Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013

Subject: RE: April 2013 Showers wash away clutter!!!!!!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 May 13 - 11:08 AM

Yesterday I pulled a pair of pants out of the back of the closet and added it to my wearable wardrobe because they now fit. I also retired a pair of large pants for the Salvation Army bag.

Weigh-in at work this afternoon for a group weight-loss effort as different departments compete across campus. I've lost about 12 pounds so far, but still have plenty to lose, so I might as well let the points for my weight loss count for my co-workers. I don't know if I'll use the campus gym much, but my lawn mowing and yard work should be equally useful in attaining a better level of fitness.

The days of regular eating are really important to the process - getting a variety of good foods, especially getting healthy oils and good fiber.

SRS

Subject: RE: April 2013 Showers wash away clutter!!!!!!!!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 May 13 - 08:44 PM

The post I wrote about this time yesterday escaped! Botheration!

Move: by 30 June. Hope the space at the mill is habitable.

From cabin:
Yesterday was spent at the mill. I could have driven R down and come back but I was so tired from the day before I just stayed. Wished I had a clean place to lie down. Maybe next week.

We met the auctioneer at the auction site and collected the books, wood stove, and--- whatever else was left over - just to help Randy clear the church hall!!! Two pick up truck loads and four of his guys, a caravan to the Mill where we unloaded - two pallets of books and they put the stove on a pallet also. Then R can move them with a ---pallet truck or fork lift when their next home is ready. Could be a while. I hope he sorts and gets rid of lots of the books. Some date back as far as 1867. Some he says he would pay $5 for in a store. A yard sale or a bonfire? Both?

Was on internet, using portable modem. read, washed a couple more windows. Went to town to get lunch for R. Stayed out of the way. Talked to a neighbour about growing M and other things. R and I looked at what to do in the K. The window - over the sink and facing east - will be an old door with a fabulous piece of glass in it, trimmed down a bit, set at just the right height for seeing out, stripped first! The room is fairly small, no place to eat but a pass through and door to LR and doorway to solarium, which is also about 9X9, big enough for brekkie. Went home by 10, yummy leftovers and bed.

This morning I had brekkie ready when a call came for R to meet someone at the Mill, PDQ. He ate and took my car and that was the last I heard! I hung those still damp clothes, did the emails, many responses, had a call from the Montreal SPCA about 5 squirrel orphans but no car to fetch them; suggested she call R in case he could do it but doubtful as they would have to be fed often; had lunch, trimmed pots, packed two boxes of books, cooked black beans and chick peas, put food out for critters, had words with the groundhog as he scooted across the drive, took clothes off the line and put them away, drained the tamari almonds, washed some dishes, did on-line banking. I had hoped to throw some pots also but I am not sure if it is inertia or concern for the shoulder. Right now, I could prepare clay for tomorrow or take a helpful hot bath...

Glorious weather, finally and little green leaves today!!! Want to garden but need the front loader to fill the frames. The repair is not a priority.

May Day!!

Subject: RE: April 2013 Showers wash away clutter!!!!!!!!
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 May 13 - 09:10 PM

Realizing that much of time on internet has been searching - glazes, kitchen cabinets, patio doors!, and the ongoing property hunt. Not just playing around. I get a lot of info, connect with people who are special to me and have picked up terrific info on various aspects of pottery making, firing, glazing, and more. -Lest I feel like a twit for being on line so much.

Subject: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 May 13 - 11:05 PM

Spring is fully engaged and Spring Cleaning is underway. I have plans to rearrange the tables between several rooms, once I clear their surfaces. It's time to bring the mid-century modern table from the sunroom (where all of my eBay stuff lives) and put it in the living room. I need to repair one of the support hinges, it droops a bit when it is in the full-extended position, but it folds down quite compact, and that will be useful in the front room. I'm planning to move the dining table in the large front room into the dining area next to the kitchen, and rearrange stuff around the walls in there. And I'm planning to move the small table in that kitchen dining area into the eBay room. The footprint of each table is what will make the shift to different locations a good arrangement arrangement.

I know there's lots going on, so I'll transfer a few of those posts from today (May 1 in the April thread) into this thread, so this won't end up being the first post. Don't be confused, its just the way the Mudcat order of things works.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 May 13 - 11:10 PM

Here is the April 2013 thread.

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Mrrzy
Date: 01 May 13 - 11:15 PM

Yikes need to work on my brain. Denied was getting manic till i landed in jail... am out now, several pounds lighter.

Also just moved, got a lot of new organizing/decluttering things... much room and many surfaces in new place!

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 May 13 - 11:22 PM

Do you have a story to tell, Mrrzy? Or a song to write about your experience? It also sounds like you have room to work with - the best thing to do is not clutter it in the first place.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Mrrzy
Date: 02 May 13 - 10:51 AM

Song challenge! Great idea! Is it just here or do they keep jails freezing cold all over the US?

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 May 13 - 11:09 AM

I have no idea! Try posting a song challenge above the line - there are enough folkies up there who have probably had a passing acquaintance with gaol to offer advice. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 May 13 - 06:52 PM

Mrrzy: Someone on another group is considering a service dog which can tell her when she is going manic! The thread involved much interesting commentary about the myriad qualities of service dogs. I was totally amazed and educated.

At cabin!
Today was a good potting day. Inspired by imminent company tomorrow, realizing I would not be able to do any work for two days, or more, I went out early and transformed about 40 pounds of clay into decent looking pots. Also started the process of reclaiming old clay from the bucket.

R still in city so I did the detox bath last night and was up early this morn. Best of all, I felt good, as I usually do when I detox at night.

I also made the black beans into soup/salsa. Very little time on internet - can be done!

I may have lost a pound or two. That is enough to encourage me to try harder. But then I came in from studio HUNGRY and ate an apple cider donut. That was a very bad idea; of course it made me hungry. Sugar always does. But too tired to cook, I then ingested yogurt and granola.

Now I am ready for bed! (6:30!) Hoping for another rush of energy to run the vacuum and wash K floor! Guests arriving noonish tomorrow!

Looked at "April Showers wash away clutter" and thought - it would take a typhoon. The new pile of books has finally dawned on me! OK. Put out animal feed, cover pots, phone R, if his phone is charged, and lie down until the spirit moves me.

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: ranger1
Date: 02 May 13 - 07:07 PM

Finally worked up the courage to ask my mother NOT to bring anything else up when she comes to visit. She had already realized what that was doing to me and told my gramma no more stuff. Thank you, Mummy!

I finally realized that I don't have to do every chore all at once. One small load of laundry will get done faster than three double loads at the laundromat. As in, I am far less daunted by the prospect of a small, single load and am much more likely to get it done. I'm also treating dishes the same way. More gets accomplished this way. Yay me!

I also need to get to work on the boxes still sitting in the corners as someone is coming to check on possibly fixing the horrible, falling apart shower on Monday. Nothing like a deadline to get your adrenaline going!

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 May 13 - 07:52 PM

Busy day all 'round and I feel quite accomplished despite having a bunch of undone tasks still on my list. And got everything done around Tom's visiting nurse's and his physical therapist's visits.

Spent this morning on the phone tracking down information and then getting the final financial requirement in Tom's application for Medicaid in the works -- getting the change of beneficiary forms for his life insurance and taking care of final arrangements that can be paid for with his insurance before the rest of the death benefit goes to the state of New Hampshire. More things checked off the list...

Also was able to pick up forms for this year's "Low and Moderate Income Homeowner's Property Tax Relief Program" from the town offices (and again thank Marge for yesterday's May basket -- we live in a wonderful small town) and drop off another box of books for the library sale in the same trip. They see me coming and come out to schlep the boxes for me. (Nice; today's box was a heavy one.) I still need to find a box for the others.

Moved some rocks around when I got home -- the plow guy had managed to rearrange a bunch of the rocks lining the (mostly) hosta bed inside the turnaround and I needed to put them either in a place where they wouldn't get lost when the driveway is done next week AND indicate where, exactly, the flower bed starts up at the point. The hostas are just starting to come up -- invisible to certain male eyes, alas. I'm getting tired of plow people, delivery trucks, etcet stressing my flower beds (dammit!). It'll be great to get the driveway done properly (after 35+ years), but not at the expense of my flower beds!

And then I couldn't postpone it any longer. (Not that I didn't try -- I called my sister, but she wasn't home.) Sigh. Sabine, the sophisticated mature lady cat, has been pooping in the corner of the bedroom to show her displeasure with the young(er) brat, Rufus. Of course, cleaning it up is not as straight forward or simple as it sounds because there's an antique wicker rocker (filled with stuff), an camel back trunk, and a number of piles of books and papers in the way. (And the mess is back under the eves to boot.) And nowhere to put any of it. Well. I moved the piles (in some cases several times as they spilled over the floor) on top of other piles for the time being and the Victorian wicker platform rocker ended up on its side on the bed. (That's incentive...this all HAS to be done RIGHT NOW or I don't have anyplace to sleep tonight.) And do it I did -- scraped up and bagged the, uh, "ordure", sprayed "Nature's Miracle" heavily over everything and then mixed some eucalyptus oil in water in a spray bottle and sprayed that over the area in hopes that it will discourage Sabine from sneaking back there again. We have two litter boxes that are kept clean, but Rufus really likes to use both of them. There's just no way to ensure that they each have private use of just one litter box. Arghhh! Cat psychology!

Since I forgot to take the puff pastry out of the freezer and didn't have time to simmer the meat for steak and mushroom pies, I postponed that meal until Saturday and heated up the WONDERFUL frozen "Doc In a Crock" chicken and barley soup (from What a Crock Homemade Soups, a local business) that came with the May basket yesterday. What a tasty supper and all I had to do was heat it up (and pour the wine).

I ache and I'm very tired, but I feel very accomplished.

Linn

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 May 13 - 08:33 PM

I am short on time tonight but have been quite busy. As you know, I started the Yoga Challenge last month. The goal was to do 30 days of yoga. I did 16. I wish I had done more but I do have other things going on and a problem with energy. I have not had a consistent yoga practice in 3 years...oh heck..I haven't had much of a practice at all. So...given my post chemo body with an additional 60 pounds....I am absolutely THRILLED with my 16 days. I have signed up for more this month...4 days a week if I can drag my butt out of bed. Anyway..I have some packing to do...but thought you might like to see what my practice looks like. I am in some of the photos but none of the close ups. I love my yoga studio. :)

The Blickifier isn't working at this moment so here's the web address..cut and paste and you'll be good to go!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9VBdsFVKbU

Michelle

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: ranger1
Date: 02 May 13 - 08:47 PM

Michelle's link

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 May 13 - 09:25 PM

Thank you Ranger! It kept timing out on me!!!

XOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 May 13 - 01:28 AM

The entire Internet seems slow tonight.

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 May 13 - 03:22 PM

I decluttered the computer last night and this morning - dumped temporary files, emptied the cache, etc. I'll see if it is running any faster when I get home. I am thinking it is the provider this time. I did the turn off everything including the router and modem and computer bit, and it doesn't seem to have helped.

This weekend has much of the usual work - some garden attention (put more mulch out, put in the last few plants I found that I wanted in the veggie garden) and I need to see if I can't make the flower part of the front yard look more tidy. Get some of the grass out of the flower beds, etc.

In the evening I'll be moving stuff around in the house. It's also time for another recycle run and a Goodwill drop off.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 May 13 - 12:41 PM

I de-accessioned a few sea creatures this morning -- plastic and stuffed ones. Tom had a new visiting nurse today and she has a 3-year-old daughter who is fascinated by marine life. The nurse commented on my wonderful stuffed octopus from Micca and I told her that I have the largest collection of rubber squid (and other non-edible cephalopods) in the state of New Hampshire (probably the ONLY collection of rubber squid in the state of NH) and she told me about her daughter. So I pulled a couple things out of the guest room and gave her a plush stuffed crab and a seahorse plus two collections of small fish and other sea creatures from which I had extracted the squid and octopus. One happy kid plus I've gained "cubic footage"!

The firewood is almost entirely gone out of the driveway. (The last bit is being loaded as I type.) And in a few minutes I'll go out and move the sedums from the "holding bed" and dig up and replant the violets in the driveway...oh, and move the ajuga that are jutting into the driveway. Then I'll message my driveway guy that everything is set for him to start on the driveway on Monday. (He'll move the loam pile.) AND I'll explain to him again exactly where the edges of the flower bed on the inside of the turnaround are -- my hostas are NOT expendable, and a couple are right on the edge, so he'll have to pay attention.

The time-consuming part of dinner (slowly simmering the meat) is finished, so after moving the plants I can spend the rest of the afternoon on the phone. Maybe I can fit in some time for Tom to practice concertina with my singing. He's been unable to play concertina for most of a year and not only has to get back in practice, but come to grips with the fact that, in a pinch, he can no longer visually locate the correct starting note. I've lost my vocal partner; I don't want to lose my accompanist as well, especially now that I'm singing a lot of "his" songs.

Linn

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 May 13 - 12:43 PM

This lovely morning is the one where I hit the ground running as far as clearing up around here. Hanging up stuff, folding laundry, doing laundry, in and out to the garden, working on boxing things to ship, cleaning up my office (preparing to move my desk to a new spot means I have to move a lot of paper - either file it or into the recycle bin).

Yard work also. Must refill the line trimmer with the heavy duty line I've been using (what a difference it makes!) and start my vinegar weed control now that it is warm and sunny.

I have to make a trip across town this morning so I'll have stuff in the pickup that I can drop off along the way. Recycling, Goodwill, etc. And hopefully pick up - these damned moths are back (the Safer moth traps had a 3 month life, and at three months and one day, I started seeing the buggers again.) This time I mail-ordered a box of a dozen traps and I'm going to nail those suckers all around the house. The box is supposed to arrive at my local Home Depot so I didn't have to pay for shipping.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 May 13 - 03:51 PM

The sun room is looking better, but I'm tired of looking at all of these boxes of books. I ended one sale on eBay (a box of 15 mysteries), set aside a few I'm pretty sure will sell in small lots, and the rest are going into the pickup for the run today (didn't make it out as early as I hoped). I'll stop by my half-price bookstore so they can to go to new homes.

One of the items in the sun room was a set of flannel sheets I should have sold on eBay last winter. They were a bit dusty so I dropped them in the laundry. I'll take a photo then list them later.

I've cleared out some of the stuff in the office (part of that clutter was a big box of books) so I can start moving furniture. And dusting.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 May 13 - 02:10 PM

Moving forward slowly today, but moving. I had to stop and post a letter to the local newspaper about a really strange election. I'd done a lot of research last week when the local paper didn't say anything about it. And today an article appeared, so I reposted remarks that I put up last week. I editorialized and had to tweak to remove hot links.

The shredder is busy today as I do more work in the office. I have a new USB hub I need to install, the one in use now has ports that are failing. How a solid-state device can fail is a mystery - but this is planned obsolescence for you. I need to move a bunch of wires and the desk to do it, so the clearing out and moving around the office is the preliminary move.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 May 13 - 07:04 PM

I took today off and headed to a friend's tranquil garden to sit in the sun, drink some wine, pet a Schnauzer who loves me (we share a name; everyone else he has a tendency to bite; me he invites into the house and rolls over in my lap to get rum tums) and enjoy some wonderful conversation.

I also de-accessioned a brand-new-tag-still-on stuffed pooch that plays "Sugar Sugar" at the press of a button (don't ask...), a book on creative women, a ceramic blue and white 8" high wing chair that will look lovely (in my friend's house) on top of a stack of books, and my favorite lacy brass hair clip (c. 1973) that will look much much better in her long full hair (I'll never have hair that long again).

She was also the recipient of some firewood I de-accessioned this week.

Doesn't sound like much, but every little bit helps and it was all stuff I wanted to go to a good home, the right home. AND (even more importantly) I de-cluttered a massive amount of stress.

Really lovely afternoon and I even got a light bit of sunburn on my face. (And got home sober enough to make chicken vindaloo for supper.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 May 13 - 10:31 PM

I made another round of stops this afternoon. The pharmacy was open this time, the Humane Society also, where I drop off newspaper for the animal cages. My feed store was just closed but they let me in to buy one bag of my usual dog food (and fill out my frequent buyer card - the next bag is free!) Dropped the last of the Mercer Waldorf semi-vitreous china (a few plates that had been in the last eBay auction that didn't sell) at Goodwill to go with the rest, wherever it ended up. Maybe as old as it is, they sent it to Goodwill central for their online auction. http://www.shopgoodwill.com/

I've rearranged a lot of stuff in the office, I didn't finish, but I did shred a lot of paper and organize a bunch more of it. I uncovered a lot of tablets of paper and some books I'd forgotten about. Moved one table.

This evening I was in the back yard and spoke over the fence with the kids next door (Avery, about 7, and Gavin, 3, going on 4, who says he's 5) and told them I was going to take the dogs for a walk, if they wanted to come out and meet them face to face. (Two of the dogs don't get near the fence because of the Invisible Fence collar.) The kids were excited and came out with their mom who is a huge fan of one of them (Poppy). We talked, they wanted to know the story of how the dogs came to live with me.

Only one drastic shock during our visit, when Avery started jumping and screaming and hitting at her foot - her first fire ant bite, and it was an invisible painful mystery to them until I picked the tiny ant off of her foot as her mother held her. They just moved here from California. "What does it feel like?" the mother asked. "It's like a hot needle, a shot." Oh!!! They'd been told about these, but this was the first painful meeting. A quick trip in for shoes and she was back out with the dogs.

These kids don't seem to know any other kids here yet, and when they play in the back they always see my dogs, who mooch because the dogs are given a biscuit a day by their grandfather Cecil (he has for years). The kids have started giving them biscuits and they see how the dogs do or don't cooperate with each other - I told them how to let each dog know a biscuit is for him or her. They've figured out how to get Zeke to do tricks for them, after I showed them what he could do last week. "Sit. Down. Roll over." These dogs are their best friends in the neighborhood right now, so it only seemed fair to meet face to face.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 May 13 - 08:32 AM

Home from the quilting retreat where I had so much fun!!! I did lots of sewing and that was great but the camaraderie was amazing!!! Lots of friends there!!! I can't wait for the next one! Anyway, I finished 2 quilt tops, a table runner, a little gadget to hold a cell phone and a bag! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 May 13 - 11:20 AM

This is really long. I wrote in Word, not to lose it. It has been a very special time. I hope all you wonderful people will forgive me. This weekend did me a lot of good.

At cabin, on second pot of green tea –

I may have lost as much as 5 pounds; this is very encouraging and will help me continue to try harder. (my scale is not very readable.)

Ranger: Congrats on stopping the flow of stuff! I wish!! And also on other ah hah's! What a load we put on ourselves when we get into ruts of our own making. It took me ten years to realize that – Hey, I have running water now; I can wash dishes - with out worrying about how many I am using!

Michelle: You continue to be an inspiration. You are doing so much!

Deadlines: It seems that some of us need them. The spirit never moved me on Thurs! I took another detox bath and went to bed! So there I was, early Friday morning, getting the house clean enough for guests due to arrive at noon, then trimming pots until … Happily got an email saying they would be later so I could trim longer. Quit just before they were "due" and left some trimming for later, well wrapped. Was happy to have at least a kiln load drying knowing the weekend was going to be full - with guests and wedding.

It was about 3 when they finally arrived so I had everything as orderly as possible. Friends when we met, Broome has known R since his years at McGill – early '70s, and I have heard about him for years. So we spent an hour or so telling tales. Then went off to give them a chance to see the saw mill where he would have liked to spend 4 hours! He and R are twins! Guests are also avid folk music and dance people. He coveted a couple of my old albums so we will find a place to download them onto computer and send them to him.

The wonderful window was not in place but a plain one was. I am assured by R that it can be changed but B talked him into this and I was considerably less than amused. B told R it would be frosted all winter and we wouldn't be able to see out, and a vandal might break it. The first is nonsense; it faces the rising sun. If the frost melts and runs down, there are ways of coping. The second – put a piece of plexiglass over the exterior – like they do on church windows.   B is so caught up in "the way things spozed to be". Right now it is a long thin, ugly, horizontal window, taking up wall space that could be used more effectively - in a K that R insists will have plenty of cabinets. HAH!   

Guests and I went to the café where the open mike was terrific. R arrived in time for the featured performer. After being physically assaulted for a while by too many decibels, high pitched sounds and the heavy bass, I was delighted to be able to leave in my car and let R come home with the guests. I felt as though I had been run over by a steam roller - beaten to a pulp. Penny also found it difficult, Broome was asleep in their car!

Sat: R dashed off to work and the rest of us talked and talked and finally left for the city in their car about noon. It was very special for me to hear their tales of R and bro, and their complete comprehension of and concordance with my own feelings.

After we arrived in the city house, the guests spent a couple hours deciding what to do with their non-wedding time - 'til 7 pm. Finally went off about 3:30 to walk to one comic book store, no longer having time to visit all four, and then to the wedding. I cleared emails until R arrived about 5 pm, as ordered!

The time they spent decision making was interesting; to me it needed some serious de-cluttering! But that is their way.

Washed and appropriately attired!, R & I actually got to the church a few minutes early "so we have time to talk to people". To our surprise, the only people we knew were so involved we just sat and waited – in the front so I had a chance of understanding. In an hour-long service, I only understood the bride and groom as they said their vows. R tells me it was very good and the priest was excellent. (High Anglican in the Cathedral)

Same at the reception. This time it was D's daughter who spoke comprehensibly. Everyone else did not. Same sound system, so it is clear that I can hear and understand if persons speak clearly – most people do not. R understood. There were lots of interesting words spoken but… Then there was good finger food, music, dancing. As the music got louder, I started feeling as though I were in an oil drum and people were beating on it with baseball bats. I offered to go sit in the car but it was almost 11:30 so we left. Only Broome remembered our plan to go to the all-night bagel factory and did not mention it because I was so exhausted.

It was the first thing I thought of Sunday morning and I felt like weeping – Saturday Night at the Bagel Factory is a wonderful book with good reason. It is an event! But we went as soon as all were conscious. The guests wanted several dozen to take home – "a frozen bagel from the factory is better than anything available in Albany!"

(I also woke up so achey from the trimming session on Friday I could hardly move! Better enough today so I can get back to it!)

Also stopped briefly, on the way, to see a friend, near the factory, to show her the beautiful new pot from last week. I gave it to her and paid heed to her orders about other glazes she wants me to make!! Guests wondered what her children were like! (They are wonderful!) H has been giving me instructions on what to do and how to live since she was about 13 – 40 years now! I really missed her when I lived away.

Wedding brunch at the home of the radiantly happy wedded couple, prepared by kids and close friends, an elegant, laid back, beautiful event in their lovely Victorian town house, restored years ago by the now ex of the new bride!   The marvelous network of friends of 40 plus years made some new connections – "I've heard of you for years!" It would be interesting to chart it.

Wonderful to pick up an adult relationship with the, almost 30, son. "I haven't seen you since you were 9!" "I remember," said he. R is his godfather and has a close ongoing relationship with each of the three "kids". I have been away but, happily, remembered fondly!

Guests announced they would get a ride back to their car with L and gave us the spare key to their car so we could put their bagels in their car. Also the items husband pulled out of the trash he found after we had found a parking place near enough to the brunch! (R collected some useful items also.) They also went off to get cream cheese for the bagels and ate one each before going to brunch. Cannot beat bagels fresh out of the fire! Once upon a time, I would have eaten two or three! R & I left the brunch so R could get back to work – after long good byes.

Back at the city house, I firmly announced, "I am leaving for the cabin at 3 pm, with or without you." R made some calls while I eliminated emails and we had soup and a bagel; we had been too busy socializing to eat much at the brunch! I drove him to meet a friend with a truck and left for the country where I took the essentials – food for the frig – from the car, went inside and turned on the tub, put the food away and got into the bath. When I fell asleep, I dragged myself out and into bed where I stayed until phone rang at 10 pm.

I tried to return the call but no signal, went outside – no signal. Put on a T'dress and shoes and searched for a signal and ended up finding it back where I started. Then off to pick up R and bring him home to fall into bed.

After a quick brekkie, he went off to the mill, today, to start the process of de-cluttering it of a huge machine which will be going to Mexico on three separate transport trucks. They are, hopefully, loading one piece a day for these 3 days, a tricky task needing total attention, crew and two fork lifts.   

I am, of course, carless, hoping to load the kiln with dry pots and make some fresh ones. Need to make larger batches of the tests that are interesting and make a couple more tests – trying to get the turquoise and grey that H wants.

Another gorgeous day and the leaves are almost full size, shading the cabin nicely. Rain predicted for Weds but that is OK. The wedding weekend was marvelous for our dear ones. And rain is necessary.

Off I go!

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 13 - 12:49 PM

Michelle, good work! I can see why you enjoy a dedicated time for sewing. And Dorothy, it sounds like you have your hands full! Linn also, with the visits and driveway and firewood and such.

Dorothy, a heads up: I had my dentist appointment for my six month appointment for cleaning, and I told them about the fasting diet. There was more plaque to be knocked off in a couple of places, and apparently with the tea drinking on days I don't eat much, and what I do eat being fruit, the acid levels in all of those things help the plaque stick more. So I'll make sure to brush my teeth more often on the fasting days. You might want to build that into the routine. I'm still down the same amount of weight, I haven't lost more, probably because I made sure to add extra carbs in the last couple of eating days. I'll now eat fewer carbs, but also less protein, making sure I have more meals of cooked vegetables and fruit, to keep things regular.

My office is at that awkward place of having less paper and stuff, but the things I sorted through were stacked so I can address them for scanning or filing, so there are still some messy flat surfaces in here. There's just a lot less of it.

Kat, we haven't heard from you for a while. I hope you're reading along and getting stronger every day. And I hope spring is there and making things easier with the warmer weather.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 13 - 05:45 PM

May seems to be "Trolls come out of the woodwork" month.

I was set to move a narrow desk down to the temporary office we'll be in for the summer when our office manager said no. I have to wait a week until movers get here. I'd like to move it now and have it in place so the rest of the stuff I'm taking down there can be set where it needs to be. Nope, the office manager isn't having it. I had to put it back. I work with women who apparently have men move all heavy objects for them. I moved my entire apartment contents to my house when I moved in, except the upright grand, I have a guy who does that professionally. A desk - nothing to it.

It is going to be a wasted week.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 May 13 - 08:12 PM

Female chauvinists - those who believe there is men's work and women's work - ARGGHHHH!

Managed to load kiln, prepare clay and, later, start kiln. Otherwise inertia. Just got out of hot bath. Did not get to go dancing again this week; R has car, truck that was supposed to come at noon came about 4:30. It would have been better if I had driven him to mill and come home. I could have gone to the city, done laundry, gone dancing and back to pick him up about 10:30. Maybe next week.

Thanks, SRS. I will keep that in mind. I just went to check the scale. It really is the pits but I washed it and moved the markers and ascertained what numbers meant what. I was about 167, the best I could tell but I thought it was 165 this morning. I am belabouring it! Try harder tomorrow. De-toxing does help make it easier - or less difficult.

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 13 - 11:02 PM

If they'd seen me hauling all of the stuff at my friends' house after it was foreclosed, dismantling the greenhouse pieces, loading it in the pickup, erecting it at home - this table is nothing. In the middle of all of the big stuff going on, it seems to be the small stuff that is most annoying or catches one off guard as far as an emotional response.

I stopped to see a friend this afternoon, and called another this evening. Good vibrations from friends were just what was needed to get back to a good mood.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 May 13 - 10:38 AM

Some pieces of a Russel Wright set of Melamine (a teal speckled melmac set from my childhood) came in yesterday. They're the same plastic and color, but not the same molds. I'm using this for extra plates if I have folks over for informal potlucks, etc. I'm still looking for the exact match, and if I find them, I'll sell off the extras that aren't from the set. That's the great thing about eBay - it can go right out the door again. :)

I have to do another purge in the closet soon. I have clothes that will fit in smaller sizes, but since I can't wear many of them to work any more, I can pull them for the Goodwill. I always keep a few for my own casual wear, and I need all of the yard pants I can find (I am hard on the gardening clothes). I'm not saving any of this for garage sales - clothes just don't sell well at garage sales unless they are brand new.

It is garage sale season, and as tempting as it is to go take a look, I still have stuff to clear out here before I start shopping for my eBay sales. I'm not there yet. Getting rid of the paperbacks last weekend helped some, but there is a lot of stuff here still to sell or donate before I have room to actively shop categories of things to sell on eBay.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 May 13 - 09:25 PM

This has nothing to do with decluttering or exercise but since you are people I talk to frequently, I am posting this here.

I had a mammogram last week. Today I came home to find a letter and a message on my machine that something asymmetrical was found and they want to see me back ASAP.   *Deep breath*

If you pray, I would truly appreciate your prayers for the next few days.

Michelle who is feeling pretty numb.

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 May 13 - 10:35 PM

Oh, dear. Michelle, we're right here with you, even though we're scattered all over the planet. (You weren't packing your cell phone around in your bra that day, were you?)

Call if you need to. Friends on facebook can go to my "about" page and find my phone number.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: maire-aine
Date: 07 May 13 - 11:37 PM

Sending love & prayers, Michelle.

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: ranger1
Date: 08 May 13 - 07:54 AM

(((Michelle)))

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 May 13 - 01:44 PM

More stuff being lugged home from the office that would otherwise end up dumped or in surplus. I'm emptying file drawers today.

Several trips up and down the entire flight of library stairs today, and if it doesn't rain, I may be able to mow the front after work. That's always a good workout.

Waiting to hear from Michelle, here or via PM, as needed. Take care, kiddo!

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 May 13 - 03:45 PM

Looks like my earlier post disappeared.

Michelle, thinking good thoughts and praying for you.

I've had a very productive day. Supposed to have a meeting with the driveway guy at 8 a.m., but he had an emergency commitment and had to postpone til later. So I made breakfast for Tom, got the dishes done, gave Tom a manicure, watered the deck plants to ensure it rains tonight, paid some bills, got an important letter to the mailbox, moved a few rocks, and got the kitchen compost emptied. Counted 21 not-yet-ripe ladyslippers in their usual spot(s) at the head of the driveway. Looking forward to their annual display!

Had the meeting with the driveway guy, who hopes to start on Monday, and I pointed out the edges of the flower bed (mostly hostas) inside the driveway and turnaround and I'll get the rhubarb transplanted this weekend (even in the rain). I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't lose any hostas through carelessness, that Tom can get out to a doctor's appointment on Monday and that I know where the excess dirt from scraping the driveway area is going.

Then after lunch I took the last batch of books to the library sale and went over to my car guy and gave him a deposit on the 2002 Subaru which I can pick up next week. Did a couple errands on the way home at grocery and hardware store and then called the auto insurance people when I got home, so now all I have to do is call again when I know exactly when I'm picking up my "new" car and trading in the old. Oh, got some other paperwork (of which there seems to be a lot in our life right now) done as well.

Oh, and I researched some recipes so I know what to do with the 5+ lb. beef tongue I bought yesterday. I'll cook it up tomorrow and parcel it out into about three different meals plus sandwiches and refreeze. Looking forward to it.

Life seems to be checking things off lists lately.

Linn

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 May 13 - 07:37 PM

After several call backs for more photos in bizarre positions and a trip to the radiologist, I have been cleared. NO CANCER. What they were seeing was a vessel that got squished.

I am exhausted and going to bed. I appreciate all the love, good thoughts and prayers my friends.

Love to you all.

Michelle Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 May 13 - 08:13 PM

Hallelujah!!!

Thanks for sharing the great news!

Linn, that dirt that gets scraped up from the driveway probably has many possible applications - no wonder you want to know where it will end up. I have a friend with a pickup that doesn't have shell on the back (like mine does) who is going to pick up a load of dirt and mulch for me one of these days. Looking forward to more raised beds, but also to filling in a few holes in the back dug by dogs.

More boxes packed at work, more stuff brought home. The sun room is a mess right now; I'll straighten it tomorrow before I head to work, because I have to unpack and take a crate and a few bags back with me to the office for more.

I have a new category of item to list on eBay, I'll see about doing that this evening. Last night I was busy finishing a freelance project. Turned in, with the invoice this morning.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 May 13 - 08:46 AM

Ah, Michelle! It's good that they're cautious, but even if the head knows it's probably nothing, the wait and...concern...is exhausting.

The excess dirt is probably going where my rhubarb is now (and which I'm moving, as I've intended for several years, out back) and that area in front of the house that is currently not quite level and then drops off down the hill. The 4-quadrant herb garden which I built 25 years ago has been destroyed over the past 10 by loads of firewood being dumped there (no one asked me) or snow and dirt plowed up there. Plus it's gone from full sun to almost full shade Sigh. You'd think the half barrel with the statue in it might have been a clue that it wasn't barren ground...

Anyway, I'm giving up on that location for anything decorative and Drew will level it and probably extend the plateau a bit so that can be an area to dump snow.

It's very sleepy out today and I'm not sure how much (besides cooking that beef tongue) I'll get accomplished today. And a visit from Jeri. And making the phone calls necessary to get the complicated wording just right on the change of beneficiary on Tom's small life insurance policy. And change the bed and wash sheets.

Linn

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 May 13 - 10:02 AM

I said I'd clear up some of the stuff I brought home from work - I'd better actually do that, or I won't be able to come and go through the side door.

Fingers crossed we get rain today, I prefer that to having to drag hoses and sprinklers. I have some mulch to spread in a couple of areas before the rain, clearing the bags out of the driveway. It's an old habit, to have extra bags of topsoil or mulch around, but they sit there too long and grass grows into them or the plastic rots and I can't move them from the spot. I'm making a point to use this stuff as I bring it home, or very soon after.

Linn, are you relocating the herbs, or are you abandoning that effort? Is your entire yard shady?

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 May 13 - 12:57 PM

Exhausted from yesterday....doing some laundry, dishes and puttering. Still in my jammies...might curl up on the couch for a bit.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 May 13 - 05:04 PM

I seldom cry, but I think I could just dissolve right now into a puddle of tears of total frustration. I feel as if I've just been slammed in the chest by a telephone pole. Since January I've been jumping through Medicaid and CFI (Choice For Independence program) hoops with the promise that the program would pay me to be Tom's caregiver, since I can't work even a part time job to supplement our meagre social security. All the way along the line, the goal has been to get a supplemental income. Today, talking to the man who would be Tom's case manager, I suddenly was informed that a SPOUSE is not eligible to be paid. If Tom and I weren't married (erasing our 31 married years) I could be paid. If I were Tom's child, I could be paid. If I were a total stranger I could be paid. But a spouse is NOT eligible. For the past 4 months at every stage of this very complicated process no one ever said a spouse was ineligible -- and everyone we dealt with knew that this was the ONLY reason we were applying for Medicaid. I'm almost reduced to tears...of frustration...disappointment. I don't cry easily but I may just have a crying fit when I go upstairs. At least we haven't yet signed Tom's small life insurance policy over to the State of New Hampshire.

By the way, the case manager is a wonderful person we hit it off with immediately (even on the phone when he called to make an appointment to see us). And he, too, is...disappointed, I guess, would be a good word...that all of this effort will not give us the goal that we were, well, promised.

I am just...stunned.

Linn

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 May 13 - 07:26 PM

Double check just to be sure. We received lots of conflicting information when my nana was in the nursing home. People make mistakes and I'm hoping for your sake, that your caseworker made a giant one.

It seems to me that getting help when you really, REALLY need it is so much harder than necessary.

(((((Hugs)))))))))

Michelle

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 May 13 - 01:28 AM

that is such an obvious question they should have told you right away. Is Tom a veteran perchance? There could be something from VA.

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 13 - 01:31 AM

It seems to me that this is the time when you contact your local congress person to see if they can help pull any strings. That restriction makes no sense. I suppose they figure families will abuse it, but what makes it any less likely that other pairs of people won't abuse it? He can show he is in need, and you had to retire to deal with this.

Meanwhile, Linn, it's time to start doing something from home, like eBay, because that is off the books. I've been talking a friend in NYC through how to get started with it. As long as you don't earn over $40,000 a year, there is no taxing the income from it.

Headed to bed. I got to sleep earlier last night, and I'm sure I'll sleep late on Saturday (though I need to be up to take the dogs to the shot clinic at City Hall). I've just about finished the packing in my office and I'll take more stuff down to the new location tomorrow. And try to take the afternoon off, after one short meeting at 1pm. Next week our summer in a cramped little office begins.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 May 13 - 10:06 PM

Lots of fabric cutting today. I have another 2 Sit & Sews coming up and I prefer to cut my fabric when it's quiet and calm. Cutting doesn't come easy to me and so I take my time at home and then have everything ready to sew when I get there.

I did clean up my sewing area, got caught up with the laundry, everything is put away from the retreat and the table by my chair has been almost cleared. I have a stack of magazines to go through. I WILL get through them and I WILL get rid of some of them!!!

I intended to dust today but ran out of my Endust so I guess it will just wait.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 May 13 - 11:44 PM

Michelle, I am inspired by your adoption of quilting - I've been clearing a workspace in my daughter's room/the guest room/my sewing room. I love the smell of the room when I go in, a little bit the stuff my daughter collected, but a lot of it is the scent of sewing materials and fabric. And probably more than a hint of dust. :)

I picked up some items that were junked by other departments on my floor of the library. We had to get rid of stuff we're not using or that is old technology to be ready to move out for summer renovations, and I found a beautiful portable light table that is in excellent condition that I rescued from the discard area. Plus a bunch of other stuff rescued - and my sun room is the more crowded for it. Backsliding. Alas. Some of these things will go straight to eBay, others will go to the sewing room. I used to make myself embroidery patterns by tracing cards onto paper (light table) then drawing that traced pattern onto cloth (again on the light table). Plus I have tons of slides to sort and eventually scan.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 May 13 - 08:29 AM

Selling stuff has been my supplementary income since I "retired", but it's such a scramble. Mostly I've been selling directly, but I HAVE planned to get set up with eBay and I have some stuff that would probably sell better on Craig'sList. (And some books, because I want to ask a specific price rather than leave it to auction, will go on Amazon.) Maggie, I would REALLY appreciate your advice and the benefit of your eBay experience.

Last night I sold a vintage carnelian and marcasite ring (to a friend) and "made a date" to sell a vintage carnelian necklace to a former Press Room waitress. (Her new job is seasonal, so she can't really budget it for about a month, but she's a good customer.)

I've come to the conclusion that Medicaid, if we can't benefit from the CFI program, is more of a hindrance than a help in our lives, so Tom's life insurance is saved and that last T will remain uncrossed. I still have to write the emails to the Medicaid people involved and ask for an explanation (as to why we were never told I was ineligible) and, just in case, to explain exactly what the benefit to Tom would be if he completes the applications AND what the negative aspects would be. Meanwhile I'll do some more research and find if there is anything else that might make life a bit less of a scramble.

I'm probably not going to declutter anything today; it's the Nottingham library sale. I win if I purchase fewer books that I've donated. Alas ;-) I usually am lucky to break even...

Linn

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 13 - 10:33 AM

I also parse out my sales, like you suggest. Furniture goes on Craigslist (there is a local classified ad for eBay, but I can never remember how to get to it, so I assume others don't readily go there to search). I've sold quite a few books that had a higher value on Amazon. The eBay portion has to fit some specific criteria - you can sell anything as long as you can give a good and accurate description, and as long as you can find a reasonable way to package and ship it. Sometimes I only list as "Buy it Now." Other times I list items via auction with a "Buy it Now" option if someone wants to skip watching the auction for the lower price and just buy it outright for a few dollars more.

I wouldn't rely on the Medicaid folks to tell you what the negatives are for joining their program. I'd look for local attorneys who represent claimants in Medicaid cases. I searched on "Losing your house to Medicaid" - here.

SRS

Subject: RE: Spring Declutter & Exercise MAY 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 May 13 - 01:02 PM

Just got back from the library sale...I "lost". But I scored some really good books, a couple of which are baseball books that will go to my brother (after I read them), and a couple will be loaning copies (such as "Misquoting Jesus" and a Robert Hellenga's novel "Philosophy Made Simple") and books I intend to give to someone who deserves them such as a couple Nick Bantocks.

And, sigh, I will probably go back sometime this week and buy a bunch more -- especially quick read mysteries -- at a buck a bag.

Linn