannot say just how much the lack of itching means. We'd tried everything:soaps, shampoos, none, all cotton clothing which still caused itching. It feels almost miraculous.

So, with better sleep, i just went through two months of mail; did three loads of laundry, played with the cats and dogs, made some phone calls, and a couple of other things.

Michelle, congrats on you third anniversary & i hope all is well.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 05:40 PM

I take acidophilus every day. The Vitamin Shoppe where I get a few of my no-coconut soaps has large bottles in their store brand for a very reasonable price (and you can often buy 1 get one 1/2 price).

Linn, does Tom have any ingrown toenails or any hot tender spots? Is the foot swollen? Does he soak them in hot water or keep his feet up? If feels so good to soak the feet in hot water that maybe it would be a good move even if it doesn't have to be done as a specific treatment.

Moving slow today, under the influence of more gloomy weather.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 05:45 PM

Well, Tom's got an infection in his foot -- which, because he has replacement heart parts, is a REALLY BIG DEAL.

He had one treatment today at Urgent Care with intravenous antibiotics and goes back tomorrow morning for another one. Plus more antibiotic capsules to take 4 times a day for 10 days. Plus elevating the foot and hot moist compresses.

We hope he doesn't have to be incarcerated for weeks for the 4-times-a-day intravenous antibiotic routine as has happened before. (January 2010 sucked into a black hole.)

He may have actually picked up the infection because of the nail trimming and callous-sanding done in his podiatrist's office. (Poor podiatrist needs farrier's tools...;-) )

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 07:13 PM

I now fit in a restaurant BOOTH!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 08:18 PM

i need to proofread!

qi gong - 30 minutes

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 11:51 PM

Good luck with that infection, Linn - and you may want to get Tom some acidophilus while you're at it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 12:32 PM

So much for thinking I could avoid driving in snow this winter. Sigh.

We're safe home from Lee Urgent Care for Tom's second intravenous antibiotic treatment, but I'm exhausted. Had to clear snow from the deck and car, of course, before we went, and scatter cat litter for traction so Tom wouldn't slip. He was having trouble maneuvering because his foot still hurts a lot.

Lucked out and got behind a snowplow on Rte. 4 and Urgent Care is only 5 miles down the road, so the drive was less worrisome than it could have been. Spent an hour and a half there -- but I hadn't replaced the book in my purse, so it was finished a few minutes in.

Upon arrival home I had to again clear snow from the deck and steps and scatter more traction pellets. After lunch I'll make some phone calls -- Tom's primary care and the podiatrist's office. I think Tom may need prophylactic antibiotics before his appointments.

Then I'm going to declare today a snow day and maybe watch a movie.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 02:49 PM

OK, still very little stamina, but by God I did just shovel that ramp. No lifting-- I used the snowplow-shaped wide shovel-- but I did push a 24" path thru heavy, wet snow pretty much in one shot, which means I can do my ramp-walking later in the day. At the turns, the snow pushes out to the ground thru the balusters... with a little encouragement. I left one landing totally cleared for birdwatching. I also left the shovel poised over the part of the rail that freezes from overhead gutter-drips onto it, so they will land on the easily-salted path and not make an iceberg out of the handrail and the adjacent 4x4 post. Like a little quonset hut!

The swamp out front has frozen over well enough to go back to being the parking bay for self and visitors-- the only badly rutted part will be safely under the van when we have our Closet Party tomorrow! I'll have to go back out in a bit to pull those no-parking stakes....


The PT visit yesterday was wonderful-- she stretched me in ways I do not think I have ever moved as an adult, and then (raptures!!!) she got me on my belly over a thick foam mat I had handy. That way the scar tissue did not hurt as it pressed into the bed-- think a loooong roll of nickels running under YOUR belly for a start!

We have several other pieces left from an old camper that will go on our bed tonight-- so I can hopefully FINALLY sleep the way my body wants to: babystyle, on my tummy!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 03:23 PM

Car is unloaded, laundry going, dishes started, living room picked up and the baby is down for a nap. I have a new quilt project to start cutting....so maybe I'll start that. I also took care of some business and finalized an appointment for the removal an biopsy of something ugly. Yee Haw. No word on my tumor marker test results just yet. As the day goes on, every time the phone rings, I just just a little bit. Waiting and not knowing is tough on the nerves.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 03:39 PM

any thoughts on hand sanitizer and/or/vs a good hot water hand scrub?

I am for some time now supposed to give up all caffein, for sleep disorder and severe anxiety -- just tried for 3 days and have been a total zombie -- just had 2 cups coffee and a large diet coke

any thoughts on how to make this work?

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 03:45 PM

Dear Guest,

   Hot water and soap for 20 seconds is said to be the proper way to wash your hands if you want to be effective in killing germs. Antibacterial stuff is not great for you at all.

As for the caffiene, instead of going cold turkey, I'd try to cut it by half for a week or so and then again by half the following week, etc until you are good without so much of it.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 05:27 PM

I think you gave up giving it up too soon.
I've done the caffeine thing before. I used to drink a pot or so a day. I went to visit my mom after her doctor told her to stop, and so there was nothing but decaf there. I was a zombie for maybe 5 days, maybe less, then everything got back to normal. Caffeine withdrawal seems to get over with pretty quickly.

Washing your hands with soap and warm water is probably not less effective than hand sanitizer, plus your hands also get clean. All soap is anti-bacterial. The gunk in the sanitizer dries and can build up on your skin, but soap pretty much rinses off. They both can dry your skin, although there are effective sanitizers that are alcohol free. Soap and water are cheaper.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 05:29 PM

I would perhaps scrub with a nice lavendar soap, if you like the smell of lavendar..if not lavendar, another true essential oil in it. That might help a bit with anxiety. Also, real rose would be nice. Read up on lavendar..it has antibacterial properties, as do all essential oils I believe...skip the hand sanitizer unless absolutely necessary...i.e. you are a nurse or something.

Lavendar will also help with sleep disorder and anxiety. All around miracle worker. Make sure you eat right for your body...lack of protein and fat and too many starches and sugars can add to anxiety..read up on hypoglycemia and anxiety disorders..they mimic each other. When body tries to balance blood sugars it sends surges of adrenaline and can be experienced as anxiety, panic attacks etc. Read metabolic body typing..also Doctor Oz..of course..where does that man not appear to us??? had a nice article in last months First magazine, which you can get in most grocery stores....he is late to the party..this has been out for years but glad he is finally acknowledging..

basically 4 types of metabolism..at least in US...1. does well with vegetarian, high carb. One does well with good version of American balanced diet. One needs more fats and light proteins..such as chicken, fish etc. One turns to hypoglycemia and diabetes if not fed properly..and probably anxiety disorders...I and others need lots of fats, and very heavy proteins..I need beef at lunch each and every day..Fridays are a problem because I am Catholic...

Read everything on diet and metabolic syndrome...if you are overweight, have chipmunk cheeks, carry weight in middle, have high blood sugar, high bp etc..probably are a candidate.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST,MAG
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 07:40 PM

got to go check my cookie; don't know how I got logged out --

above guest is me; thanks for all suggestions --

mg, if you are who I think you are, you may guess I want this info for camp :)

I AM diabetic, formerly hypoglycemic, and ate very carefully until my life went haywire awhile back -- sleep disorder a byproduct of that

-- eating carefully again, but too late to prevent the hypog from turning to diabe

I'll give the giving up another try; I know I'm better off in the long run

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 08:50 PM

Camps are about the worst place. I have to take my own protein...I have ended up out int he words and found out camp is mostly vegetarian...I just totally fall apart..get woozy etc. One good thing is macademia nuts...

They say anytime you have a carb craving to have a juicy cheeseburger with all the veges instead..hopefully skip the bun or at least half but if it is very teensy compared to the meat might be OK.

You might be close enough to come to Seattle and see Dr. Robert Thompson..worth it..he specializes in this..has books out...mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 10:28 PM

Soap is NOT all antibacterial....it is only if the anti-bacterial agent has been added.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 10:53 PM

Soap is antibacterial. It's not as effective as antiseptic hand wash used in hospitals, but the standard soap that claims to be "antibacterial" is likely not much more effective than plain soap.
www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 11:21 PM

if you have netflix, i would urge you to watch FORKS OVER KNIVES...my doc recommended it for any and all to watch...draw your own conclusions.

Never did caffienne, but my brother used to drink Kafix which we got at the health food store.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jan 13 - 11:46 PM

Soap is anti-bacterial in that it kills bacteria - but anti-bacterial soap has an extra ingredient that is a problem because it can create resistance in lots of germs to antibiotics. From Wikipedia:

Most liquid hand and body soaps contain antibacterial chemicals. Triclosan is a common ingredient. Since there is a great variety of bacteria, effectiveness against any given type of bacterium does not ensure that it is effective against unrelated types. These are generally only contained at preservative levels unless the product is marked antibacterial, antiseptic, or germicidal. Triclosan, Triclocarban/Trichlorocarbamide and PCMX/Chloroxylenol are commonly used for antibacterial and deodorant effect in consumer products.

Some soaps contain tetrasodium EDTA which is a chelating agent that sequesters metals that the bacteria require in order to grow. Other microbes also require metals and so it is actually an anti-microbial agent that is widely used even as a preservative. It appears to be fairly harmless in the environment.

I use regular soap, I avoid antibacterial soaps.

Picked up a couple of yards of fleece this evening to make into a large wrap/throw for my son. The ones you find in the store (50" x 60") are kind of small. He has one of those, but wants a larger one. Not exactly a blanket, but the light soft feel of fleece in a larger unit. So I'll make him one. This stuff doesn't unravel, I could cut off the selvedge, but I think I'll use the old White and the attachment that rolls the edge for stitching. If I can do a bit of a zigzag stitch it will stretch if needed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: mg
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 12:36 AM

http://www.etsy.com/shop/evanestorova?section_id=10401596

Speaking of soaps...this I believe is the woman I met selling at a local market. Her soaps were very lovely and well priced...now they are about 3.50 each on etsy..if you buy 5 you get 1 free..shipping for 6 is flat box rate of 5. something.

She is from Bulgaria..imports the rose oil from there....I highly recommend her p0roducts if indeed she is the same woman..I am 99% sure that she is.; Reaed up on the palm oil rosehip lavendar soap...supposed to be very antibacterial.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: mg
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 03:21 AM

http://www.etsy.com/shop/evanestorova?section_id=10401596

http://www.etsy.com/shop/evanestorova?section_id=10401596

I am thinking seriously of buying the 6 for 18 dollars..plus around 5 shipping..keep a coup0le and see if the othersw sell at a fleat market i sell stuff at...if they sell i might ask her if she would mind if i sell her stuff regularly...she was a very nice lady.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 09:04 AM

Sleep broken last night -- Discovered Tom on the floor around midnight. (Cat woke me, I decided I had to pee, Tom made thumping noises when he heard me in the upstairs hall.)

His skin is so fragile that the slightest abrasion makes him bleed, so the first thing I had to do is bandage him so he wouldn't bleed over everything. (Too late for the pillowcase...)

He still uses a wheelchair at night and the left brake has decided not to work. That's how he ended up on the floor -- he leaned against it and it slid away from him.

Anyway, got him back into his bed on the couch and got him the pain pill he had gotten up to get. (His infected foot is still quite painful and he has trouble walking.)

He went back to sleep...I needed to read quietly for another hour to wind down again. Plus a cat (Rufus, I'm sure) made a loud clatter downstairs so I had to investigate...but Tom was asleep. (Found out this morning Rufus had managed to get behind the sink and knock several things, including a very heavy base-weighted glass, into the sink, breaking it. Ach!)

Would have been nice to sleep an "extra" hour this morning, but didn't. Still hope to get all the stuff accomplished today that's on my list, but I'm feeling like a nap right now, so not sure what I'll feel like later.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 10:02 AM

Linn, I would urge you to have some Quick Relief Powder handy. It really works instantly. The ER people had never heard of it even though I learned of it from their coumadin clinic! When I cut my finger, they were amazed at how strong the seal was and the lack of bleeding because I was able to get it on right after letting it bleed freely for a minute or so to clear out germs. They have an applicator for nosebleeds, too.

It's actally something everone should have on hand, imo. Best to you and Tom.

kat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 11:24 AM

Jeri,

That's a nice website and all but it does not say that all soap is antibacterial. Soap becomes antibacterial when certain agents are added. That is not to say that antibacterial soap is better than a non antibacterial soap as they difference it makes is minimal. The large medical center I go to reccomends Dial antibacterial soap for showering before surgery and after. If all soap was antibacterial, there would be no need to request a particular kind of soap. *shrug*

Washing your hands for 20 seconds under hot water with soap is reported to be the best method for preventing illness (as far as handwashing goes)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 11:46 AM

The "nice website" is the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, who write the standards for infection control in hospitals.

Here's another nice website. That one says that Triclosan kills bacteria, but you have to leave it on your skin for two minutes.

Seeing as the person who asked the question was asking about keeping sanitary while camping and not undergoing a surgical procedure, the average antibacterial properties of average soap ought to be enough.

This really isn't worth an argument, and I won't keep it up. I think most folks can figure out that hand-washing with soap kills germs, anti-bacterial soap can kill more--provided the directions are followed, surgical scrub kills even more (again, with the "directions"), and then you can wear surgical gloves, being careful not to contaminate the surface with which you'll touch the germ-free whatsit. It depends on what level of microbial slaughter you want to perpetrate.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 01:21 PM

qi gong - 30 minutes

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 02:05 PM

Had a nap. Might be more or less functional again. Got a couple necessary phone calls made before the nap. Just made lunch, cleaned off the hutch a friend will come and get tomorrow so he can repair it, cleaned the hanging lamp.

Need to shovel off the deck (again), call the podiatrist (again) and finish filling out some paperwork so it can be mailed.

Not thinking past those tasks right now, but I hope I can get a couple other things done as well.

Kat, Quick Relief definitely sounds like something we should have on hand. Tom takes Plavix, has hematomas on his hands and forearms, and bleeds if you look at him crossways.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 02:24 PM

All of that makes my work down here sound tranquil and organized. Mary, does she list her soap ingredients anywhere? I'm allergic to chocolate and to all coconut products. In addition to being in food, there is a lot of coconut oil in soaps, shampoos, hand lotions, etc. and some of those things have cocoa butter. My dermatitis is clearing up after the holiday break. I think there must have been coconut in the foods people brought over.

It finally warmed a bit today, and it's sunny. It looks like Saturday will be warm and bright, so I'll try to get the onions and potatoes in then.

The sink is piled with dishes I'll have to excavate this evening when I get home. I'll scrape and put all in the dishwasher.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 03:20 PM

She lists them and I know she uses a lot of coconut oil. She also uses goat milk in a number of them but probably also coconut oil. English is not her first language which is more or less irrelevant but could lead to misunderstandings etc...I just love her stuff though. mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 04:49 PM

Jeri,

For someone who doesn't want to fuss about it, you sure do go on a lot. I did recognize that it was the CDC site all by myself! Go figure. The point remains, all soap is NOT antibacterial. Fuss on if you must.

My day was wonderful. My mom took us out to lunch in celebration of my tumor marker results which have dropped almost a full point...excellent news!!! We did a little furniture shopping, ran into a friend and had a great conversation....what a perfect place for that...all kinds of couches and chairs to test out, lounge around on and chat! LOL On to Walmart, the only really local grocery store for us BUT I used flyers from the other stores and got the sale prices which makes me quite happy. Normally I travel to do my grocery shopping but in the spirit of saving money on gas, I did what I needed to do. :) So...I got the sale prices and didn't have to drive 40 miles to get the better prices. YAY ME! Bonus? It is all healthy, good for us food that I feel great about having in the house! Even the cashier was shocked at some of the price differences! LOL

Have a great night everyone!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 05:52 PM

People can compare the support you've linked to to the support I've linked to, or just go look it up on their own. Yes, it irks me the same way people passing on any opinion as fact would.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 05:54 PM

And Jeri has public health credentials.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: MAG
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 07:57 PM

OK, as the person who needed info on handwashing/hand sanitizer, I declare this issue now null and void.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 13 - 09:08 PM

Oh my! Null and void, aye ma'am!

===

Closet Day today was a blast. I was measured, fondled, caressed, straightened, sorted out, lint-picked, and loved all afternoon by two fabbalus wimminzes and one old git, a few of whom then joined us for a wonderful dinner OUT. The whole day was a huge practical help as well as a thorough workout, and as per PT instrux we stopped on the way home to pick up cushy new mattress padding that will help me sleep belleh-down.

Tomorrow (after PT) Hardi and I will re-fabricate our bed and I will sleep in it for may hours.


The bag of items, which Closet Day determined can be altered, is huge. It will come with me to the seamstress, who will mark exact desired alterations ON them as I model them for her.

The bag of givewaways is healthy but small. Bye-bye favorite shells now too huge to wear with designs that will not facilitate altering this one more time! Bye-bye rib-knit stuff that never felt good on, and has only gotten wider with each washing! Hello Salvation Army replacements any time I get a chance to find them!

And soon, hello off-the-rack retail, because the measurements we took so professionally will tell me which size range (which rack) to start from... and by God, I know that at least one of these wimminzes will come with to make shopping FUN.

Winwinwin!


~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Jan 13 - 09:57 AM

I don't care what any of your credentials are. I have my own in house research scientist, thank you very much. :) *shrug*

On to a beautiful new day!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 13 - 10:37 AM

Who knew that after all of these years of accord that we'd all get in a lather over soap? (Sorry, can't resist a good pun!)

Some years ago people were researching the surface of bar soap versus the contents of liquid soap and found that there were some germs that would live on the surface of a bar of soap. I suspect this was a scheme by the liquid soap industry to increase sales, but the resulting confusion has led to discussions like that above. You're in good company as people sort out their favorite hand-washing materials.

It will be a long weekend with Monday off, but I can't elongate it from this end, I have a lot of things to finish before the weekend so they're in place after the holiday.

I've thought about how to use the cupboard I built into the sideboard/buffet thing that I made out of a dresser. I am going to look for a small cabinet light and put a small free-standing wine rack in there. I think it will fit and will look fabulous! Photos will be available soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jan 13 - 11:23 AM

OK I guess it's NOT null and void, YET.

My 2 cents comes from a long bout with a nasty infection and major nursing efforts managing (and teaching me to manage) ongoing infection control: The "anti-bacterial" thing that happens with washing is the WASHING.

Thus, soaps labeled anti-bac kills germs on contact, and soaps used otherwise remove bacteria by washing them away. Beyond that, the body naturally moves infection away from itself if it has any opportunity to do so-- blood and exudate travel away from the blood supply unless prevented from doing so. Germs on skin are shed away from the body with shed skin cells. Etc etc etc. An intact immune system is usually most of what is needed.


But this is Mudcat, not a surgical suite-- it's just not a Defcon 3- worthy issue. It's the issue for the person who raised the subject and she has asked us to let it go. So let's do that!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 13 - 03:02 PM

Working my way through my list of things to do. Racing to finish by 5pm.

This morning the shower was soothing to my crusty nose because the air has been very dry. My nose and head are kind of achy now - I'll start sipping herbal tea, inhaling the steam. Mmmm.

I finally put the last of the holiday stuff and boxes up in the office closet and moved the step ladder out. I can now put my laptop on the other flat surface in my office, since the playbills on the dining room table are finished and it doesn't need to be in there. This activity really is like that Chinese puzzle with 30 spaces and 29 tiles. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jan 13 - 03:10 PM

We got the bed fixed today so I can sleep in it again. We added about 3" of foam and a pillow-topper (extra-thick mattress pad), plus one more cottony mattress pad.... and got to check it out a few minutes before the nurse came to change my dressing. But first I got a nice hot shower on the folding chair in the roomy tub upstairs... well it was purty close to heaven! Starting to feel like I might REALLY be home... turning that old hard bed into a hotel bed oh my!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jan 13 - 10:06 AM

Dang muscle atrophy, I did stay in the bed all night but I can't say that was the deepest sleep I ever had. But it's so much better than it was without the foam, I know it will get better.

The PT opines that I need to change my walk. What she asked me to do makes it so hard to do it right that I am back down to 4 ramp laps with the light boots. She's right tho-- seeing the way other women move I definitely needed to rethink that weight shift. (Last year at outpatient PT I had learned and practiced the front-to-back shift. Now I need to add that womanly sway/lateral shift.)

No wonder I could not belly dance!!! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jan 13 - 11:15 AM

Three more bags of clothes from the upstairs closet.... one of keepers, one to donate and one smaller one to alter.

YUCK! But a FreeCycler just posted that she needs exactly what I am getting rid of, so THAT's good.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jan 13 - 12:06 PM

I sanded, dusted, and repainted the fronts of the buffet drawers that had paint dribbles, and I see on the top of this cabinet specks on the surface. Things that were probably there, or night have been picked up by the brush and dropped. I'm going to give it a very light sanding, go over it with a cloth, then repaint to try to make that perfectly smooth. Once that is finished, I'll put glass on top, and I a nearby glass place quoted $16 plus tax for the size piece I need.

I know the brass is going to be a lot higher. I called a big specialty hardware store in Dallas - the clerk says the website where I found the brass I like is a compiler of hardware, they don't make it. So one day when I'm on the east side of the county I'll head to Dallas and take a look at what they have. I won't make a special trip.

I've done as much of that as I am going for now. Now to tackle the garden today and the income taxes this evening. And somewhere in there, get back into selling on eBay.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 19 Jan 13 - 08:28 PM

I did nothing around the house today at all.

I had a good weigh in and meeting and then it was off to quilt with my girlfriends. :)   I spent the rest of the day working on and completing a quilt for a friend who has an upcoming procedure on Wednesday...thought I'd give her a little love to snuggle up in. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 13 - 09:11 PM

That's very kind of you, Michelle.

qi gong - all standing! 30 minutes

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 10:38 AM

Laundry, dishes, general clean up and quilting for me today. It's a stay home in you sweats kind of day....love it!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 11:34 AM

It was a slow moving day yesterday, but I've made progress in choosing my new electric company. I'll make the selection today and file the form online. I think the company I have now sent a letter with an offer of a new rate (after this 1 year introductory period). If I didn't choose that they go to the highest month-to-month rate that the regional big-name electric company uses (the state regulated highest amount allowable).

It's pretty again today. A dog-walk is in order - it has been ages since the pooches have been out of the yard.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 12:31 PM

The AM ramp walk was wonderful-- the improved gait is coming-- and when I was done with my 4 laps I moved a bunch of stuff the contractor had piled between us and my scooters.

The old scooter may revive-- and it is far better than the big one, for shopping maneuverability.

The newer scooter quit working while I was laid up, and needs to come from the farthest end of the porch up to the van, to get it looked at.

I was able to use under-ramp space for some full garage sale bins, and then I stacked the remaining boxes on a plastic item to keep them off the porch floor in the rest of the winter snows.

This leaves a few heavy lumber pieces for Hardi to move, a huge cast-iron farm bell I will ask Allyn to mount, and then I can get at all my storage stuff on that side of the porch, including the scooters.


I also moved a re-purposed cinder block into position at the main porch steps to make it easier to get from ramp to porch, alongside other blocks placed there previously. I reclaimed a chunk of wood that used to do a job for me with that block, pre-ramp, to save as a souvnier of ingenuity and our times here in this house-- it can be the base for my flip-book of pre-thyroid-diagnosis pictures (the ones that GOT me the Dx).


All this bending and lifting did a fair job on my lower back but nothing a little OTC meds can't help-- it's just muscles working that have not been working for a long time, and it felt so good to WORK them again!


Night 2 in the improved bed went better. A nap a day, till I get used to the scars being against the bed.


This week I get to start wearing the results of Closet Day, which should be fun. Friends are watching that journey in pictures; a nice album is coming along that I will eventually montage.

And there is SUNSHINE today, TBTG!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 02:11 PM

Final day for mucking out the apartment in Portland. Progress goes in fits and starts. It is much easier to pack stuff when one doesn't have to sort others' belongings out first! I've spent so much time there and working that my cottage is now floor to ceiling boxes and bags. I did pick up some wooden crates to use for attractive clothing storage on the bureau for the overflow that won't fit in the drawers. The apartment had so much more in the way of closets, but this way there is less room to shove things and I have to decide what to do about it and where to store it.

I also rented a small storage unit in a clean, dry, well-lit, secure facility for the larger pieces of furniture that won't fit in the cottage, and I figure the bin of Christmas ornaments can stay there, too, until next December.

In the meantime, frustration reigns, as I am at the point of throwing things in boxes rather than having the luxury of sorting them first. I do have my kitchen countertops clean and under control, my little bit of sanity in my currently insane world. Words of encouragement would not go unnoticed...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bettynh
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 02:45 PM

Life has taken a bit of a turn here. One of my twins, age 30, just signed into the Army. I think even he's surprised, but it does make sense. He quit school and started working full-time in a garage at age 17 (I won't go into THOSE battles). Being an essentially fatherless child and a twin (their social skills are superb), he was mentored in auto mechanics in a local gas station/garage. This is a family business - the dad owns and runs it, mom does the books and their one son is a mechanic there. Very old-fashioned, but Harlan's now a very competent general auto mechanic. Now, at age 30 he's seeing that he can't make enough money to have much more of a life than he has now, and he wants more. He got his GED and took a few courses at the local Community College, aiming at engineering. He sees that it'll be a very long time before he can get a degree. Meanwhile, he and the girl he'd lived with for 7 years have separated. He's physically fit, so basic training should be at least possible if not easy. The Army has promised him money up front, an education in a useful skill (repair and maintenance of medical equipment), and eventually money for a full degree. If I had any arguments it's too late - he had the physical and took the oath. He leaves for basic training on Mar. 4. I thought things were fine until we sat together after his physical - the first real exposure to Army life. He sounded like the women I cared for who'd just given birth (I worked as a surgical nurse, but "normal" birthings sometimes overflowed onto our floor): he talked it through, minute by minute, from entry to getting home. Trauma and life change - it made me feel concerned for him for the first time.

So... He's my muscle when I need to move things, so I'll have to be making different arrangements for clearing out furniture from the attic and other spaces. He has a huge, valuable toolbox that'll need to be stored. His furniture will need to be packed and stored (not a whole lot there - a bed, bureau, a couple tables, a computer chair, and a few boxes of clothes, books and assorted stuff.) To make room for his things, I'm going to make his twin sort through some piles of things he's just unloaded from various living arrangements into our storage space. Lordy, I wish this was taking place in May! If February brings deep snow we're in trouble.


After basic training, Harlan'll be heading to you, SRS. Medical training for a year in San Antonio. After that, the Army will own him for at least 5 years.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 03:56 PM

Love to hear progress! Then there are those of us who are muddling along, and there are real crises and ---that sorry little spat about soap. We are but human, after all.

I continue to use only the Dr. Bronner's tea tree oil liquid soap. It I had any doubts about tea tree oil, we scotched it this week when R, thinking he was suffering from trench foot from too much wearing of rubber boots, used straight tea tree oil on his affected areas and solved that problem in a few days. He will, no doubt, need to use it from time to time throughout the winter, in spite of clean socks and drying out the liners each night. I have tried it in the kitchen drawers, as someone suggested to deter the mice. The mice are not deterred.

I am celebrating my 5th consecutive day of feeling like my Self again. Thinking the stress of our lives was cause. No other change.

Massage was nice but did not solve shoulder. Heat recommended and I bought a heating pad at the thrift shop yesterday; have a piece of toweling ready to make a cover for it. Increasing evidence that certain movements and positions aggravate it so my body is learning to move in ways that do not.

Gave huge bag of bedding, from thrift shop, to dog lady. But the municipality is forcing her to get rid of all dogs; she is looking to move to a more animal friendly area. Something to keep in mind as I look for a place.

Finally found "The little Green Library", a private one in Huntington. I exhorted them to better signage and PR, including a poster at the thrift shop, 100 feet away! We joined and borrowed a number of books. It is only $15.00/year and has the benefit of 10% discount at the fabric shop next door, where I have already spent a few dollars and have been longing for a piece I saw the other day...

Music at Cafe Friday night was wonderful, and R was almost on time! The main act was marvellous and our dear B.M offered up 3 songs - so fine! and Pierre did a few in his inimitable fashion. A very relaxing eve.

Great visit last eve with our friends in NYS, at a Chinese buffet. We have been trying for a couple months to have time for this. Such a treat! The food was good too. We checked to ensure no MSG.

R is back in bad with a headache. Maybe I will set up the sewing machine and do up those few little things - cover and hot pads - while watching the wind blow and snow flurries between sunny periods.

Getting cold tonight - down to about 25F and heading toward 0 F. Has dropped about 7 degrees in last couple hours. The roof in no longer dripping; icesicles (sp) have formed. A nice day to be inside with the fire going. The chickadees are out! Our released raccoons took advantage of the warm spell to fill their tummies. Some of us have enough sense to sleep through the cold spells! AND the option!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 05:52 PM

Go DP!

Harding and I went back out on the porch. He tarped the garage sale boxes for me, while I found his missing trash can lid and stacked items to let me pull out the old scooter. Then together we got the big newer one out. We walked it down the driveway to the much warmer back porch, where he wants to try to get it going on his own before the long trip to the shop... 2 hours away.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 05:56 PM

Managed the cover for heating pad - which is now on shoulder. Managed to repair a blouse and do up the bureau scarf with the neat fabric I bought a few weeks (months?) ago. Actually, that was the piece in the bin of remnants that they gave me. And the braid from 20 or so years ago and it looks really nice. By that time, the shoulder said that sewing is not permissible except short term. Pot holders another day! Happy to have done a couple things!

On very bad days, I ask my self, "What is ONE thing I can do today to make myself feel better?" This was a pretty food day.

DARK! and down to 20F. Cabin is cosy! R still sleeping. Time to look at adrenal exhaustion again.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jan 13 - 05:59 PM

Pieces cut for my next project, should get some of the sewing done tonight and it should be done tomorrow if all goes well! YAY!

Basic chores done except for dishes..that will come later. Also scrubbed the tub, toilet and sink today. Looks good!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 01:11 AM

Tami, your situation has not gone unnoticed. Don't worry if you have to stuff things in boxes for now. Those of us who don't have money to spare can appreciate that the things in those boxes might be useful now or repurposed soon. When you can cull it down so you're not paying for extra storage you'll be the richer, but until then, no point in throwing away perfectly good things. Just don't wait too long to get back to it all.

I was crammed into a 2-bedroom apartment for something over two years with my children before I moved into this place. It was well designed, all things considered, and for 950 square feet it had good-sized bedroom closets and a laundry room off the kitchen. I stacked boxes floor to ceiling in closets, leaving just enough room for a bit of everyday closet use. During that time I also had two pods in storage. Moving into this house in 2002 was a luxury after that, but if I hadn't been able to move, we would have been comfortable. I moved the pod contents here a few months after I moved in, and after the remodel was complete. There are still things needing work 10 year later . . .

Make the best of where you are, look forward, and make accommodations for the overage in stuff where it makes sense. Sell the excess and move on. (eBay is wonderful for this.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 10:31 AM

Good advice. We, too, lived in a tiny house with no storage with two teens, my brother, and Rog on the weekend commute from Boston. He and slept in the LR with boxes piled to the ceiling plus our other stuff was in storage. I found stuff I'd forgotten two yrs later when we moved into a huge old Victorian house.

Tami, I am sure you are making the cottage your own and will feel snug, safe, and find some contentment. In the meantime: {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 11:33 AM

I heard a story on NPR yesterday (RadioLab) about a fellow who decided he would move backward in time and he takes out modern features of the home he lives in and replaces them with an older look, older appliances, devices that are mechanical versus electronic, etc. I have to say my house is a mix of that approach.

Yesterday we finally got back to a walk around the neighborhood, and the dogs were glad to get out of the yard. Poppy had to yelp at a cat, but other than that, it was a lovely walk in nice weather. Something we haven't had much of for weeks.

This morning I've finished off a bottle of white vinegar while making the cleaning rounds. Poured some in the dishwasher and ran a short cycle, put it in my stainless steel tea kettle and ran it through a couple of heating cycles, and finally, put it in the washer.

The inauguration is on as I work around the house. I have to finish the paint on that dresser today (the top came out great, it is much smoother) - paint the sides and feet and have it ready to put the glass on top soon.

I made a batch of beans over the weekend and I'll make a batch of rice tonight and have those for taking for lunch this week. I haven't been completely successful in spending no money this month, but I have spent less as I draw down the reserves in the freezer. (I have yet to see how hot those beans are - I may have gotten a little carried away with the frozen poblano peppers!) The other night I had a wonderful dinner of a cut up yellow squash sauteed then I added a cup of my tomato/eggplant sauce (made a year ago and in the freezer), added a handful of some big pasta, and Parmesan cheese.

Yesterday I pulled out some old plants and cut down the brown asparagus - all to the compost. I hope to get a little time out there this afternoon, but I must do some work for work today to stay ahead of events during the week. Sometimes I have to give myself a few minutes and see how much I can get done in that time and then move on to other stuff that may be more pressing but not so interesting. I'd like to weed and try to get the onions planted today. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 12:13 PM

I got the upstairs closet done over the weekend and the amount on the above rack is now doubled, with 2 small bags to donate/alter.

Night three in the bed: more Tylenol, getting better.... unpacked the silky nighties so I can squish in a little better on those flannel sheets.... I can't turn all the way over in the flannel bed in a flannel nightgown (yes it IS funny)!

So between swim-dresses that are too large but long enough, and intimates usually saved for special nights, I will not need to waste any money on new nighties while we alter some percale king sheets to go over the newly-thickened mattress.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 02:08 PM

Belay that "no shop" order! :~)

The two swim-dresses were found to have some chlorine-hardened elastic at the neck, and I need to save thoise for the pool while they are still a decent fit-- no new suits till summer. I have more than enough uncomfortable stuff from the scar tissue to sleep thru....

I found tricot sleepwear at about $10 each and ordered 4, so with the two special-wear items that makes my usual 6-pack of nighties. The ones I got are less expensive than slips and less expensive than WallyWear, too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: MAG
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 02:31 PM

Dorothy, what do you do for adrenal stress? experts I have consulted have nothing to offer besides oceans of Vit. B complex and Omega 3. I already exercise and watch what I eat. (down nother 3 lb.)

invited someone over just to force myself to vacuum and tidy. seems to work.

went from rugs to bare wood, 5 cats to 1 and still the dust and hair in the air is monumental.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 05:37 PM

Well, today has been a series of mix ups but all's well that ends well. I didn't get to my quilting today...maybe later tonight...but rather went to lunch with a friend a play date for our boys. We cut it a little bit short as it started to snow at a pretty good clip. I'm glad we did...it took me quite a bit longer to get home and I passed an accident on the road. It certainly didn't take long for the roads to get icky. Once home, I got the fire going, clothes in the dryer, dishes done, groceries in (oh yeah..did a little grocery shopping). I have totes from the shed to tuck away the remaining Christmas gear. I hope to get most of that done today, if not all of it. At the moment, I'm not feeling so hot, so I'm taking a break. Jeremiah is happily playing and has a bowl on animal crackers nearby. I love watching him play. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 05:59 PM

Clothing being now in good order/process, the next area to assault is the nasty mess generated by the contractor (not Allyn) who came last week to replace the huge kitchen window. And who has still not come back to finish the inside casing part of the job!

We keep a tall, wide hutch my sister built, in front of it, for storage and to block the late afternoon heat that otherwise pours in there.... they had to unload the top half, to move it. They left me some boxed mess to deal with (but a cleanable hutch-top interior). I wish Allyn had gotten this job, because he doesn't leave stuff that way! No care in filling the boxes... stuff smashed....

The mess consists of a variety of "dumped" items that got totally out of control AND coated in thick dog dust while I was off for surgery and complications.... so it will be a bit of sneezy archaeology for sure (I have hospital-quality dust masks,) and I am very glad I found those missing trash cans Hardi had lost, cuz I am gonna fill em UP!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 06:01 PM

Maryanne, I bet you'll have leftover hair and dust for quite a while. I still find cat hair on clothes occasionally because the cats left it in plenty of sneaky places. That said, I need to go through the house with the vacuum and get a lot of dust kittens that have been breeding fiercely this winter.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 10:01 PM

It's done! Little brother Michael and I finished mucking out the apartment at 8:15 this evening! We would have been done sooner, but we ended up getting stuck with the cleaning. My cottage now looks like a warehouse, but I will start going through boxes and consolidating or shredding, then put them either in the loft or in the storage unit, depending on how much room is left after storing the furniture.

The last carload is still in the car, minus anything that could be harmed by freezing. I just don't have the energy or space to do anything with it tonight. It will probably stay there tomorrow as well, as there is supposed to be a messy storm on its way. I'll use the down time to try and recover some of my square footage from the mountains of boxes piled everywhere.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 01:09 AM

Sleep well, make sure your bed and little bit of open space is comfy, and do a little sorting and clearing every day. You'll get there!

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 01:27 AM

Speaking of bed....the electric blanket has been on high for hours now....even though our bedroom is not heated, we will be toasty warm....even when just slipping in under the covers! HOORAY for a WONDERFUL Christmas gift (from last year)!

Dishes are all done, Pete's lunch is packed, toys are picked up, all food has been written and accounted for.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 11:34 AM

adrenal exhaustion: not a great deal other than tons of rest, eating properly, drinking lots, milk thistle for liver, multi B plus minerals and extra B6 &5. There was a bit more but the books are in the cosy cabin and I am in the cold city house with a coat on and about to grab the heating pad off the bed and a quilt.

Crisis #???????? so I stayed home from dancing last night to keep a stressed out R company.

Ok, warmer.

Spent all of yesterday morning giving moral support, then to thrift shop for very useful items. Back to cabin for lunch and one more tiny sewing project shoulder reacted so the hot pads are sitting there for next time. Hot bath seemed a better idea, then recuperation time and back to city as R did not sound good. After a nice store pizza, and a little TV/talk/phone(him)/reading, we both fell asleep on sofa before 11!

The trip back was dicey with all the secondary roads sometimes bare and sometimes skating rink quality. Left my wallet at the cabin so I need to go. Plenty of everything in frig so no hurry. Jst the psychology of being walletless! Almost as bad as being bookless!

Thinking about - the stress of physiological problems which cause emotional stress and the stress of business problems which create emotional and, hence, physiological problems. We humans must be terrifically resilient to survive life!

I left the cabin clean and dishes washed, and a good pile of wood on the hearth. Here - I will deal with the necessary chores after R leaves - and my feet are warm again. R has been on the phone since about 8:30, Also phone that chiropractor for an appointment. Very unhappy shoulder - not constant but - always ready to grab me! Most peculiar.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 12:22 PM

some interesting ideas

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 01:29 PM

Dorothy, some of those are brilliant! Thanks!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 07:56 PM

Dusting, dishes, laundry, general picking up and some quilting happened today.

I also went to yoga. Sixty minutes of hot, sweaty, bendy, blissful yoga.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 09:34 AM

Night four (?) in the bed MUCH better. I added time-release Tylenol and Meloxicam for longer, all-night pain relief for the sore shoulders. I hope to get off the Meloxicam soon and then the Tylenol as my shoulders adjust.

I may get discharged from home health soon; as soon as the last open wound closes (and it seems to be closing fast), I get back to the POOL, yay! But I also will get back control over my schedule-- it's really not cool to have to wait to take a shower until an external authority tells you that you can, every day. At a different time every day.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 09:42 AM

Looks like a great day to get the dogs out for a walk - it's up to 75 this afternoon! How nice. I need a lot more exercise. My house needs dusting.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 10:07 AM

Maggie, that's 75 degrees warmer than it is here right now, lol.

Dog and I walked home through the woods after dropping the car off at the garage for yet more work, but it's something my mechanics caught before it got too bad. They also don't assume I know nothing about cars because I'm a woman. Frequently, they'll walk me through how to fix some of the minor stuff myself and have kept me from being ripped off by other garages when I've had to have something done that my guys don't do.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 12:47 PM

It was minus 8 degrees on our front porch this morning..that's without the wind!!! Brrr.

Had some work done on my car this morning and will be puttering the rest of the day.

Had a little set back but in the grand scheme of things, life is good.

Jeremiah scootched his way behind me in my recliner a few minutes ago and said, "Mommy, your hair is pretty. I love you."

Yes, life is good.

XOXOXOOXOX

Keeping busy to stay warm!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 02:07 PM

The 2 bags of clothes for a FreeCycler are leaving this afternoon. She requested I break the one huge bag into two easier-to-carry bags, so it was a great opportunity to fold a few that had been jammed in there... and revisit how much I had depended on those items for official business.... some real favorites that felt good on and looked as good as I could look in them.... [sniff] but buhBYE!

I had a great pep talk over lunch with my HS buddy, about who this new Susan is-- the one who doesn't run out of gas because her thryoid is quietly killing her? She remembers who I used to be! And reminded me that not one iota of that person is gone. She cut 50 years of bad conditioning/negative selftalk down into a much shorter timeframe, because she was able to help me spot when it really went totally out of control. So we ended with a good sense of where I am going-- and it's nice to know someone else sees me going there, too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 03:20 PM

Too cold in here to even think clearly! Like: I know it is warmer upstairs but I am sitting here with heating pad, quilt, coat and hat. Need gloves but would be unwieldy! So it is minus 26 C outside, which appears to be minus 14 F and that is very chilly. I went out to move my car this morning and it said, "OH NO! Do I HAVE to??" But it did. Mine started, thankful for that new battery! R got his running with help from mine. Nice new battery!

I phoned a friend and he answered, "WE're burning furniture!"

I have done nothing in two days but try to be warm. Well, there is FB and the internet.

Protesting a squirrel slam - don't ask - in NYS with emails to various people, petition and mutual support. Took quite a bit of time. Then here, reading some threads. Now, reminded to phone the chiropractor so I shall get up from my nest and get the phone, warm tea, lunch and a washroom break - not in that order. And return to my nest to stay warm.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 06:27 PM

Took before pictures today. I'll take a set each day so I know I'm making progress.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 10:35 PM

Awwww . . . Michelle - don't they just make your heart swell sometimes!

Everyone, stay warm. I hope you have lots of good layers. For what it's worth, I wasn't able to get outside at all today to enjoy the warmer weather. But I did see my first iris of the season. There is a patch on campus that is on a south slope under some oaks and is always way ahead of anything else in the area.

Sink is clean, dishes washed. I'll put the trash at the curb before I head to bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 10:13 AM

I policed the back yard this morning, about time! I'm getting caught up on some yard activities after a long cold spell kept me indoors.

This weekend I'm going to dust. It has been a long time and it shows.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 11:21 AM

It's still bitter cold so my job today is to keep the fires stoked and burning hot. :) Pete was very happy with me last night when he got home and the kitchen (always the warmest room in the house) was 74 degrees. :) I did a good job with the fire, something I am notoriously mediocre at. I seem to forget to stoke it until I get cold and of course by then, it's too late and takes hours to warm back up.

I've been busy this morning...breakfast made, cleaned up, dishes done, Pete's lunch packed, dinner dishes done, cleaned, peeled, chopped carrots, celery, onions and tomatoes for a pork roast that is now cooking in the crock pot. My plan is to conquer the kitchen table next. It's just a spot that seems to gather clutter. It's clean for maybe 3 days and then a mountain appears. Time to take care of that. Also, today I am cleaning and packing away toys that Jeremiah no longer plays with...time to start stocking our yard sale storage (free storage off our property..YAY) area. It's going to be a doozie this year and good news for anyone with children!!! We are learning, like I presume most parents do, that no...Jeremiah does NOT need as many toys as we love to give him. Lesson learned and we are paring down. :) I also do not NEED or WANT 25 framed photos on top of the piano...LOL. What can I say? I love to take photos and I love my family!!!! I've got it down to 9 that I really love...in various shapes and sizes. :)

I have also organized my calendar with the upcoming quilting classes and yoga for next month too. :) I WILL be organized (ok, it's really necessary since I am forgetful about recent things....thank you chemo brain). No more showing up on the wrong day or not at all!! YAY ME!

So...I'm off to tend to the table and the toys!!! Homemade biscuits or cornbread will be made much closer to dinner time.

Stay warm everybody!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 11:54 AM

All the stress of the past month has caught up with me. Woke up with a headache and mild sore throat this morning, and two hours later than I normally wake up. I think today is a rest day once dishes are done.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 02:19 PM

A day of rest sounds perfect!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 08:55 PM

I also am feeling the rhythm of needing some rest. Four months of hopping to the authority of a uniform has finally gotten to me: since nursing has deemed I can now do my own wound care and they only need to visit me in a week to make sure it's all good, then I want to go off home PT, too.

I think the last open wound will be closed in 10 days and that then I can get back to my own perfectly excellent PT in the pool and then, in the spring, outpatient PT and my osteopath can show me the next phase (but I think I know what it is already).

In that 10 days I need to rest deeply, determine my own new schedule now that I have thyroid meds and very little back/joint pain-- and get back into the world on my own two feet before I jump back into aquatic life. During that time I will continue my ramp walking, treadmill walking, and stretching program now that Hardi knows how to partner with me on the stretches.

Affirming this is a whole new set of nerve awakenings in my abdomen and legs-- nerves finally regenerating/reconnecting months later than the surgeon had projected. They need some space to do that, and I need some space to feel all the weird sensations they are temporarily giving me.

I'm OUT!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 10:34 PM

I got the k warm enough, via the open oven, to have a place to get warm. Managed to do 3 loads of laundry by filling tub with HOT water and letting it cool enough to put the clothes in. The extra heat warmed up the laundry room to a tolerable level. With a warm kitchen, I washed dishes and made black bean soup. Grateful for mug warmer next to chair. Did not go outside. R had to use my car to boost his truck this morning. another few days of this until more reasonable sub-freezing weather next week.

But I am going to country tomorrow and getting that wood stove humming! Will be nice to be in a warm house. I have no trouble relating to wood stove - the necessity of regular feedings - since it was my life for about 17 years and I love the heat it provides.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 11:57 AM

It hurts to read how cold it is for those of you in the northern tier of Mudcatland! I know how it feels, I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and though my part of Washington State didn't get as cold as the eastern section, I voluntarily inserted myself into extremely cold conditions as a mountain climber. I'll offer you one of my climbing mantras: "If your feet are cold, put your hat on." You lose a lot of body heat through your head and simply wearing a hat, even in the house, will help.

Long day at work, starts at noon and I'll get home after 10pm. So much needs to be done this weekend. I might be able to start the income taxes, if it's warm I need to garden. I need to do eBay. Same ol' same ol', in other words.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 12:21 PM

Maggie, this is why I'm the hoodie queen! I grew up in a series of poorly (if at all!) insulated houses (one of which was built in the 1600s and had horsehair and wattle for insulation) in cold climates. At my grandparents' when I was small and after my youngest uncle had moved out, they closed off the upstairs and used it for a walk-in cooler all winter. At Christmas, we used to go to bed with our longjohns under our PJs and wool hats on our heads and we all used to fight over who got to sleep with the dog! The windows were covered with plastic, but the frames weren't the tightest, so every time the wind blew, so did the curtains. My grandmother doesn't miss that house at all, by the way!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 02:05 PM

When I was a teenager, we lived in a rented house that was very poorly insulated. When I complained of being cold, I was always told to put some extra socks and another sweater. Most winter days I wore 3 to 4 pairs of socks. It was during the 80's when stirrup pants were all the rage and girls in school would wear layers of socks and let the different colors of each layer show over the tops of their stirrup pants...so not only was I warm but I was in style! LOL OY!

Today I decluttered myself of about 7 inches of curls from the top of my head. Chemo curls. They were pretty and I enjoyed them while they were healthy but it was time to part ways. Everyone is always telling me how much they love my curls and frankly I was a little nervous about having my hair cut (the first one in almost 3 years) but things turned out better than I expected! I am THRILLED with my haircut....I feel like ME again!!!! I never knew a good hair cut could make me feel SO good!!!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 05:06 PM

This morning, I notified Home Health that I want to go off the PT schedule-- I need a break from all these uniforms and degrees and schedules other than my own!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 02:01 AM

What does Jeremiah think of the missing curls?

This has been a very long week, with some programs that didn't go as planned. Keep moving forward, do what we can to avoid future unfortunate repeats.

Hoping for a productive weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 08:37 AM

Finally got that last load from the apartment unloaded. Most went right into the storage unit. The rest is curtains, sheets, coats, etc that need washing. They can stay in the back of the Subaru until they've been laundered. I took care of two boxes of ancient paperwork, gave the empty file box to Jason to help him stay organized, and packed up a box that will be going with me when I visit family to be parceled out among the various relatives. One person's clutter and all that!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 10:18 AM

Work on hutch debris has begun; the contractor finally returned yesterday to put up the window casing and Hardi vacuumed the dust bunnies from behind it. As I pass by the first open box on my way to and from the laundry, I grab an item and put it where it belongs, doing any necessary cleaning and repair of it and, sometimes, the area where it is put away. The bottom-most container to unpack is a laundry basket full of cookbooks, which will be easiest to put away in the top shelf of the hutch.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 12:13 PM

Today I am continuing on the slow and steady slide down the scale and am feeling good!

Jeremiah didn't say much about my hair. Pete asked him about it at the dinner table and he said, "Mommy is pretty." Oh. My. Heart.

I asked Pete what he thought because he really does like me with long hair and I had quite a bit chopped off. He said, "I really like your haircut but what I LOVE is the smile on your face!"

I am in search of some alternate places to get exercise into my schedule. For me, it's always been the yoga studio but things have changed.

Change is good and I'm looking forward to the adventure!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 02:05 PM

Sounds like a great haircut, Michelle, and fabulous men in your family. And it sounds like a good plan for getting thing put away, Susan.

The meeting I went to last night was cancelled after our library speaker fell on her way in and broke her arm. I'm sure we'll all study what we can do to prevent something like this in the future, short of wrapping visitors in padding and carrying them into the building. We didn't know she was coming by herself and carrying two bags of books. She tripped on something on the path.

This morning I decided to follow my own advice when someone new comes into this declutter discussion. I started on the smallest room, in this case the laundry room, and swept, dusted, moved things, wiped down walls, mopped, and put things away. Now to throw in some laundry and move onto the front room. I haven't done much in there for a while but it's time. Vacuum, dust, put books away, set up the futon until the next time the dogs might come in on a cold night. I'll leave the covers on it, but make it less conspicuous in the room. I want to clear space to the piano so I can play it on occasion. It needs to be tuned and it needs a key repaired. Maybe I should splurge and do that since I won't be having it restored any time soon but I'd like to play it for now. I've missed music and I think it's good on various levels - enjoyment, hand-exercise, and contemplation. I used to sit and play just anything and let my mind drift - it's a creative time.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 03:09 PM

I forgot to mention - a few weeks ago I bought a bag of high-end bird seed for the feeders outside. This is a "patio mix" without shells. I had it in a brown paper bag until I finished using the regular bird feed. I finally realized that the new bag was the source of moths and their weevil progenitors. I put the seed out in the feeders (the birds won't mind eating the little worms) and have been swatting moths every day still. Part of this dusting/mopping/vacuuming is to see if they have found some other food source that has gone unnoticed (a box of dog biscuits, an empty flour sack, etc.). No luck so far in finding a culprit. It may just take a while for the offspring of the birdseed to die off.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 11:08 AM

Note to self: You can't put bread in the vacuum seal bags for the freezer. I had to quickly cut open a bag after it collapsed a loaf from last night, and it appears to have recovered. I saw a note in the book about how to freeze bread, so I'll go back and look for it later. :)

Warm and humid today. Yard work plans, after I finish ripping some recorded books into the computer so I can take them back to the library tomorrow. I'm not making many trips on the weekend - to save gas I'm doing those errands after work on the way home. Since I drive to campus more my gas bill is going up. It was a few cents under $3.00/gallon in December, but it's back up around $3.25 now.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: maire-aine
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 03:24 PM

We're a little bit out of the deep freeze, at least for a few days. Could reach 50F (10C) by Tuesday?! The pumpkin & the acorn squash that I was storing on the front porch froze, so I had to cook them up before they thawed and started to rot. At least the seeds & stringy part all came out in one big lump. So I made a big pot of spicy pumpkin soup, and put some in the freezer.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 03:39 PM

Sounds delicious!

I've been wading through Dust Central this afternoon. I also have to get into the garden, but I got started on this and I'd like to finish at the point where I can see that I was working in there today after all.

I've washed the dog beds and some rugs. I washed table cloths from work (from the meeting that the speaker didn't make it to - we still had the reception since the food was there.) I did the table cloths before the dog beds, just in case you're wondering. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 05:04 PM

SRS, the image of Space-Bagged bread-- priceless! Glad your prompt action allowed it ti re-inflate!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 13 - 06:50 PM

I pulled a bunch of VCR tapes off of the shelves in the hall and more from the coffee table and under the piano bench in the front room. This isn't all that needs to go, but it is a big chunk of it. Perhaps half. I packed a box full after taking off the cardboard covers and it weighs in at 25 pounds. I'm going to pay a recyling company in zip code 65202 to break these up, recycle the various bits they can(the tape isn't recyclable) and it won't land in the dump here. This will cost about $23. The box is full of duplicates of things that I have on DVD now or that I can stream via NetFlix or other sources. I still have some unique and important tapes, it isn't like everything is going.

Off to walk the dogs before dark and then I'll vacuum in there this evening. The dog beds are clean and restuffed, the futon is in the upright position, and I've been putting books up on the shelves. I've dusted some and it's looking more like a room, not just overflow storage. I need to get some of the sideways stuff off of the bookshelves, I am sure some of that can go. I culled a few old reference books and a couple of biographies I know I'll never read. Anyone want to read about George Sand or Beverly Sills?

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 01:35 AM

Good walk with the pooches, it was a warm quiet evening. After that I finished clearing up in the front room. In this region of the country they tend to build two living room areas in houses - the front room is smaller and is lined with book shelves I put up, and it's is where the piano sits. This is the higher level of the house - the den or living room (larger) is six inches lower because sunken living rooms were popular in the 70s. They're a pain in the ass, actually. No way I'm putting the piano down in there, I'd never get it back out again without someone coming in to help.

I vacuumed then took time to shift books around and tuck away many of the books that were on the front of shelves or horizontal on top of the books on the shelves. It looks more dignified.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 10:48 AM

Tired this morning - I think it is a side effect of disturbing all of that dust, my eyes are a bit itchy allergy-wise.

Two rooms tackled over the weekend. I think this is an early burst of spring cleaning and a way to put off the income taxes and other pressing chores.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 11:32 AM

Maggie, you're making me feel guilty, lol. I've pretty much just been a slug for the past week. I think it's just a reaction to the stress, as well as trying to fight off something before it really takes hold.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 11:47 AM

Tami, if you tackle the smallest room, or as others have advised when that seems too much, a drawer or cabinet, that little endorphin boost of having set a space to rights is good to help you move on. Maybe re-arrange your dresser, toss things that you don't wear any more, make the top look fabulous without clutter, but a nice lamp and mirror for effect, etc.

I took a couple of minutes just now and made another push in the front room - I took the various things off of the shelves that were sitting here and there in front of books. It looks so much less cluttered, even with a wall full of books which would tend to be the definition of a fully-stuffed place.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 11:59 AM

I'm about to begin my day. Everyone is home today due to icy roads. Also, I just scored a beautiful couch in perfect shape for $100.00. In the stores, it runs an easy $800.00. I'm PSYCHED! We have lived here for 15 years without a couch...I'd say it's time! YAHOOIE!

Michelle

PS. For those friends on FB, there are photos!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 12:05 PM

Thanks, Maggie, but I only have the one room. It's a matter of starting on unpacking the boxes and organizing the contents and then getting things into either the loft or the storage unit. I know where I'm going to start, I just haven't had the energy to do it yet. Like I said, I'm wiped out, both physically and emotionally at the moment.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 12:24 PM

I had energy when I woke up this morning. I even got a bunch of little things done. AND I got dressed for going out -- Tom's been talking all weekend of going to Urgent Care today to find out why he's still in so much pain with his knee. (From the fall on the 16th -- he saw his PCP last Monday -- primarily as a followup to his foot infection -- who didn't seem concerned about it.) But now he thinks he doesn't want to go. At least not today.

I just figured out what needs to be fixed on his wheelchair so the brake will hold. Should be easy to fix -- if he's not in it and I can turn it upside down and manage to find the right wrench AND be able to get to both sides of it. And the frustration of not being able to find both the right tool(s) AND be able to get at the bolt and nut at the same time (oh, and SEE them, too) was just enough to make me totter on the edge of losing it. I can't get my fingers in there and none of the tools I've tried so far will work and the one I think WILL is not where it's supposed to be. (In the damned tool box where I ALWAYS return stuff.)

I guess I don't realize or think about exactly how much constant stress I'm under that I mostly ignore until something fairly small and reasonably simple pushes me into the state I'm in right now. All I want to do is escape -- probably into a nap -- not that that will do a bit of good.

What WILL do some good is if I get something accomplished today -- more than I've already done. But I'm feeling so lethargic and paralyzed that it's going to be a major effort.

Linn

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 01:33 PM

I would suggest asking a mechanic with the right tools to come over and fix the chair if you have someone who could. This is too big a safety issue and you don't need the added stress of figuring something out that might not be right and would be a snap for someone who has done similar things for a living...mg

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 09:24 PM

I think I wrote something here earlier today, but I evidently turned off my computer incorrectly and hadn't sent then closed the browser.

I vacuumed the shelves and am now moving a few pieces in the front room. I think if I put a couple of the antiques where they can be seen better from the hall that the room will look more elegant.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Jan 13 - 11:51 PM

I am working on a major grocery shopping list. I've been trying to keep shopping down to once every 3 or 4 weeks (with the exception of milk, fresh fruit and eggs)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 10:18 AM

:~( I sorta broke my butt. Well, the right side of it at least.

We are not sure exactly what I did to throw some stuff out of whack, but I had to spend the last night and a half in the recliner on muscle relaxers to put the muscle-fire out. It is similar to a post-op muscle strain I had in the nursing home, on the left side. So I am handling it the same way-- resume walking as soon as the fire is out and I can stand upright without screaming.

The worst part is that after the first day with this, when it got better I went back to our bed-- and lying on my right side only made it worse, so I have no idea how to avoid having to wake Hardi up to help me out of bed to pee, again! It was definitely not caused by sleeping that way to start with, because I did have several great night's sleep in that bed, so....???? Back to experimenting.

I THINK that two longish days in the car instead of walking on my ramp might have contributed, so this week I will be all about schedule, schedule, schedule.

And we def have to get a backup battery system in the works for that electric recliner. TBTG when the ice storm knocked out the power last night, I was not in it and did not need to be back in it till after it came back on. But we have a plan....

~Susan

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 10:45 AM

200!

Sorry, couldn't help myself...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 11:12 AM

LOL, Tami!

Just taking a break after picking up dog-chewed cat food paper plates and other "no-nos" from two very bored dogs; watering all the houseplants, and, picking up other stuff which has piled up. And, it's just 9a!

The past couple of months or so, I have slept a lot during the day, not so much at night due to new meds, depression, etc. It feels as though the fog may be lifting.

My WEN shampoo hasn't come in, so I am going to try the baking soda and vinegar routine. Then I have a manipulation 1.5 hr appt. with my friend, the osteopath, then coumadin clinic.

It is cold here and our car heater needs to be reverse flushed so mostly no heat. We've had the coldest Jan. in upmteen yrs, thus the bored dogs, mom can't play outside, and a little bit of cabin fever.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 12:36 PM

I've heard discussion recently about the baking soda/vinegar shampoo, it's supposed to make your hair feel great.

Looks like heavy weather here today. I have some recycling to drop off after work, but depending on the weather, I may wait. It just gets soaked in those bins if the lids are open (or sitting crooked) and I think they may have to discard the contents rather than recycle.

Made progress in the front room - the really takes up space in there, but I keep it to have an extra guest bedroom. If I moved it out I could put the sofa-bed loveseat (now in my son's room) in there, but I'd need a slipcover and I then I could sell the futon. I've also realized that I should go ahead and get rid of the ancient curtains on that window in there. They came with the house and didn't look too bad, but I could make the room look better if I chose a good color. The other thing I could do is move the futon into the larger living room and put great chairs in the front room and make it a reading space. I have a couple of good lamps in there.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 03:47 PM

Not sure what is in the front room but I would get rid of it, put in the loveseat, improvise a slipcover, sell the futon. I would leave great chairs where they are, get a reading chair for front room and still get rid of futon. Futons are generally not beautiful.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 04:42 PM

Depends on the futon. Mine is quite attractive.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 07:38 PM

My futon is very comfortable and it was a lifesaver (i.e., I slept on it for almost 3 years) in the apartment before I moved here. But the frame is large. What is in the front room? One long wall is all books, then there is a dome-top antique chest from my father's family (I have several more unique and historic trunks around the house from there). That sits beside the full-size upright grand with rosewood veneer (it also has a birdseye maple sounding board) and on the other side of the piano is a glass-front 3 level lawyer's bookcase. There is a beautiful large Victrola and a small Chippendale-style desk. And the "coffee table" is a WWI ordnance box. Kind of a mixed bag!

Shift in plans this afternoon - the weather was threatening and I had walked out without a slicker or jacket this morning. I didn't want to get caught in a downpour at quitting time in just slacks and a cotton blouse, so I left early and brought a box of envelopes that need addressing, stamped, stuffed, sealed, and mailed first thing in the morning. I have a rain shell that needs to have something done to the inside neckline to make it non-itchy, so I think I'll pull out some corduroy and sew a piece in this evening and have it ready for use. After the envelopes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 09:15 PM

Realized if my eyes bother me so much, either I am using them too much or I need an exam. Had one last year and all was well so maybe I need to give them some breaks.

Realized my lack of energy has gone on too long and if this is depression caused by the stress of our lives, it is time to DO SOMETHING!

Shoulder already hurting when I got up this morning so I decided, If it is going to hurt anyway, I better just DO good stuff.

So this morning - in the country, the snow fairy came and plowed the drive. such a nice caring thing to do! I shoveled the few inches of fresh snow from walkways - to the cabin, studio and compost. Had left over chicken stew for lunch.

Went into studio and threw 16 pots, one bag of clay. No scale; I brought two to the city? So that gave me permission to just cut the clay into 16 sections and make whatever size bowls, my fav. Also did two small jars, a mug and 3 small plates. Had I weighed it, I would have done: butter dishes, mugs, maybe plates. Some larger jugs would be a good idea. May go out tomorrow and do more. It felt so good to be productive! Shoulder did not hurt at all while potting but doing the dishes was painful. Go figure!

Friend sent pics he took a while ago. So I posted one of me and my booth at last summer's farm market and one of the fresh pots. Lots of pos feedback encourages more effort.

Back in city, house is still cold in spite of warmer weather. Leftover cauliflower soup for supper. Possibly a foccacia pizza - if R is hungry. The soup is yummy. Guess I will go start a load of laundry. Changed bed at cabin. Amazing how much stuff travels back and forth. I took the distiller back to the country; easier there. Everything is easier there! So four gallons of water, laundry, garbage and recycling, computer, perishable food and books for library, came back.

Need to print and send app for next four farm markets- winter ones indoors - tomorrow. I had to be sure I could make pots before I send it in! Guess it would be a good idea to make a bunch of hearts for the 10 Feb one.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 10:00 PM

The hymn for today is a stanza from a well-known piece: "Through many dangers, toils and snares... I have already come. 'Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far... and Grace will lead me home."

I was thrilled to be discharged today from Home Health-- from now on, my regular doc will follow my care. Only a pinhole remains of an abscessed hip cavern Home Health had been packing-- so this has been my first evening with NO TAPE ON MY SKIN. (Till the pinhole closes it will only be taped at bedtime.)

So I am off "house arrest." This evening we did a house blessing, and then went to a lovely dinner hosted by the bless-ee. People who had not seen me since before my surgery learned that thyroid meds can do more for a body than a gastric bypass, and I learned how to help them realize that not every person who drops 60 pounds has had a bypass! :~) And I wore a denim jacket that had been worn, before, like a blazer.... loosely now.... OVER my favorite Salvation Army sweater! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 13 - 12:30 AM

Finished work for work this evening, killed a few moths. Those things are persistent. I think I got rid of the source but I'll keep looking.

Finished invitations for work that I'll mail tomorrow morning, didn't get much of my own stuff done.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 13 - 10:14 AM

We had three or four pleasantly warm days, but after last night's thunderstorms we're back to cold. Darn.

We're at the end of January, everything for taxes should have been mailed or sent in some fashion by now. I need to finish them this weekend. Having done all of the filing last week it will be pleasure to put my hand on one file and have it all right there. I'm sure that was in the back of my mind when I tackled the front room, because that is where my rolling file lived for the last year or more.

There are some very early irises on campus and the first one bloomed last week. Now there are a dozen or more open. Spring fever is around the corner - what do each of you have planned as spring projects? (And when do you project spring's arrival?)

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 30 Jan 13 - 11:20 AM

We went from minus zero temperatures last week to almost 50 degrees this morning!!!! Mud everywhere. High winds today. This old house is just creaking in the wind. I'd like to stay in today but will be attending a funeral. My sitter is not available today so I am taking Jeremiah with me. I'm armed with a few favorite small toys, snacks and plans to leave if he gets loud or too antsy.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 13 - 01:30 PM

Taking small kids to public activities is always a challenge. I had to take mine to board meetings a couple of times and I usually parked them each with a plate at the edge of a table to eat - and I stood a few inches away with my back to them (blocking the room's view of them) and spoke to people as they drifted past.

The mud that comes after a freeze is particularly sticky, isn't it? It's like there is a chemical process going on that gives it a viscosity that acts more like paint than like wet dirt.

SRS

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jan 13 - 01:37 PM

First shower since Sept. 13, 2012 that did not involve a wound dressing change. First whole day tapeless!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 13 - 05:29 PM

Well, Jeremiah was good for the first 40 minutes or so that we were at church. We ended up leaving early to be respectful to others. I guess it's just going to be a learning by doing kind of thing. I was pleased that he sat for as long as he did. We made good on the trip and did a little more grocery shopping while we were out.

I am happy with the day. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 12:09 PM

Getting serious with myself!

I just signed up for a yoga class that would have been very doable in my pre-cancer body but now, it will be a BIG challenge. It's a yoga weight loss class...loads of suns, planks, etc. I KNOW without a doubt, that I will not be able to do this class in it's entirety. The teacher agrees. However, I am going to look at as a challenge and do what I can handle. What else can I do? If I don't start trying something challenging, I'll not ever be able to do it with ease again.

One of the 2 teachers has no faith in me. I say, either help me or get the f*ck out of my way!!!!!

I CAN an I WILL DO THIS!!!!!!!

Oh it feels SO good to have my energy back!!!!!!

Weight loss has been slow going but a steady loss has been going on for weeks now. It's time add some activity.

Watch. Me. FLY!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: ranger1
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 12:53 PM

Michelle, YOU CAN DO IT! I have faith in you! Second yoga teacher needs a kick in the shins, in my opinion, but just showing her that you can may be the mental equivalent. In my family, we're all so stubborn, that anyone telling us we can't do something is usually the quickest way for us to show them we can.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 02:52 PM

Good for you Michelle!!

I better move on that "I can do this" remark and get out to the studio. Pots are waiting to be trimmed and I am sitting in the cabin watching the wind blow! I love it and cannot see it once I am inside the studio. Oh, yeah, I don't feel great but I CAN do this. OK...

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: MAG
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 03:12 PM

go, everybody!

the older we get, the more work it is to take good care of our bodies.

re. outdoor projects coming up:

my house has an old apple tree on the other side of the garage. Last summer it produces a ton of apples, but almost all of them were no good. brown at the core. probably apple maggot? any thoughts? prefer organic non-toxic solution, but tree must be badly infected -- may just be better to cut down --

got a $1000 estimate to prune my 3 honey locust trees -- they really need it; requires cashing in a few of my bonds -- probably should; trees will die otherwise. but then i could put in some roses since I really miss my roses had 20+ -- love roses --

figure a way to keep cats out of my raised beds --

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 03:25 PM

I really should learn by now that a fallow, down period is always followed (for me) by a easy synthesis and integration of vast amounts of data into an applied thingie. Had that kind of day AND included a nap!

My synthesis included a complete narrative account of the surgery-and- aftercare/complications chain of events I had needed to wrote for awhile and which popped into being today almost "by itself."

It started at 4AM with waking up to correct an administrative issue about our huge (to us) insurance appeal, and then as soon as the post office was open I mailed off the package of documents for the appeal. Then when I got back from the post office I signed up for therapeutic massage to start breaking up all this scar tissue, did a little light vacuuming in the LR, and chatted with a clergy spouse who will help with the alterations of all my dressier clothes. (A new friend who UNDERSTANDS clergyspouse life!!!) Then I remembered to eat lunch and had healthy sstuff on hand to do it simply.

Then BANGO-- what to write occurred, I fleshed it out in my blog, and I emailed it to Luddite friends.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 03:33 PM

Well, that did not work. It was dreary and not quite warm enough. I am going to enjoy the wind, drink herbal teas, take VIt C and pau d'arco and hope the "hots and colds" go away. I think I shall just stay over tonight and see if I can get needful things done in the morning. I can peck away at the indoor chores - do stewed apples with my next bit of energy, cut up and freeze some peppers that are losing it. When I darn well feel like it. And hope tomorrow ... or even tonight...

I accomplished a number of small needful things yesterday, one of which was signing up for the four winter Farmer's Markets. Hence, need some pots made and some hearts for the 10 February one. But I also tried to go to the local library and the cleaning materials (odour) put me into brain fog and a headache within ten minutes. LEFT and went to municipal office to comment. They said they would speak to the cleaners - this is new stuff in the last couple months. And warned me "they" are painting the rec centre next week - where the Market will be. Can only hope it will air out enough in a week. I forgot to ask what day the cleaning happens. Next time.

So I went to two Montreal branches last evening and managed to borrow six books in English. Made a foccacia pizza for supper.

Darn, I am coughing and sneezing. Time to quit pretending I can do stuff. Just enjoy the wind and the wood stove and a book. And shivering.

THAT tree does not look good! If it falls, it will only go across the drive we are not using! I checked around my car for danger; a large branch JUST missed it last spring. The construction of this cabin is so solid, I am not concerned. But I will go take a look around.

It would be kind of cool to see that tree go down. Maybe I will just sit and watch!
Happy last day of January!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 03:51 PM

...the older we get, the more work it is to take good care of our bodies....


MAG, I see it this way (now): the older I get, the more fun ways I learn to take good care of my body... and the more time the day allows to enjoy being a girl.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Jan 13 - 11:21 PM

I received a distinct honor today regarding my writing concerning my adventures with cancer. Details later but the gist of it is that pieces of my Relay For Life Survivor Speech are going to be used by the National American Cancer Society in a mailing that will go out to over a million people within the next 6 months. I am the only survivor to be quoted and was chosen out of hundreds of survivor stories.

I am most honored.

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Health JANUARY 2013 - To Life!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Feb 13 - 10:05 AM

Wow, Michelle! Tell us more in the February declutter thread.

SRS