Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 01:51 PM

Hooray for better days!!!!

XOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 01:22 PM

Stuff addressed to drop off at post office on my way to the credit union and then buy some large envelopes to get some other stuff in the post and off my table.

Load of laundry washed...still need to dry it.

Batch of chicken stock simmering on stove (but I'll turn it off while I'm out).

Visiting nurse hasn't called to say what time she's coming (and it's after 1 PM -- they usually call first thing in the morning), so I'm going out to do my errands. Tom doesn't need to have me here when she comes.

So far, so good. Much better day than yesterday.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 11:47 AM

Yesterday I did a lot of baking and celebrating Jeremiah's 3rd birthday with our family!!!

This morning I have been busy. I'm on my 3rd load of laundry, dishes are done, carpet is vacuumed, my boys have been fed and I put together a Chuggington train set for Jeremiah who is now happily playing! :) YAY!

A conversation took place this morning about things we want to do with our yard and porch this spring (lots of trimming to be done, some sprucing up, etc) and we are on the same page which is always nice! I'm feeling springtime in the air and I'm ready to embark on some spring cleaning. HOORAY!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 07:38 PM

Well, today was shot to hell.

I probably over-reacted this morning when I looked at Tom's swollen foot and two purple toes. Then, when it was better, I still wanted a visiting nurse to look at it. And, since she hadn't seen it before, she thought Urgent Care was a good idea. So off we went...for somewhere between 2 and 3 hours. To find out...keep doing what we've been doing. Fill the new 'script for the antibiotics (which actually WAS on the list for today), continue taking them, continue putting the foot up, put some hot compresses on it...and let Tom's regular visiting nurse look at it tomorrow.

By the time we finally got home around 4 p.m., I knew that NOTHING was going to get really accomplished today. (Well, I got a couple of Tom's 'scripts filled and ran into a woman I worked with over ten years ago.) Walking upstairs drained every last bit of energy I still had left.

I'd had stuff on my list...

I haven't the energy to open the file drawer behind Tom and see if it might be a good place to put all the financial crap we have to keep. Not the really important stuff, just all the other papers.

No energy, either, to call anyone. Damned little now to maybe throw some leftovers in the nuke for supper. Even Tom wants to retreat to bed very very early.

Tom just came to get me -- he wants to go to bed. Now.

I'll get him tucked in, set up the coffee and shut the house down and do the same myself.

Tomorrow is another day...

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 01:00 PM

I'm making progress on identifying what items will be kept for the future, and what items will be "used up" and not replaced in the near term... furniture, appliances, lawn equipment, tools.....

~Susan

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 09:43 PM

I decided to be proactive with the china - I set it out and took photos, then packed it with paper in between, taped up the box, and along with a couple of elderly electronics I took it all as a donation to the Goodwill. It's outta here. I went into my eBay ads and edited out the information about having more plates. I'm now about 25 pounds lighter in the china area and my countertop is clear.

Since I was taking a functional but elderly DVD player to donate I looked for the booklet. I tried the usual places and didn't find it, but in the process kicked out several manuals of things I no longer own or things I won't use and don't need to keep. I'll put two old satellite dish receivers on eBay, along with their books and remote controls. The technology has changed so much that if I go back as a subscriber they'll give me new HD equipment. I dismantled the dish itself, so I can't sell the whole thing (I have my current antenna on the dish arm), but I see people selling the individual parts. Who knows, I may have a series of items to list tomorrow.

It's pouring down rain now (finally!) and I'm going to finish sorting those drawers. I have tons of old cables I don't use and I have a box of old cables I'm getting ready to list on eBay. Looks like I have more to put in that lot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 02:03 AM

That is a great plan, Maryanne, holding your own feet to the fire that way! My house is not ready for prime time.

I finished and sent a e-newsletter tonight for work. I've shoveled papers off of my desk and filed quite a few. Took out the trash. And this evening I cleared out the cache of every application loaded in my phone. I've accomplished more virtual clearing than anything else today.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: MAG
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 01:17 AM

had a committee mtg here Tues., so shovelled about 2 days to be presentable -- I volunteer my house on purpose for this

crocuses etc. all up - hope they don't freeze, but it probably won't get very cold again -- only froze 2 nights all winter -- I love Portland

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 08:45 PM

I know what I meant to say, but didn't manage to get it out of my fingertips. It's one of those "do what I mean, not what I say" moments. Spring ahead, fall back. :)

I've gotten so bad about sending cards. I need to buy a supply of various types of cards and have them here ready to use.

This afternoon I sorted out papers in the office, filed some stuff, and am moving around stuff in the sun room to see what else I can donate. The more, the sooner, the better.

Will Fly, it has been predominately women, but not entirely. People drift in with projects, work on them and describe for a few posts, and move on. We're slow workers, moving forward slowly freeing up space, but there is an awful lot of day-to-day sharing here. We've gone through cancer and surgeries with people and spin-off threads have resulted. It sounds like you made a good move - every so often I look at the mix of mugs and glasses in my cupboards and think I ought to pull it all out and find the bits that match and donate the rest (except for the favorites, and then things would start climbing back up into the cupboard. . . )

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 07:16 PM

Set the clock FORWARD tomorrow night (that means we lose an hour) -- Stilly, don't end up two hours off on Sunday!

Extreme back pain while coughing is what made Tom try to restrain from coughing, which is what gave him the pneumonia and put him in such bad shape. The back pain seems to have sorted itself out (time, time...) so he's now using the Lidocaine patches on his knees (which hurt from the PREVIOUS fall a month and a half ago) instead of his back.

Cards and notes...I'm a card writer. I send out a lot of cards. (Two went out to friends yesterday morning.) And was a little disappointed that through this round of hospitalization for Tom, we didn't receive a single card. Lots of online thoughts, wishes and prayers, but an actual card would have been very cheering. A friend DID send an incredible citrus fruit "wreath" -- WOW! Totally unexpected and quite a delightful surprise. I've never tasted such delicious grapefruit (or oranges or tangerines). I just now started another batch of grapefruit-infused vodka with some of the peels. May try orange as well, or an orange/grapefruit medley (with some lime thrown in for good measure).

Took today "off" as a snow day. Almost all of what I accomplished was on the phone. Did some on-line research and more laundry, though, too. And, of course, shovelled the snow off the deck and steps and cleaned off the car.

But also got in some good resting/reading time (and cat-petting and tea-drinking).

Good day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 06:18 PM

Getting ready to de-bark for the country took time, included clearing the morning emails, attending to yesterday's pots - well wrapped so they do not dry before I get back to trim them, triaging food and getting it in the car along with clean clothes and boots. Able to wear shoes in the city right now AND the SUN was shining - most of the way. Even remembered to stop for milk.

Determined en route that a de-tox bath was needed more than potting. Good thing as I had left the heat down. so it was too cool to work in the studio. Spent a couple hours getting cabin ready for airbnb guests arriving tomorrow noon. Then bath, then lunch, then recuperation time - emails and reading. Now time to go to cafe. Wood stove not too good about getting a fire going. Suspect chimney needs cleaning but it is finally going.

The Bombadils were terrific last night. So glad R could manage to attend.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 01:57 PM

Ladies - may I join you for a post? Do you mind...?

While emptying out the dishwasher the other day, I thought to myself, "Why am I putting these dishes in this pile - and these dishes in that pile - and this cutlery here - and that cutlery there...?

All stuff we've had for 46 years of marriage. So, after a chat, we decided to get rid of loads of old crockery and cutlery, and buy brand new stuff. Nice stainless steel knives, forks, spoons, etc., and some really nice Royal Worcester bone china dinner plates, side plates and cereal bowls. Some of the old stuff will go to my son and DIL, and a lot will go to charity shops.

Slimming down, making a clean sweep - now that's what I call a declutter! :-)

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Mar 13 - 01:34 PM

Cleared out several thousand old emails in my main Gmail account, and am now back to eBay items to declutter the sun room.

Looks like rain over the weekend but I'll run errands then walk the dogs before it gets wet. And I'm going to drag the soaker hoses out of the garden so I can dig it up after a rain when it's soft and easy to work with.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 09:22 PM

Lots of walking and extra play time with Jeremiah today (we had FUN!!!!)

Tired out by the time I got home so it was tomato soup and there was coconut cake for Pete (that I made yesterday from a local nursing home friends and family community cookbook which I love). :) Jeremiah had part of a chocolate cupcake that he received at Barnes and Noble (a birthday club perk for kids) and Mama added sprinkles. :)

Sometimes simple is best. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 05:25 PM

Happiness is getting some pots thrown - finally. Just 8 small ones and prepared balls for the next lot. 90 minutes more work than I have done in a while. Then about 20 min on the cycle while watching TV. A good day.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 03:32 PM

The first thing I need to determine is whether the Dad is in shape yet to remember to thaw anything for supper when he starts his day.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 12:40 PM

Oh, Susan! These sounds like things I used to do - when I was cooking for the masses. Living alone for MANY years, I have gotten totally out of the habit. So, you wake me up to the woman I used to be! I cook more now than I did before R. The last real baking I did was for moveon.org bake sales - in 2008! That inspired my to great heights - baklava, cookies, jalapeno corn bread. We raised lots of money.

Have done library and groceries. Now on the noon news and, after this, lunch - chicken, from Monday's supper, on lettuce with a bit of salsa.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 11:54 AM

SRS, nope on video hints-- these are hands-on people who need to go as slow as their grief will allow. :~) (This is not my first rodeo with young men or indeed adult men who need to take care of themselves.)

DP: That sounds like a lot of cooking, Susan!

Oh, I'm too wily (old) to wear myself out cooking menu-style-- like the dinner for last night, for example:

One night I had a taste for mac and cheese so I made a diabetic-style batch. It got kinda big because I boiled "too much" pasta. The cheese sauce-- roux and shredded cheddar. The next day the neighbor lady died so I got out the frozen meatballs THAT day and set them in a small crockpot to thaw and soak up canned, diced tomaters. And went on with my ramp laps in between her visitation, funeral/etc.

The next day I flavored the meatballs, and packed them up on top of loaf pans half full of the mac n cheese, in each pan 2 large servings, which I thought would feed the dad after the company went home. We took 'em up the road that night, but the sons were just leaving to go back to school and had crammed all the food gifts of that week into their freezers-- one knew how, I learned.

So their dad asked if we could hold that mac in our freezer, so we did.

Then last week I made us some spag squash and had an idea for the next time. I grabbed one while doing our shopping the other day, plus an an extra bag of the variety of apples that had been so popular up-road. With Hardi's schedule, we decided last night was the best night to take it up there, so we thawed it the night before and it went into the fridge yesterday AM.

By then we had learned via FB that not one but TWO of the sons had come home on spring break, and I thought adding a veg would be a good idea.... so I made the squash (nuked and then easily garnished and packed). I then called the house, got the one of the sons I barely know, and said his dad and my husband had made an arrangement to bring up supper-- did they have plans, or did they want it that night? "Uh, YEAH!"

So I said we'd stick it in their oven about 5. We went up there fivish and did that-- made sure they were on a good temp in the oven, unloaded those apples, and spent a very few minutes with their dad while he awaited the sons' return from weight-lifting. He gave me back the last pan we'd sent-- chicken and onion hash had been in that one. (They'd helped us out by eating up the overflow when a batch for Hardi got WAY too big for MY fridge-- that was when Hardi had made the arrangement that "it might be time to thaw that mac now.")


So really-- I am just making a little extra of one dish, on some nights, and saving them to pack up to make up a complete dinnerful when needed, or weekly if the young men are not visiting, so their dad gets time with his priest and a full belly instead of the TV dinners we heard he's been "enjoying." And me, I get to increase the amount of time I can stand up, and run my own damn kitchen for a change!

I found some twice-baked taters in the fridge. They were meant to be feta-cheese-bakes but I didn't have enough feta to make the taste as strong as we like.... but if I add a cheddar cheese sauce and rebake, they will not taste too foreign, and go along with.... probably Hardi will grill them a few steaks or pork chops (teach how).

An upcoming meal will be sloppy joes as done in a dutch oven. O....M....G!!!! Starting with a hothothot dutch oven, it's:
<> Ground beef and onions, etc. make the bottom layer, cooked, with sauce added.
<> Next layer, shredded cheese. A good amount.
<> Top layer, bisquick dough (we prefer another brand tho).

The dough soaks the cheese up into it. To serve, just plunge in a metal spoon and turn the result over onto a plate. And repeat as needed. When it is gone, the pot is still hot enough to bake an "apple pancake"-- swill it out with water heated on the fire, then put in a flat round of more bisquick dough, cube up an apple or two, add cinnamon, mmmmm. Good conversation while it cooks and gets up that apple smell.

Did you know apples can be roasted over a fire, just like hot dogs?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 10:11 AM

There are lots of cooking tips on YouTube - I put short videos up for my kids. You might prepare a dish and then find a video that demonstrates how to make it and post the link (or a bitly version so it isn't difficult to type in) with the contributed dish so the sons get some instruction along with the donation.

Busy day today, but at least the kitchen has stayed looking good all week. I have the peninsula staked out for my eBay photos for a while. I don't want anything else in the house to show, just the background, so I use felt behind closeups or my denim-blue sheet, artfully wrinkled, as the backup.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 10:10 AM

That sounds like a lot of cooking, Susan!

I survived that trip "up there", and stopped at Home Depot on way back, gifting myself with yellow primrose for the city kitchen and a prayer plant and a bi-colour ficus for the big country planter. Will keep the ficus in its pot and lower it into the centre of the planter. Took the NAC and made cauliflower soup. I say that as though there was cause and effect. I believe so. I do feel better this morning.

I had to hurry in the vitamin shop as it was full of fragrance. I just bought the first NAC I saw and got out. That store does not usually bother me so this indicates a need to detox. That is part of what the NAC does for me.

Off to library and mini grocery - grapefruit and avocados.

I thickened the soup with buckwheat flour which gave it a definite colour! and flavour. It was nice. Also a half teaspoon of "Arabian spices" from the Iraq family cookbook. Next time, I will thicken with chick pea flour and try 3/4 teaspoon spice.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 13 - 09:42 AM

We're cooking now for two-- households that is. I learned a lot about food gifting when we were on the receiving end, and our neighbor who lost his wife last month has 4 hungry uni student sons who come home regularly to check in... few of whom can cook. YET. :~}
Last night, whole grain mac n cheese w Greek meatballs, spaghetti squash nests w red sweet pepper and garlic, plus bag of apples. Working on next week's item... has to freeze well in case we pick the wrong night to deliver it. Gave to consult the freezer. All the sons are weight lifters...

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 08:05 PM

Have photographed and worked out the packing for the tureen. I'll pop that on eBay tonight and then find a box for the rest of this. There isn't much interest, even at very low prices. I should perhaps also list it in the crafts materials area for broken crockery for mosaic projects.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 11:52 AM

SRS: Good tip about the cherry tomatoes! We were overrun with them last year - volunteers from the heritage ones of the year before! The plants overran the city yard before I realized it and produced like mad until frost.

Yesterday - 3 loads of laundry, two grocery runs to dif stores and way too much time on internet. Went to upstairs studio to turn on heat, watered plants and checked on clay. Darn.

And now it is midday and I need to make a run back up to the vitamin store because I left the NAC in the country and feel the lack of it. Above freezing, just, and no snow on the roads. That is the good news. I HATE driving up there. That's why I usually order on line but I blew it this time. OK, here I go.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 12:15 AM

I've been using zucchini for a meal that I think I invented but probably is from so many recipes I've read over the years, and on top of making lots of marinara sauces. I cut the zucchini in irregular chunks (smallish) and saute them in olive oil with a little pepper. Meanwhile, I defrost an Italian sausage (I always have a supply in the freezer, they go so well in so many things), peel off the membrane, and cut it up into small bite-sized pieces as it cooks. When it's nearly done I add a generous handful of frozen onions and at least as much or more diced frozen bell pepper (both from the garden - I cut these up before freezing) and let them saute with the sausage. I press a garlic clove into it then open a jar of my home-grown diced tomatoes and pour it in, juice and all and let it simmer down a little, then add the zucchini.

Simultaneously I have a pot of boiling water and cook up a cup of pasta (I found some wonderful tortellini at Aldi last week - my new favorite pasta for this is the one with mushrooms). I add that cooked pasta to the simmering mix. I also have a bag of salad sized shrimp in the freezer and I put a big handful in a bowl and let water dribble over it to thaw. The last two things into the pan are the cooked thawed shrimp and a few generous pinches of shredded Romano cheese.

It's not soupy, but the tomatoes make a nice sauce, the cheese is just enough to bind it and give a little sharp accent (I might use a quarter cup at the most). It's mostly vegetables with a small amount of pasta and good protein. If I have a small can of mushrooms I sometimes add them. A big bowl of this and a glass of wine and it's a good one-bowl meal.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 07:58 PM

Thanks! I'm going to give that a try this summer! We have a food mill....love it!

What's everybody doing for dinners these days? I'm always interested in finding something new and different. Last night I made Shepard's Pie which is an all time favorite stand by comfort food in this house! Tonight I am making smothered chicken breasts (sweet peppers, mushrooms, garlic and an itty bitty amount of cheese), roasted Brussels sprouts (fine mist of olive oil, sea salt and lime juice) and baked potatoes.

Have fun at your dinner Maggie. I have so few occasions to get dressed up that I actually enjoy getting dressed up very much. :)

No yoga tonight...I think that would be pushing the limits of my back in a big way...better to rest tonight and catch a class tomorrow. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 06:53 PM

Yes, I froze them whole. Gave them a quick wash then put them on a flat low-sided baking sheet. Rolled the frozen tomato marbles into zip lock bags. When I thaw them I'll wear gloves and squirt each one out of it's skin and use the pulp, seeds and all, or run them through the Villaware food mill and separate out the skin and seeds from the juice and sauce. Just removing the skin and cooking it down till its thick is good for sauce and I don't care if the seeds are there or not.

Heading out to a dinner tonight. Taking a friend from work, and other co-workers will be there. Nothing unusual, but I'm actually dressing up a bit for this. Makes it a bit more fussy. It'll be good to get home, kick off the suit and shoes and shrug into the flannel bathrobe and kick back for a little while. Perhaps we do formal uncomfortable things sometimes just to remind ourselves of how comfortable we can be the rest of the time. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 03:03 PM

Maggie,

   How did you freeze your cherry tomatoes? Whole? Never thought about doing that but certainly always have an over abundance of them! I'd love to hear more!

My back is feeling better! Not 100% but MUCH better. I got all the dishes done (except for a few pots that are soaking), the third load of laundry is in the washing machine, Jeremiah dumped a calendar that sits on my piano with 365 separate pages of quilts and blocks to work on (Mama was NOT happy about that). Jeremiah has his toys picked up and is just about ready to go down for a nap. For whatever reason, the reaching motion is what hurts so I am skipping the floors today. I found a great site for organizing meals and think I am going to spend some time this afternoon seeing what I can do...instead of a week at a time, I'm interested in the month at a time....points labeled, of course.

If you are in the path of the upcoming predicted snow storm, stay safe and warm! It is supposed to pass just south of here....you never know! Our power company just called with a message to prepare for a power outage!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 02:02 PM

Perhaps Sesame Street will teach him to read while you're battling this sore back! Moonglow was 18 months old when they helped her crack the code. :)

Headache all day, for some reason. I'll try a cup of tea, maybe a little extra caffeine will help.

I deculttered a few jars of jelly from summer of 2011. I have a lot still from 2012, so figured now was a good time to give samples of the previous season of mustang grape jelly. Co-workers happy to take it home (and promise to return my jelly jars). Since I've decided that this will be another year of donations to Salvation Army/Goodwill, I need to make a concerted effort to identify items. Photograph, create a document describing and pricing and place a copy of the photo on the document, print, and file in "Income Tax Related" file.

I'm drawing down the freezer contents with dishes that use frozen onions, green bell pepper, 8 oz containers of Lidia's summer simmered sauce with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions, and a lot of basil, etc. This helps both the pocketbook and making room for stuff once the garden gets going this summer. I have bags of cherry tomatoes that I'll have to thaw and turn into spaghetti sauce.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 11:31 AM

PS. Sneezing is a bitch!!! )P(*^&&%#^%$#&)(*&$^%$#%$#(&*)(

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 10:57 AM

My back is still quite sore this morning so I have a steady stream of Advil going and heat. Pete put some Ben Gay on last night but it didn't do much so I am not using it again today. I'm taking it easy...feet up, etc. I am doing laundry (so loving my new washing machine) and tending to Jeremiah as needed. I'm not a fan of having the TV on for him but today it is on...PBS...all educational kid's programs. Dinosaur Train. Sesame Street. Sid the Science Kid. Word World. He has never been plopped in front of the television so he doesn't just sit and watch now either.....he's playing with his cars, trucks and cat inbetween captivating bits on the television. I'll be calling the doctor tomorrow if I don't find some relief soon.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 09:57 AM

I have been working on leadership development with a ministry colleague who I sorely hope can take over one of my bigger volunteer hats-- and the AM email brought GREAT news of his initiative!!!

Most of the relevant files are in order to turn over. I am going to mentally prep the rest of the "stuff" but not do the hands-on work till he agrees, but I see daylight!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 09:17 AM

Michelle, somehow I missed your earlier description of your back injury. I did the same thing when Moonglow was two years old - I had taken the changing table down and so had a pad on the floor for changes. I made the mistake of bending to pick her up then rising with her in my hands - and I got that same painful lockup you describe. I lay where I was for a few minutes then crawled to the phone - and when my husband got home we loaded up for a trip to the emergency room. We hadn't been in town long and didn't have a regular doctor. I commented that I hated going to the emergency room for this, and they'd just put me on muscle relaxants and he'd have to stay home to watch a toddler. There was a minor emergency clinic near the house, so we tried there.

THAT WAS THE BEST CHOICE WE COULD HAVE MADE. All caps for emphasis. It was staffed with Osteopaths. If you can find a DO go see him/her. I was in that exam room and he said that he didn't get much opportunity to use some of the DO skills and had me lie on my side. He pushed on my hip and pulled on my shoulder and I felt at distinct "pop!" and then I turned on the other side and he pulled and pushed again "pop! pop!" and it was back in place. My lower back was still tender feeling, but I was home on motrin, not on high-power painkillers until it popped back into place by itself. It's like a medical doctor with a chiropractor touch.

I suppose a substitute for a DO would be a chiropractor, but I don't go to them so I can't make any recommendations.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: mg
Date: 05 Mar 13 - 01:37 AM

I would absoloutely recommend not lifting Jeremy unless his life is in danger...he can be given a little stool to climb up on a bed for changing, or pullups can be used, stretch time between changes..he can stand on something for changes and cleaning..perhaps persuaded by a lollipop or something....i am sure an occupational therapist could give suggestions...he is old enough to cooperate in this and can be told that mommy has a sore back...mg

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 10:41 PM

I ended up only getting more laundry done. Pete was lucky to get the dinner he did tonight because it required time on my feet and my back continues to hurt. I made Shepard's Pie but instead of traditional mashed potatoes, I left the skins on...just couldn't bear to stand and peel all those potatoes. It came out just fine. He works hard and comes home hungry....I hate to just feed him soup.

He put some Ben Gay on....that stuff sure does get hot....not sure it's doing much good. We'll see.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 09:55 PM

At least 50% of the trip back to the city (it is only 30 miles) was similar to driving on a skating rink. Guess the weekend's snow had melted and frozen. Slid right into a T junction, just making it around the corner without sliding into the next corn field. More glad than usual to see the bridge. City was still OK.

Arrived in time to have supper with R at "the Bistro" - last time I'm going there. I had to keep my coat on and the food is the pits.

Too cold in the house to do anything but wrap up. But the kitchen sink is clean! I gave up on it 3 years ago. Decided there is a special place in hell for whoever invented the material out of which is is made. R informs me that, in my absence, his bro came in to cook them some food. He cleaned the sink! Best thing he has ever done. I will try to keep it that way but not going to wreck my shoulder doing it. Glad I washed the dishes before I left on Fri.!

Guess the only thing I accomplished today was getting back safely! Could be worse.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 09:35 PM

I have decided to list the last big piece of that china (a covered tureen) for a ridiculously low price to attract attention to the pattern. It'll probably get more than a single bid, but it might get people looking at the rest. I'm keeping a few pieces, but I'll either sell the bulk of it in the next couple of weeks or I'll donate it. I have several other items that will get the same treatment, since I find the deductions more useful than the trickle of cash through eBay on some of this.

It was in the 80s today and I wasn't able to get home in time to enjoy it. The rest of the week is down in the 50s and 60s, seasonal. Darn.

Set the clock BACK on Saturday night. Yes, it's that time of year. You lose an hour's sleep and it takes ages to get used to it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 04:12 PM

I finished a listing for the china and put it up at a very low price. I'll give this a couple of tries, and if nothing happens, I'll donate it to the Goodwill or Salvation Army. Perhaps something to go out of the house along with that mattress, that is a bit of a fixture in the front all right now.

Laundry finished, folded, hung up or put away. Ran a load in the dishwasher this morning, so a clear kitchen will greet me this afternoon. My gift to myself. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 03:17 PM

Oops. Just sitting here thinking: I don't feel like going to pot but I want to go do something. Went out and could not get going. Simultaneous thought: just want to be in the LR on book or computer so I can look out at the trees. The "oops" came when I realized there is a light snow falling. Just cold enough for it to be snow.

Skype not working very well - very frustrating 10 minutes trying to communicate with friend in Maryland. MAybe tonight in the city. Maybe I better get on my horse and go to the city before the snow gets worse.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 01:33 PM

I have every single card and note that was sent to me while I was in the hospital and going through treatment. They are tied together in a stack with a beautiful ribbon. I keep them in our bedroom where they are safe from little hands and in a spot where I can see them. Always a lovely reminder of the love and prayers from friends and family. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 01:25 PM

Our neighbor whose wife recently passed showed us the pile of cards he'd received, that he has not yet opened-- just too painful, and not yet a comfort. I also have a pile of cards, from my surgery and nursing home days... and another from when my mom passed last year.

I did look at each of these at the time they arrived, and then I saved them for a "rainy day." So now it's time to unpack that last round of nursing home stuff. The cards have been calling me.... it took me a long time to decide what to do with them.

So I wrote a-pager on the computer, thanking the sender and giving an update on how I am doing (they're still praying, and cards still arrive, TBTG!). It includes a thumbnail Hardi had taken of me waving from the ramp.

I found some nice prayer/note cards up in my office, and got them (and their envelopes) organized... I pre-folded all the 1-pagers... I decided I did not like what I had written and did them over... I put all this in the container that HAD held the cards, right by the front door.

So now, I keep all the wonderful get-well cards I'd received, out at the head of the ramp, in a weather-resistant container. As I enjoy the precious fresh air (even when it's COLD), I review one card when I finish each set of ramp-laps. As I look at each card again, I am motivated to keep this recovery phase up-- and most important, to remember that it is God who is doing the healing.

Then that one card comes in; I write the thank-you note, enclose the 1-pager, address the envelope, add the address to my parish directory if it's not in there, and discard the envelope. The card goes in the stairwell to go up to my office where I have pinboards of the good thoughts people send me.

Up in the office sits the box of cards from when my mom passed. I suspect that, about the time my first birthday without her rolls around, I will have finished the set of cards that are out on the ramp. I can then start going thru the condolence cards again, and keep up that habit of the notes. (I have always been SO BAD about notes!!!)

I love the circularity of it all.... the day before she died I called her about the Dx that sparked the surgery she had known I would eventually do. As I move forward with LIFE I often hear her egging me on.

I am beginning a major downsizing process so that when Hardi retires (he hain't set a date and it's years off), we can move smoothly into the little teensy house of my dreams that I will be able to care for myself. That house will have such a tiny office that by then, I will not have the pinboards-full of cards-- but photos of the pinboards as they evolved-- snapping a fresh one every time I take down stuff to make room for new memories.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Mar 13 - 11:32 AM

We got our new washing machine late yesterday afternoon. Pete had it home and hooked up after dinner (say 7sih) so I did a few loads of laundry then and it has been going nonstop since I got up this morning. Potty training has also commenced. I wanted to start earlier but without a washing machine, it just wasn't going to work for me. So this morning I was lifting Jeremiah from the changing table to the potty, got him settled and went to lay a towel over the side of the tub so it wasn't such a cold place for me to sit while he tried out the potty and my back locked up in pain. Lower back, both sides. I couldn't stand up. I waited all bent over while I took a few slow deep breaths and eventually stood up and went to get the phone. Something clearly is wrong and I wanted to be able to call for help if necessary. It's now a few hours later and my back still hurts even if I'm just sitting. I've stretched, taken Advil and have a HOT corn bag between the chair and my back. I had high hopes of getting the dishes done, doing some cooking and baking and of course, getting caught up with the laundry. We shall see. Right now I'm thinking lifting of any kind is a bad idea. I will continue to life Jeremiah to change his pants if needed, of course....but holy YOUCH. I have no idea what I did but I hope to never do it again...I'm hurting.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 08:37 PM

I was a little stiff today from yesterday's activity so I kept walking around the Market, sat down, got up, walked around, socialized, and sold 4 small pots. Good thing it was a fun day. A woman from the summer market to whom I sold some clay, brought four small pieces for me to fire and glaze for her. I need to get to work and get a kiln load ready to bisque! Fortunately she is in no hurry. Another market in 3 weeks! MAYBE I can get that glazing done - even tomorrow?

I got up early enough to bring in a fresh pile of stove wood to dry by the stove, load the car and be at the Market in good time. So nice not to rush.

Staying at cabin tonight. Came home and took another HOT bath. Will have an early night and try to get to the studio before I lose energy.

No response to my carefully written note to troubled friend. Now there is another one! I am considering sending each the other's posts, as in - you ain't the only one with major problems! Must be the weather? What do you mean I cannot solve all the world's problems?

I've only observed a collision once. Had to go to court and testify. It was quite clear cut and I had a safe ring-side seat- about 50 ft away.

Still reveling in my tidy LR! So cheery! Now I am going to read a novel and sleep. And wish every one well with special thoughts for Kat.

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 06:20 PM

Weeding and shoveling decaying leaves from the curb out front is finished. I'll take the push mower out in a minute and mow one small patch of weed grass that is ahead of everything else.

I found my notes for the china pattern I'm going to list again on eBay - I didn't want to have to recreate them from a year ago. I figure I'm more likely to sell estate stuff if I give the provenance.

Tomorrow is supposed to be overcast and warm, so I'm going to work a half-day then get some running around done for the yard work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 05:29 PM

We took another bag of too-huge clothes to a freecycle recipient yesterday and stopped on the way home for Indian delicacies that fed us all day today as well-- they oversauce so I just add chicken.

The bag of gone-clothes leaves me an empty shelf for nighties and that makes room for blouses due back from alterations this week.

~S~

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 01:05 PM

I sold some baby clothes yesterday. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 12:47 PM

Tiny sale on eBay yesterday, going to list some more low-ball items, just to move them out. I'd like to build up to some real money there, but I also try to add to my feedback score. Last week I heard about a friend of a friend who is a retired physician who had one client whose extremely rich family paid for her to live in his home and get more care than if she was in an nursing home. She was a hard-core smoker and alcoholic, the best he could do was try to keep her from harming herself too much. She was addicted to shopping and had a whole second bedroom at his house filled with clothes. She died last year (kidney failure) and the family, that had washed their hands of her, wanted nothing to do with all of that stuff. The physician has been laundering and listing items on eBay since then and is now a "power seller" he has moved so much stuff.

Pretty weather, so I'll be in the yard this afternoon, and take the dogs for a walk into the woods across the road (I'll keep up these walks there until the poison ivy leafs out).

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 10:06 AM

Oh, Michelle...how fortunate we are, I guess, that we can absorb such highs and lows in such a short period of time. Really glad, Maggie, that you managed to avoid being an impacted part of the accident -- and an observant and responsible person to check the people in the vehicles were okay and to call and report the accident.

I've just cleared snow from the deck and car and path to the house so I'm all set to go get Tom in a few minutes.

I'd also had a chance this morning to do a few more housekeeping tasks that it's nice to have done before Tom comes home.

Believe it or not, in the past couple days I've again refined the pile of financial papers, thrown out stuff that was unnecessary and organized the rest. I also eliminated a lot of clutter on Tom's side of the table (the better to extricate some of those said financial papers; sigh). AND I've put at least one sweater in a pile for Goodwill (or, more likely, to a friend who will find homes for them) and made a promise to go through ALL of my sweaters (again) and be a bit more ruthless (and realistic -- a size 3X WHITE crew neck sweater is never going to make me look less than fatter than I actually am) this time.

And with Tom home, I can attack a few more areas and make some headway.

Linn

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 02:21 AM

So glad you weren't part of the accident Maggie.

XOXOX

Michelle

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Mar 13 - 01:03 AM

I'm so sorry, Michelle. Those pain patches are serious business, the rules are strict, and they're for anyone who can't tolerate the regular Rx pain killers. Moonglow (my daughter) had them after her tonsils were removed - and it was something so serious that she destroyed those she didn't use. I am so sorry for your loss. Your friend's pain must have been deep, so deep, to take such a step.

There was an auto accident this afternoon on my way home from shopping. Bam! and a suburban in the lane to my left tried to move into the turn lane to his left without enough announcement - a woman in that lane hit him and he sideswiped the SUV in front of me. So there I was, untouched, seeing it all. On a busy boulevard. I put on my blinkers and got out. "Are you okay?" - I asked the people in the vehicle that caused it and got hit. They were. Next vehicle up - "Are you okay?" - They were. And to the red truck that was cut off by the maneuver and hit the first vehicle, I slapped at the passenger side window to get her attention - "Are you okay?" - down came the window, and she was okay. I called 911 and reported it. The operator asked if anyone was hurt - I told him not, that it was a sideswipe, not a T-bone, and that they were all out of their vehicles. Tow truck would be needed, and an officer was on the way. I realized that as I spoke I named the vehicles by their role - the operator asked what vehicles were involved. I told him the red truck hit the one beside me - and my wording at first was that the red truck was at fault - but I realized very quickly that she didn't have time to respond when the bronze Suburban turned suddenly into her lane. She hit him because he moved into her space (she was probably in his blind spot when he made the move.) I handed each of the vehicle drivers (three total) my card, and after speaking to police but before I drove off I told the woman in the red truck that I did see what happened. She was shocked, but okay, but she'll need my report to clear her. I expect to hear from attorneys and insurance companies via my work address, since that was the card I had with me.

Watching the last of the Lord of the Rings movies tonight. Enjoying the Shakespearean aspects of Tolkien's story.

SRS

Subject: RE: Waltz into Spring: Declutter - March 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Mar 13 - 11:31 PM

Socks! The family edict was: NEVER wear your shoes without socks! That fits into the category of some other family edicts! I have worn sandals through all but the worst snowy parts of winter in Quebec and Ontario - with socks, so I guess it's habituated! My feet no longer like the feel of shoes without socks except in high summer. Walking in the woods in sandals without socks is not recommended.

Instead of the glazing I had put off 'til today, I did a number on the LR. R delivered that two drawer object - about 36w x 18d x 18 high. It is now happily ensconced under the front window, covered with a lovely red Guatamalan fabric. A line of books against the window sill, and a couple tidy piles of more books, the two shallow drawers excellent for papers and magazines. Two sides of the LR beautifully decluttered! And I hung a lovely blue and purple round stained glass piece (about 2 feet diameter) on the very strong curtain rod holder. It is between the windows in front of the cream drapes with enough light getting through to be effective - but not blocking any view. The room is so much nicer!

However, the boxes of papers to be sorted are now in the spare room! BUT, during lunch, about 2 pm, the thought occurred to me: Do I really need those papers? Anything that is info can be found on the internet. Resolved: Go through them quickly and sort out only what is personally important and use the rest for fire starter. A pile has already gone there!

The sugar bush across the road is in production! So R cleared the back shed so the property owners can get the trailer out. It is such fun to watch. They put in spiles and use buckets and family and friends come round to gather and feed the fire, and socialize.

Great music again last night. R went to the city this morning so a quiet time for my decluttering. He had also brought a clear plastic container so I put the pending mending in it and did some clearing around the dining table. Then I decluttered my bank account.

Farmer's Market tomorrow. R will stay in the city but folks are always ready to help me with the carrying.

Temp still hovers around freezing and overcast. Might get sun on Tuesday.