Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013

Subject: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 May 13 - 08:05 PM

May 2013 thread

I'm cleaning up the kitchen this evening. It's warm out so I'm waiting till dusk to walk the dogs. I've just brought in a wonderful piece of furniture that will provide a lot of storage, but it is so decorative that I need to arrange the furniture elsewhere in the house so I can put this in a prominent place.

With a good diet and exercise I am down 15 pounds, with more to go, but this is good progress. I have a growing stack of discarded clothing that is going to the Goodwill soon.

My son was here overnight before I took him to the airport to head off to his summer internship. His room has the scent of his favorite body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. I could go in and open all of the bottles but they wouldn't mix in the same why to have that smell that is him. I'll wait a couple of more days before I pull the sheets and wash them. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 May 13 - 09:11 PM

Way to go Maggie!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 May 13 - 11:27 PM

Got distracted watching a streaming channel from Oklahoma City. They were hit broadside by another complex of tornadoes. None of that weather here, though tomorrow we have a 50% chance of rain. I need to plan for work in the yard before the rain, then continue in the house once it starts. I like rainy days this time of year - the garden just explodes with growth in a way that sprinkling with tap water just doesn't accomplish.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jun 13 - 09:32 AM

Four items for sale on eBay and four have watchers - good! Out to weed, and shortly after lunch a couple of these should finish. Hopefully I can hand them off to the mail carrier this afternoon, if they pay fast.

I need to get out the furniture polish and give this new cabinet a good once over. When I walk past it has the musty smell of a piece of furniture that was once in a smoking household. Not super strong - I suspect it has been out of that environment for a while, but enough that I need to address it because I grew up with that smell (Mom was a heavy smoker) and I don't like it.

Must finish my running around and weeding this morning - looks like thunderstorms in the afternoon, including the threat of hail, so I'll put the truck in the garage. Putting it in is easy - open the garage door, Zeke runs down the drive and hops in the pickup, then I drive into the garage and close the door. To get it back out I have to put Zeke in the kennel, get the truck out, close the garage door, then let the dog out of the kennel. To keep him voluntarily going in I need to make it a game by throwing his ball several times. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Jun 13 - 06:10 PM

Today I have a concrete date set for the yard sale. I have almost 2 months to finish getting everything ready. It coincides nicely with the fact that today the transformation of my office/throw it here because I don't know what else to do with it room begins! I will be taking photos to share of before and after! When I am done, it will be my quilting studio. I have committed to some fall craft fairs so it is time to get busy!!!! I am sooo excited!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Jun 13 - 06:22 PM

Well, I'd say today was a wasted day, but I DID finish a book and I DID take a nap and I DID get a couple items dated to 1989 and put in the proper binder.

Zero to sixty -- or rather 50sF. to 90sF. with no adjustment period. Humid, too -- that's unusual for this early in the...I guess it must be summer. Remember, parts of the state just west of us had snow last weekend...

After breakfast I debated between putting clothes on and going out to follow up on some of those yard sale signs I saw yesterday or turning on the fan and taking a nap. Since I couldn't keep my eyes open, that's what I did.

Got some minor weed pulling accomplished around the Siberian irises -- the yellow tall beardeds are blooming and one of the purples. Raked some more dry leaves off the "lawn" (well, it could be lawn if I can consistently rake the dried leaves off the area AND transplant the various volunteers that should be in a flower bed). Also plotted which small trees down the hill out back can be taken down (yet again) with a lopper (REAL SOON) and which will require a bow saw.

Planted some (bought cheap yesterday) chartreuse-colored vinca in the planters at the head of the driveway when I got the mail. And the mail (very surprising for a Saturday) was all important stuff.

Killed the deer tick I found crawling on my pants leg. (Yes, despite the heat and the humidity, if I'm out back in Tick Land I'm wearing long pants and socks and heavy shoes.) Oh, just found another one wandering around on my pants leg. Flushed that one down the sink.

Talked to my neighbor a little while ago and she would like the 4 pieces of the clear acrylic pyramid I have in my car (that another friend didn't come to the Press Room for last night).

I guess it wasn't as much of a wasted day as I thought.

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 01 Jun 13 - 06:25 PM

I have made a massive clearance in the china cabinet: an entire dinner service for six (probably started out as a service for 12) that belonged to my grandparents. My sister-in-law wanted it -- hooray!

Today I bought a pair of construction worker's kneepads to reduce the range of excuses for not washing the kitchen floor properly. Sanitation for the nation!

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jun 13 - 09:16 PM

Charmion, good news when someone wants a relic like that. I had my great grandmother's semi-vitreous china, and as pretty as it was, it was semi-vitreous and isn't really water or food proof - food can mark the porcelain through the cracks. I sold much of it on eBay, gave the rest to the Goodwill. I kept a few un-crazed pieces as mementos from my great grandmother.

About 1/3 of the big garden is weeded and there is garden produce for meals every day. I'm eating smaller amounts of meat, and I've decided to drop alcohol out of my diet. Though I miss an evening Scotch, I don't need the empty calories.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 12:35 AM

It took the length of running two PBS documentaries while I worked but I finally got the kitchen clean again, and cooked up a squash for lunch tomorrow. I had some fresh mushrooms I needed to use, and cut up a zucchini, then after they were both sauteed I poured over a pint of my canned diced tomatoes. Topped it with a little Parmesan cheese and cooked a bit of pasta to mix in.

Tomorrow I'm going to test three different cameras on the tripod I set on the kitchen counter to see which takes the best closeup photos (with the central part of the tripod reversed so it hangs between the legs it works just like a copy stand.) Getting ready to list some small stuff on eBay.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 08:29 AM

Just made a fruit salad and may take some of it over to a friend's in Portsmouth later this morning. It's supposed to be cooler in Portsmouth...high 80sF. instead of low 90sF here in Nottingham. (Don't think I'll need a sweater...)

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 12:04 PM

Linn! Is there any NH ombudsperson?? It is so outrageous that those who really need help and are totally stressed by the need, cannot even get straight answers. I finding weeding a centering activity. At least I am doing something!

Ok, it is June. Already. 28 days to move out and still no truck. And no R today as he stayed in the city and I have four kits to feed. It's Ok cause I feel rotten with a sore throat and tired. I have upped the vit C and Pau d'Arco to every hour or so, today, as that seems to be what is needed to function and not hurt. I have not had this for years.

SRS: The raccoon mom is down at the mill but I do not believe she is alive. She would not leave her babes for over 24 hours and them screaming their heads off for MOM! But after a dreadful hot. humid day yesterday, we had a great storm starting about 9 pm. I went out and brought the kits in, back in the smaller cage, so they would not get soaked. They sleep most of the time, once they are fed.   

I am fascinated by the personalities these kits have already developed. They are probably less than 8 weeks and one seems to be designated look out, one is shy, one knows to come to me demanding the bottle she craves while the 3 drink from bowls and seem to have forgotten how to suck. Child development. Our McGill professor addressed this with the comment, "Some kids come out fighting and they're that way all their lives!" That is their nature but, with human kids, we can nurture them into being able to deal with the inherent temperament.

Feisty squirrel managed to push the screen in the bathroom and get in. Maybe that was the noises. She went back out and I closed the window until I look at the situation better. Maybe keep it closed so she does not tear the screen. My hope is she will leave the porch for the great out of doors, permanently,through the hole in the screening. Squirrels develop quickly and are soon ready for life on their own. Raccoons generally stay with mom a full year.

Have not gotten much else done these few days. We did dash out yesterday to a yard sale near the cabin and got a $10 push mower for the city - about 15 foot square of grass but I am tired of cutting it with scissors! I am putting the laundry away and sorting out stuff for the thrift shop - from stuff R found at the Mill and I laundered.

I ordered a new distiller after finally finding a Canadian source. Mine is only making about 20 % of a jug. The rest seems to go up in steam. Mystery. I continue to use it because I am almost out.

And I am managing to de-clutter the emails from clayart inch by inch - most are keepers/good info saved to file and deleted. Some, on second look, deleted. And kill mosquitoes which have found their way indoors!

My weight loss is stalled at 8#. Feel to lousy to do anything in the studio so no exercise at all. Maybe later today I will feel like doing something.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 12:37 PM

Dorothy, a small electric weed whacker would have taken care of that grass instead of trimming with scissors, but an old push mower is great. I have one I pull out for small jobs - it is a workout! I may have to use my electric trimmer today - I can't get the head off of the gas one, it's jammed on. I'll sort it out, but I need to trim now, not struggle with a trimmer cap for a while first.

This morning I looked at the tea and eating stuff on my otherwise clear peninsula counter and decided to putter while the kettle heated. I have a silver-plate tray that my general items on (a crystal thing to hold a few tea bags, a tiny saucer to hold my tea strainer, my stevia container, a couple of baby silver spoons for stevia and measuring loose tea, and a salt and pepper shaker.) I used silver polish to clean, washed the sparkling crystal tea holder, cleaned the brushed steel pepper mill, washed the glass salt shaker - you get the drift - and now that little center of activity sparkles. I usually ignore that stuff, but now it looks decorative. While I was at it I cleaned and polished the shiny steel hot water kettle and polished the toaster. Not quite an exhibit in the Brooklyn Museum, but my counter top stuff is once again in its like-new polished artistic state.

I have to mow, then make a run to the recycle bins down at city hall. I need to rework my recycle setup - when I took that computer desk to Goodwill I got rid of the thing I tucked my glass and plastic bag under. I'll need to find a new place for a smaller container.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 01:15 PM

Charmion,
I bought a Shark vaccum and got a steamer free with it. It is an amazing way to clean kitchen floors - steams them into submission and saves on the knees.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 08:07 PM

The purpose of this message

Well, that blue clicky will either work or it won't. Lost my previous paragraph in the process.

Once more, with feeling:

SRS! We don't have a weed whacker either. There has never been enough grass in the back yard to bother. Three years ago, I started nurturing these tiny clumps and moving any I found to the same area. Keeping them cut helped them grow. Now there is a large enough area to mow - in about 5 minutes! EXCEPT I have let most of it grow tall enough to go to seed. After the seeds mature, then I will cut it with the scythe so it is short enough to mow. I did not try seeding because of all the little stones I want to remove but had no place to put them. When the neighbour FINALLY finishes their reno, I will chosen a place for them.

I am feeling a great deal better. Kits are back outside though they may have to come in again tonight as another storm may be brewing. I thought of a place at the mill to plant my five tomato plants and the perennials I have collected so far, Most of the areas need earth moved in quantity but I just thought of a good spot. Tomorrow if I can find the tools... It is supposed to be not too hot and not raining.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 09:10 PM

Dorothy, I love that video! Thanks! I'm passing it along as fast as I can.

Front yard mowed, it isn't dark yet, I need to take a trimmer out front.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 13 - 11:29 PM

I was out front preparing to finish trimming the edge of the yard when I friend came by. I hadn't seen her for a few weeks and she was surprised at the weight I'd lost - this was the first "wow! you've lost weight!" response in two months. My coworkers see me every day so it is less obvious to them. This was a great affirmation that the alternate day fast is working. I've spent a few hours chopping out weeds this weekend and my stamina was much better than when I first laid out the beds in the garden. And I can feel my biceps coming back from under the flab layer that was on my upper arms.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jun 13 - 05:18 PM

Must declutter my wallet and finish paying the bills. I just took a big chunk out of my paycheck by paying my co-pay for fillings at the dentist. Ouch!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: MAG
Date: 03 Jun 13 - 05:44 PM

Yard work a good 90 min/day, aeems to be all i can manage/day in terms of exercise.

every doc keeps telling me to walk for exercise, and once upon a time I did a lot of walking. Knees and rt hip have put limits on how much walking I can do and they just don't hear me.

I did drop off my beloved bike this morning for the annual tune-up, so that will get me out in the sunshine. I remember when the keyboardist in my contra banc didn't notice I'd lost 90 pounds ...

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Jun 13 - 06:19 PM

Noted for being oblivious, I did not notice when someone I saw daily shaved off a full beard! The co-worker, a few years ago, who noticed I had lost weight was concerned for my health! "Are you OK?" Shoot, I still was at about 135-140, and happy to have gotten there! - but she was.... overweight.

Losing 90 pounds must have been monumental!

Just a thought: 18 months ago when my knee and hip pains had me feeling 150, my health consultant suggested magnesium. A week later I walked normally. I take it a couple times a week just in case.

On the other hand, without health insurance, I am not riding a bike lest I fall and break something, the only reason I would seek medical care.

So a lovely day at the cabin - cool and breezy. Kits and I are getting into a routine. A second one came to me and requested a bottle at lunch. She had already been at the bowl but she knew she needed more and I was glad to give it to her. Very time consuming, though. A meal takes near an hour and I am concerned that shy one needs more than she is getting from the bowls. She did snarl back at a sib today to get her place at the table! These guys communicate better than a lot of humans!

I was able to get up early and have packed several boxes - a SMALL dent in the STUFF that needs to be packed. Goal is to pack up everything that is not essential to the next month. Need more boxes! Soft goods will go into clear plastic bags - BIG ones. I may have a car load to go by tomorrow and hope for a good day and energy to load, go to the mill, unload and do the planting. Maybe even go to the library. And a bag full for the thrift shop.

I cleaned up my show shelves from their months on the porch and stacked them to make more room. The boxes were out there so now they are not. The squirrels seem to have freaked out and left. They will probably be back to eat.

I started packing papers and then thought I could eliminate some but that was too time consuming so I am back to just packing them. Too much interesting info. and maybe someone will just have to throw it all out sometime but where there is life there is hope - that I might still look through it and reduce it tremendously.

And I have deleted or moved to file almost 400 clayart emails. I am almost up to March! There is so much good info. Just this aft, I realized a better way of dealing with them! DUH! I get a digest at least once a day, of all the emails since the last digest. I could have been deleting all but the digests; instead I have deleted all the digests - 'til now! And from now on! Who's a slow learner?   

Now to de-clutter my bank account.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jun 13 - 08:20 PM

I was mailing large boxes to people back in May, but today I dropped a tiny parcel in the mail. Kat, check your post office box in a couple of days. I hope it works for you!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jun 13 - 02:03 PM

It's not officially summer but it is warming up, and this is the time of year when I have to get up earlier if I want to work in the yard before it's too hot. I'm making the shift this week with my alarms (the one that is a few feet away from the bed and is set so it snoozes, and my phone alarm that is in fact rather alarming when it goes off - the one that I'll start waking up ahead of because I dislike it so!)

The scale says I'm down another couple of pounds, now in the lower half of the 10 pound segment I'm working on now - I was on a plateau for a couple of weeks but seem to have gotten past it. I'll mow the back yard tonight, a great form of exercise that seems to give the best weight-loss result.

I've enjoyed weeding out clothes from the closet - but I see that some of the casual clothes I used to wear for work that I can fit into now aren't dressy enough for the current dress code. I'll keep some and donate others. I'm looking forward to updating my wardrobe when I reach my target weight, but I may need a trip to the thrift store for intermediate dressy slacks (I don't want to buy new pants I won't wear long.)

I've seen several gardening references by some of us on facebook - are we all finally at a point where we are in some stage of growing crops?

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Jun 13 - 02:55 PM

Seeds are all in here. Pete did all the planting himself this last week when it was so stinkin' hot. I just can't stand those kind of temps. Nothing is up yet except the sunflowers and cosmos I put in 2 weeks ago.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Jun 13 - 05:36 PM

(I don't want to buy new pants I won't wear long.) What a great way to keep on!

I did a terrible thing last night. I did not ensure that all hands were out of the way before closing the cage door. !! hours later, I went out to bring the kits in for morning meal and one was lying on her back crying terribly with her tiny hand caught - and my heart went ARGHHH! It was down to about 40 this morning.

SO I spent almost 3 hours with this tiny screaming mite on my lap, on a heating pad and cuddled against me. She was really cold! She screamed for about an hour, then quietened mostly. After two hours, she started to purr a little when I scratched her ears. Finally, I put her into a cat carrier to keep her from climbing around on her swollen hand and fed the other three - 3 hours late but they were still in bed! Put them back outside and fed the injured kit with a syringe; she usually eats out of the bowl.

Relieved that she was recovering and it looks as though the hand will be OK. She is in isolation until then. And not happy to be separated from sibs. She, of course, was the most aggressive one so the kit who usually had to struggle to get to drink out of one of the 3 bowls, had her choice and still would eat a bit and walk away, then back and forth - covered with milk - on feet and face ... I did see her grooming her feet! And she climbed into something looking like a litter pan to poop! They have one in the cage.

Then I had lunch and, feeling totally wrecked by my failure as a mom, no energy at all. So the afternoon has been reading and internet and sharing info with folks. Have no idea when to feed them next. Today has been moved to tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Jun 13 - 07:44 PM

Tom and I have amazing friends. Today we went over to a local farm (about 20 miles away) for which friends bought us a CSA share, including a blueberry share, so we could "get the tour" and figure out the logistics of either picking up eggs and/or produce at the farm or at one of the local farmer's markets (the farm is probably equadistant to the Saturday Portsmouth farmer's market). Got eggs and mixed greens and pea greens for salads today. The farm is just down the road from where a high school classmate of Tom's lived -- he was out practicing the bagpipes in the field (this was back 30 or 40 years ago before there were any subdivisions out there) when he found himself encircled by cows... Josh got a kick out of the story. He's a really really canny musician (besides having a degree in Philosophy and being an organic farmer) and is married to Jean who has an incredible voice.

Anyway, besides the CSA share, these friends (after having me do the research) bought us a high end home food dehydrator which -- surprise! -- arrived yesterday. She has an ulterior motive -- she wants me to figure out its fine points so she can ask me questions on how to use hers. She also sent us two books, "Food Drying With An Attitude" and "Holy Shit: Managing Manure to Save Mankind"...so I've got some reading ahead of me.

With friends like these...we'll survive and survive well. What wonderful friends are these...

BTW, mailed off the change of ownership and change of beneficiary papers to Tom's life insurance company. This is the last thing we needed to do to qualify for the program. I truly wish we had been told MUCH EARLIER (like 2 months ago) that Tom could just assign ownership of the policy to me instead of signing it over to the State of New Hampshire. If only we could get the same information from at least two of all the people we're dealing with. Exasperating, but it's almost over.

I also emailed off the interview answers to the writer who is doing a story on the Friday Press Room trad session that Tom has been leading for over 30 years. (One more deadline!)

But I didn't get the perennial euphorbia and lemon balm dug up to trade with my neighbor for lamb's ears...but, then again, he switched this afternoon for tomorrow, so it will get done then.

And, who knows, maybe I'll get my car soon. The dealer is waiting for hangers for the new rear bumper.

Someday my eye will stop twitching...

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jun 13 - 08:31 PM

I have lambs ears and lemon balm - they survive with benign neglect.

That's good news about the eggs and produce and food dehydrator. I suppose I could do some sun dried tomatoes and they wouldn't take up nearly as much space as canning.

So sorry to read about the raccoon with the caught foot - slowing that one down a little may let the other small one thrive enough to compete well.

Got a haircut today, the back of my neckline has been itching all day. Must hop in the shower soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 11:07 AM

Thanks, SRS! I'll watch the mail.

i have been doing my PT exercises on a regular basis and can really feel a tightening up and realigning of my hips, knees, etc. with barely walking (just around the house.) My Rog finally was able to watch my osteopath do an hour's work on me. He was literally astounded at the difference in how well I could move. She always checks, first, to see if my hips are lined up. Maybe you could find a good soft-tissue adjusting osteo to help out?

I lost more than half of my perennial bed to drought this winter. My brother weeded out everything but three plants left. We will get new plants, soon, and replant. No produce at the moment. Neither of us has the energy, plus this valley is very abundant with good organic stands, so we're "eating out."

We have a swanky food dehydrator. used it one year...seemed to take a long time. just not "us" i guess.

now for a good cry of disappointment and a short nap. Rog's day off isn't after expecting the day off for a couple of weeks.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 11:37 AM

Celebrating some blood tests that show my thyroid is out of whack again. It's been a scary month with constant dizzy spells, unexplained gout, horrible memory loss, and having to write everything down for fear of missing a bill payment or appointment - I missed several. So good to know that I will feel better within a week or two.
Life is good.
Mary

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 06:38 PM

Fed the kits earlier last night so I could put them out in daylight. No one came near the door while I was closing it! The hurt one is still in the house in the cat carrier. I fear her wrist may be broken so put a "splint" on it. Surprise - she has not tried to remove it. Named her Aggie (aggressive one), the other Addie- who does not have to fight for food and does not know how to act! She drinks some and wanders, then some more... Meanwhile Serena ( who just drinks her bottle like a lady and then sits on my lap until Corey (the only male) finally finishes his. Today he finally started sucking! instead of chewing on the nipple forever. Feed Aggie before the others, with a syringe.

It was fascinating to me to bring them in and dump them on the floor and see who does what - I cannot tell one from the other except by behaviour. Serena: "Why are you putting me by the bowls; you know I want a bottle." Corey: "Oh, yeah! I want a bottle too!" - after a few laps at the bowl, he came over to me.

After a hot bath last night, I went out like a light just after 10 and did not open my eyes until almost 9 am! This maladie is taking a toll. I really think it is connected to whatever is sprayed on the fields. I remember being sick for a month this time last year.

R tells me the new distiller is at the PO so I will drive in after feeding tonight and come back in the morning. The old one died completely a couple days ago.

Today I loaded the packed boxes into the car and a big bag for the thrift shop, drove to the Mill and off loaded boxes, to the shop and offloaded bag and bought 3 good pairs of socks and a T-shirt with pocket (for cell phone_ for R. Then along to drop off a box of clay for a friend, who gave me some asparagus and offered me water but I had no bottles with me, and a stop at the newly discovered bakery for... NO choc cake! but a loaf of 9 grain bread and reduced price croissants frozen.

I have now lost 10 pounds which does not show at all but helps my determination.

Mary's post reminds me to order some needed supplements - and be happy for her after this scary month.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Jun 13 - 07:39 PM

Dorothy, I can commiserate. Years ago when I worked at a printing company that had just moved into a new building, every May I'd have laryngitis for two or three weeks (or longer). Finally a doctor told me I was probably allergic to mold or something in the heating/AC ducts (keep in mind, this was a NEW building...). When I left their employ, the annual laryngitis went away and never came back.

Just de-accessioned a really cool colored (blue and red all over) teddy bear and another stuffed toy to a neighbor girl -- and took her parents a few good-sized clumps of perennial euphorbia which I dug today out of places it shouldn't be growing. I took home a clump of stachys (lamb's ears) to regenerate my border.

For supper tonight I sauteed up some pea tendrils in olive oil and garlic. Good. Sort of like spinach with a bit of fresh pea flavor. But I think I like them better in a salad -- much stronger fresh pea flavor (and crunch, of course).

Today was R&R -- went over to visit with a friend whose husband just had surgery yesterday.

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 12:15 AM

The kitchen is still looking good but there is a lot of stuff sitting around the house now. Many projects underway, it'll get better as a few are finished.

I filled out the knowledge, skills, abilities forms and the preferred jobs list for the reorganization at work. I don't want to speculate, and I wonder if I maybe should have put things in a bit different order, but I get the impression there will be time for tweaking. I'm well ahead of the deadline. I took the printouts of the online surveys, read and filled them out, thought about them for a couple of days, then finally did the online versions that count today.

I'm seeing some hand dermatitis from wine last week (I had a glass a couple of weeks ago also) - clearly this is one of the triggers for this allergic reaction. It'll take a week or two to cycle through the stages of dry and cracked skin before it clears up. Then - after it has been fine for a while - it's Cherry Garcia. If I'm going to try chocolate to find out the reaction, it might as well be Ben and Jerry's!

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 10:08 AM

A busy day yesterday, starting with breakfast out (Edmund's favourite treat) and a stern workout at the gym with some new routines. Today, everything south of the pelvis is a bit sore and I'm tired all over ... I don't care what they say in the advertisements, 58 is not the new 35; it's still the same old 58 and I don't bounce like I used to.

Weight has stabilized at just above 170, after a month of lower-gut issues that caused extensive inflammation and bloating. Now that everything intestinal is back to normal, a slow and steady decline in weight should soon resume. I hope. But I'm really okay if it doesn't, just so long as I don't get too fat for the Eddie Bauer jeans that I had to buy a month ago.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 12:44 PM

Another major piece of paperwork knocked off --this one is worth about 250 bucks and the deadline is June 30. I'll have it to the PO and in the mail this afternoon on my way to raid a friend's garden for more stachys (and whatever else she wants to part with).

I dug some more euphorbia this morning, but got the sage planted. Planted the stachys I got last night from a neighbor. He didn't have that big a clump to start with so I didn't accept much from him to rebuild my border. I also moved a variegated ornamental grass from one bed out back to another that will, I think, have more sun. It never thrived in the old location and just appeared to be hanging on. Also pulled some more weeds and small maple seedlings out of what should be "lawn" (well, grass or groundcover outside of the flower beds).

BTW, I can't seem to identify one weed that I've been pulling. It's leaves resemble wild strawberries (but usually doesn't grow as large) and has a yellow flower. It spreads by reddish running stems. Any ideas?

It's funny, half of the "lawn pests" at the standard websites are either ground covers I rather like or are edible plants. I guess I really don't like the type of lawns city folk seem to think are most attractive. I don't mind any of the clovers, and creeping charlie makes a nice groundcover in some places. I really don't want to mow any more than I have to which is why the flower bed behind the house is there -- when I tried to make it lawn with a flower border, it wouldn't cooperated. I figured if the flowers wanted so much to grow there, it could be a flower bed if it wanted. And, hey, I don't have to mow it...

Better go make lunch before Tom wastes away...;-)

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 02:06 PM

I agree, Linn. My lawn is a mix of grass and weeds that I mow to look like turf. I've been watching for clover seed when I'm at the feed store, but they're usually out. I think clover might crowd some of the plants that even I consider weeds.

I watered last night - moved the sprinkler around to several zones, ran water for a couple of hours - then when I looked at the patio this morning at time to feed the dogs I thought "I didn't water the back." There was standing water from a substantial rain overnight. Darn.

I took a few sweet banana peppers to work this morning for a co-worker - she asked if they were washed. Nope - they're just out of the garden, but it's an organic garden so there's nothing there to worry about. She eats them like raw like a snack - I can see if I have a pepper surplus this summer she'll be pleased! :)

I've scheduled myself a long weekend so maybe I can tackle some more of the house and garden things that need work. Part of the garden is looking great. Now that we've had rain and watering, by the weekend it ought to be perfect for more weeding further along the bed. And though I don't workout like Charmion, I get this kind of exercise and am hoping my biceps look better after chopping out all of these weeds. Many of our particulars are the same - age, and my weight is at 173 now. I hope by next week I'll be below 170, I'm having success with fasting alternate days (with one small meal on that day - fruit or veggies - under 500 calories for the day). The thing about slowly gaining the weight and perceptions is that I always kind of thought I was in this current range even when I was 20 pounds heavier (I never stepped on the scale). So now I've worked and lost 20 and I'm where I thought I was for a long time. :-/ Now the real work begins, to get to what for most of my adult life I considered my "normal" weight, around 145-150.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 05:28 PM

Just back from a friend's garden with more stachys (lamb's ears), crane's bill (scented geranium), peppermint, oregano and a sedum I don't have. (I'm a succulent freak -- I'd love to have a patch of each and I think I read somewhere that there's about 400 varieties in the US.)

It's later in the afternoon than I expected and it's cooled off quite a bit -- going to rain. I got the plants out of the car and in a spot where they'll get wet real soon now.

Finally got a start on the fish chowder for supper. Wanted to make it this morning so the flavors could marry all day. Ah well. This will work. I've even got Guinness to go with it. Guinness is amazing with any seafood.

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 06:13 PM

We gave up on grass years ago, and nobody's more citified than us. In front of our narrow, tall town house, we have a handkerchief-sized garden -- basically a raised bed -- with flowering perennials that don't mind not getting any sun until after one o'clock in the afternoon. The back is a patio surrounded by a six-foot fence, so it's hostas and astilbe back there, too.

Grass is highly over-rated if you don't have little kids who need play space.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Jun 13 - 06:48 PM

I really do not think much of grass and an environmental engineer friend agreed that it is only a bit better than macadam/concrete. Rain water runs tight off and helps create horrible flooding in developments. However, most people are addicted to it so when my poor dear son was trying to sell my property in PA those darn flowers were a big draw back.

At the cabin, there is almost none and I am going to just let it grow. the landlord will eventually take the weed whacker to it. But, when I rented a house in Nova Scotia one summer, the landlord waited until it was good and high and then the large lawn was cut for hay! I liked the daisies!

I like Charmion;s gardens! But the yard in the city is big for that treatment and the grass now needs a scythe to get it short enough to mow, which will, then, be about a five minute job. I went in last night after the feeding, intending to do some laundry and pick up my already arrived distiller this morning.

I forgot the laundry! But I cleaned out the perishables and brought them back to the country this am. Back at the cabin, I set up the new distiller and put the new gasket in the old one, fed the kits and took the car in for servicing. This latter is going to further de-clutter my account. Another trip in next week for the parts they have to order and 4 new tires.

Got back to cabin about 5 and had two gallons of distilled water ready. I had thought the old distiller dead but it clearly is still good to go. I am glad to have a spare.

Ordered the supplements. Walked a good distance this aft back from town to the garage in a light mist. My car is happier and I feel better.

Aggie helps me eat less. If I make much noise in the kitchen, she wakes up and wants to be fed so I am staying out of the kitchen. Now, it is time to go make supper for Aggie and me and bring the rest in a bit later, then a hot bath and bed.

The thing that bugs me most about my environmental problems is that other people are probably being sick for the same reasons but do not know the cause, go to doctors who do not know either. Also, I have never let my life be ruled by fear but I FEAR the tanks of whatever they are spraying on the fields. So darn tired of being made sick through no fault of my own.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Jun 13 - 09:16 AM

The mystery plant is creeping cinquefoil. It has it's uses, but I think I'll just pull it out when I see it. I rather like the greater celandine with its interesting leaves and big buttery yellow flowers. But I pull that, too, when it encroaches on domesticated plants.

I'm not sure what to attack next -- raking and clearing the area under the hemlocks and the back of the back bed (so I can set up my lawn lounge chair and drinks holder there) or start pulling and bagging the thorn bushes in the bed behind the house or lopping and cutting brush out back... Probably I'll "putter" and continue doing a bit of everything at once.

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jun 13 - 04:40 PM

Last night I weeded a bit further down the garden. Maybe over the weekend I can finish that area and move to the flower beds that are badly in need of attention.

There are sabretooth-sized dust kittens needing attention around the house. Must use the dustmop and vacuum soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jun 13 - 10:30 PM

I was OUT on errands and such, for nearly the whole day with Rog and then Morgan joined after lunch. I've lots to relate, but will have to do it tomorrow.)

BUT I have to tell you about a very precious kind thing. Mailed on the 4th, received at the PO sometime, I got it today on our weekly PO run. Fast service; A small envelope came from Houston and when I opened it I was, as our friends cross the pond say, "Gobsmacked" and started to cry. I couldn't even talk. Maggie sent me the most beautiful, perfect amethyst pendant. It's my fav. stone (she didn't know)set in a    very elegant, yet simple setting of silver.

If you hold it to the light there are slight variations of colour absolutely perfect for my visualisations of the purple/violet light, the transmuting flame of a higher power. There are also some very moving occlusions which, to me,look as though they are dancing. Maggie defintely "tuned" in when she chose this for me and I am so greatfull.

Maggie, thank you so much. My life is so enriched by my friends here.

luvayakat

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jun 13 - 03:39 PM

I'm glad you like it, Kat! That was the intention! A bright little spot of color to focus on when you need to.

I weeded some of the stuff in the sun room cupboard - it is something I had the contractor put in the room when I remodeled. It's only about 14" deep and it has a glass sliding closet door over it so the mirrors make the room look much larger. I've been storing crystal in the upper shelves but there was still some kid stuff down below. I got rid of bottles of paint that are so viscous they can't be used, kept a few, along with tons of brushes. I was going to toss the old boxes of crayons but that is like throwing away my children - I'll move it into one of their bedroom closets. (The smell of crayons - that's one of the smells of their childhood!)

In my closet this morning I pulled the rest of a stack of shorts and Capri pants off of the upper shelf. They fit - and the Capri pants are a size 12. :) I'm growing a stack of things to discard. I found a pair of jeans that are attractive and fit but the zipper is broken, so I'll see if I can find a brass zipper to replace it with.

My ex came over with some tickets for a play in a couple of weeks. I'll take Susie. We walked around the garden and I sent him home with an assortment. I found a large red tomato - I can't believe that I let him have it also! He must still be a good friend. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jun 13 - 11:02 AM

Didn't get anything planted yesterday. It was supposed to rain (which, unless it was really heavy, would actually HELP in the planting), but I went upstairs after breakfast and got lost in 1980 through 1994. Made use of some of the new binders (thanks, Maggie!!!) to relieve the crowding, put accumulated ephemera in place (working on emptying the holding file box), and went through a few years noting events on pages in the calendar at the front, so I have a digital record of what's in the binder and thus can easier find a date when it's needed. When I finally surfaced, it was four o'clock...

Right now I'm typing up those notes, incorporating them into the calendar files and adding my reading list for the year, too. I've kept annual reading lists since November 1, 1972.

I worked on the calendar for 1993 before breakfast, now I'm finishing up 1994.

Since it's my birthday, we're going to Newick's on Great Bay for my ten bucks off later. Bet they still won't have any rubber squid in their gift shop... I'll pick up a B.D. cake on the way home...plus flowers "from" Tom and a couple tins of smoked oysters also "from" Tom. It really upsets him that he can't shop and choose gifts for me anymore. He can't even see well enough to do it online.

I should go outside and plant something...

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jun 13 - 04:33 PM

Happy birthday, Linn!

I had a lunch with lots of homegrown stuff that I picked today. Along with grilling a defrosted steak I grilled a couple of tomatoes and a zucchini, I boiled some new potatoes till tender then squashed them just a little and set them to saute in butter, with salt and pepper. Added a bowl of Swiss chard on the side. I had a couple of overripe bananas so dessert was a strawberry banana smoothie. I have stuff ready for the week, including my "fruit days" (or veggie days).

Lots of sweeping and dusting finished yesterday, and today I've been putting everything in the dishwasher for more spring-like cleaning (this morning the plastic drain board and dish pan, plus the silicone mats from the sinks went through a full cycle.)

We got several inches of rain last night so I'm not going to try to mow today. Weeding is also difficult when it is so muddy. I'll find stuff to keep me busy around here. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Jun 13 - 04:46 PM

AH, Linn! I was trying to remember what that plant was. Two huge greater celandine in the flower bed in the city. Soon will be moved elsewhere but right now they look great.

AND Happy Birthday, Linn!

Today there is sun at the Mill - and elsewhere! The tiny trees we planted a couple weeks ago are well watered in and look happy. I am still looking for where I might plant other things. I will go with my garden fork to check the soil in one hopeful spot when the sun is not so hot.

Friday I drove to the city, did two loads of laundry and came back, with R, to hear the Durham County Poets. hey are so terrific. Sat, R was going to have a couple guys come down to work at the mill but we decided that meant 2 hours driving so R would work on his own but we were half way here and someone phoned and really wanted two young fellows to work so we drove to the city to pick them up. Got back about 1 pm but R and the two young lads worked until midnight and accomplished prodigious amounts. Between dust and fumes, I had to stay away from the building. I did food runs and we took the kids to the cabin for showers and sleep. SUPER nice brothers, 17 and 19, I told them I would be happy to have them as grandsons. They are really fine young men. On the way down to the Mill this morning, via the scenic route, they said they had never experienced the country before! They really like the quiet and trees....

My malady seems much better today! I guess the rain did settle the toxins being sprayed on fields. The poor little kits had a rough day yesterday as we did not feed them til 12:30 am. And they were truly ticked to go back into the little cage last night after a long lonely day and chittered at us, from under the blanket I put over it, for quite a while. Today they are back in the larger cage and happy to have room to climb around.

WE now have the solarium into good enough shape that a bed can go in there. The guys have scraped loose paint off ceilings and painted most of an area about 20 by 50! What a great thing a coat of paint is! Using Alkyd due to the mold factor so the fumes are... Doors open, including BIG garage doors. The breeze blows through and the fumes can be smelled coming out the doors!

I am feeling that there is hope that we will actually have some sort of civilized space here AND things will get moved before the 30 June. I may spend the rest of my life sorting things out! BUT! just got a call from R that he has located the gardening tools, missing for weeks. So I shall go see what I can do.

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jun 13 - 09:27 PM

Thanks for the B.D. wishes! Ate too much at Newick's so didn't sample the cake (Irish Cream Chocolate) until a little while ago.

Got a phone call early this morning from a friend who was driving by -- to tell me that a neighbor had a really nice dresser out at the road with a "FREE" sign on it. Took me a while to convince him that FREE isn't good enough -- I don't have any room for it. Saw it later and it's a tall chest of drawers, so there are even fewer places (none upstairs) where it could fit. It's nice, dark walnut, looks solid. But I have NO place for it.

Went to a yardsale later and got a really nice large sieve for 50 cents and a bunch of pairs of earrings and necklaces for a grand total of 5 bucks...I need jewelry like cats need wings. (But they were pretty and I bought them.)

Didn't plant anything again today so I'll have to get busy tomorrow. Did get a the additions typed into the 1993 calendar, though, so that's done and I put stuff into 1995. Yeah, I know. The weather was glorious and I should have been outside.

Had a lovely day, though.

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jun 13 - 12:51 AM

Linn, I feel like those binders are contributing to your gardening delinquency.

This afternoon I loaded the 36" Sony television into the truck (I shifted it from the table onto a rolling office chair and rolled them through the halls and out to the pickup). The TV, booklet, and remote control are now down at Goodwill. My son had used it for his video games, but he said he doesn't need it any more. Next comes an appointment to have the loveseat in his room picked up by the Salvation Army. There's a big video game he wants to keep in my sunroom that is, one way or another, going to be slid down the hall and into his room. Then I can move stuff in a significant way around the sun room. Both the TV and the computer desk/hutch I donated last week came from the next door neighbor. I think that is it for the bulk (she also gave me the sewing machine that my daughter has, but that old Singer is a keeper!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jun 13 - 11:45 AM

I forgot to mention, I also gave the Goodwill a box of dress slacks, jeans, and blouses that are now too large. I'm not going to keep them as potential "fat pants," I am going to finally lose the weight and keep it off. My closet is looking much happier with less stuff in it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Jun 13 - 12:33 PM

Very busy month on the homestead. This weekend was jam packed full of fun...National Cancer Survivor's Day Celebration held at Knoebal's Amusement Park (had SO much fun watching Jeremiah on the rides and even went on a few with him..WHEEEE) and then yesterday was spent at the Billtown Blue's Festival. If you are ever in the Williamsport, PA area, I'd highly recommend it....great music, fun people watching...all around wonderful day!

Today I did my normal chores and am relaxing a bit.

I. Am. Tired.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jun 13 - 01:18 PM

No, Maggie, not gardening delinquency. I just sometimes need to remember the key word of BALANCE. I haven't had a chance to work on the archives for awhile (thanks to all the other bumf in my life) and I got carried away. Good though...

Did some more this morning while my hair was drying. Then got dressed and threw in some laundry. Need to wash Tom's sheet and pillowcase as soon as the washer is again available. (One load of wash, two loads of drying...)

The problem with the new driveway is I feel compelled to pick up all the little twigs and clumps of leaves and single leaves, etc. that fall into it daily. Did some of that while emptying the chamberpot around the hostas. Emptied the litter boxes, too.

Brought Tom's concertina and Friday's free papers in from the car when I took out a bag to take to Goodwill tomorrow.

Also removed the plastic from the office chair that's been stored on the deck. thought I'd take it to Goodwill, but the seat got soaked and is mildewing so it's trash and will go to the dump (and not the dump swap shop). Should have taken it to Goodwill a year ago before Tom came home from rehab. (Live and learn -- mostly about myself -- putting off decisions is not necessarily the best option; I hate waste, but that's what my indecision has done.)

Now need to sweep the tree crap (that's a technical term) off the deck and clean off the umbrella table. And then plant a few things. It's overcast and supposed to rain; don't know when.

Also need to read stuff online to Tom (yesterday he was feeling jealous of my time at the computer probably because he was bored, but didn't tell me until late in the evening) and let him listen to local historian Dennis Robinson who I just realized is visually impaired. Maybe it will inspire Tom... Dennis Robinson's TEDx Talk

Gotta look at my list again to see what else I need to do today. Supper, at least, is leftovers (chowduh) so I don't have to think about that.

Linn

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jun 13 - 05:40 PM

Another move back to some independence. Our bed is high. A futon is on top of hinged plywood (two pieces, meet in the middle, so we can lift top or bottom at a time to clean under (hah!)and makes it easier to move. On top of that we have a Select Comfort bed our dau. gave us - a friend had given it to her and she didn't like it. Rog and I love it.

Any way, with all the troubles since Feb 28, I've not been able to get up on it without Rog's help, then that of a stool. It's been hard for both of us as I had to wake him every time I was up. Last night, I got out and IN BED all by myself!!!

No sleep last night, though...lots of dog turmoil etc., so I slept this morning, got up and had lunch with Rog. I was going to watch an episode of a new fav. on NF "Longmire: but the bills were calling me to finish up. I started at 1p and just ended at 3p and I do not feel tired!

Made yrly dental and eye exam appts for us both, payment plans with several docs and paid a bunch of stuff which has been waiting. Morgan was going to come over, but allergies have him down. It's really bad this year. I've been waking with encrusted eyes. Yuck!

The change in dosages has helped. Lost 6 lbs in 9 dys - keep the docs happy and i feel great for the most part,

Thanks for listening,

kat

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Jun 13 - 06:05 PM

Linn! Up here, office chairs run about a dime a dozen so I would definitely not beat myself over it. Just one more of life's lessons!

I came into the city with R and the young lads this morning. My car! Dropped all off and went to the house and started on the back yard. Went for groceries and a good corn broom. NO good brooms available. Maybe in the country. Had lunch and went back at the yard - for about 4 hours? I pulled weeds and cut the long grass with the scissors; could not bring scythe in with a car full.

Got it mostly done and mowed that part. The left over gravel/stones from when it was a horse stable get caught in mower. Need to do a great deal more work on stone removal. Did around the herb bed and trimmed the sage to keep from flowering. And along both flower beds so all looks a bit tidier. Next time I come in, I will bring the plants which I still have no place for at the Mill.

On Sunday, beautiful day, I checked the spot where I hoped I could plant but the soil is too shallow. It is a ramp that was constructed for trucks. I pulled up sumac babies, yards of roots - on the ramp and along the bottom. And weeded around some red osier dogwood we will keep and add to. They are invasive but this is a good place for them. Eventually, someone will mow around the flower beds to be.

Hmmm. Could put the two hosta there and edge it with some of the timbers lying around. It WAS a saw mill! Lots of wood at hand. That would be a good place for the great celandine. Need low maintenance. And I have an extra prostrate broadleaf evergreen, I can dig up and take down. (Can't remember what it's called!) Someone gave me several 3 years ago and they are taking over the world!

Now I am trying to dredge up energy to go visit friend in hospital and then go folk dancing on Mount Royal. This is iffy. Need to get back to the cabin tonight and feed the kits. Need to spend a couple days in the pottery. Anyway, I have had some good exercise.