Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13

Subject: RE: Exercise, Diet, Declutter ~~~~~~June 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 10:05 AM

Most of our trees are deciduous, not evergreen, and the major problem I'm bucking in reclaiming the flower beds and the (miniscule) bit of grass (now mostly wild strawberries; I'm sooo upset...not) is raking off all the leaf mulch, acorns, etc. and pulling out the maple seedlings that sprout up everywhere. The leaf mulch smothered some of my favorite plants so I'm struggling to replace them.

The hemlocks up on the back bank (my yard is a narrow plateau just down from the crest of the hill -- my up-the-hill-neighbor's field) make a lovely cool "room" but I have to cut several of the major lower branches as they've now turned my once full sun flower bed into mostly shade. And the smaller trees down the slope all need to be cut down. I can do that myself, but I'll definitely need help to cut back the trees on the edge of the once cleared area.

The woods does not like to be kept at bay...

Linn

_____________________________________
Moved to current month by mudelf

Subject: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 10:27 AM

Here is the last thread

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere it is at the top of the summer heat in the next couple of months. I propose to change the name of this in August and let the same thread run for at least two months. We've peppered the forum with our declutter threads for years, so lets take time this month to sum up our progress.

Are these helpful? Look back to July 2010 or July 2008 and see if you can detect progress. I went through my personal page and pulled up the links, I haven't reread them yet. And there are other months and years, but I wanted to place a couple of July stepping stones in our path to see where we've been.

I know there is still clutter to go, but I know that there are some calm clear areas that are the result of setting these goals. My bedroom has been clear for ages - it is a welcoming space at the end of the day, nothing in there makes me think "I need to fix that" when I lay my head on my pillow and turn off the light. My bathrooms are clear of a lot of the junk that can pile up on counters or in cabinets. My kitchen is efficient, but because it is the hub of activity there is an ebb and flow in the clutter.

It's gardening time for me, and my sun room is the heart of that, all of my tools and a lot of the boxes, bins, and containers that are drafted to hold produce are in there. And my eBay stuff. But people walk in that door when entering my house, so creating a neat and welcoming space there should be my next big push.

Where has your work centered, where are you now, and what is your next big push?

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 10:50 AM

For me, this is the month of the annual yard sale. I have been bagging things periodically but now is the time to get things all marked and delivered to the yard sale site. It happens to be in a very large garage that is used only to store a motorhome during the winter....otherwise it is completely empty. Actally, it's big enough to store 2 motorhomes...not sure why they built something so big...anyway...tables will be set up by mid month and we are welcome to set out things up 2 weeks early. I hope to take advantage of that and not wait for the big push at the last minute.

I have a financial goal in mind. I am wanting to add a room to our house...a small room, no bigger than 11x11. It will have hardwood floors, 2 windows, room enough for an electric fireplace (that we have and don't use since we added the pellet stove), a stereo, flat screen tv and my yoga mat. Yoga has gotten very difficult to get to and expensive since I need a sitter and classes are already not cheap. There really isn't any room to have a quiet space that doesn't need to be precleaned every time I want to practice...so I proposed a small room dedicated to my yoga practice. If I can set enough money aside for it, it's a go. The biggest expense will be the windows.

I like the declutter thread...keeps me on track sometimes. My house is still cluttered but perhaps less cluttered than it once was...or maybe not since we have a very busy toddler.

What would you change the name to Maggie?

Michelle

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 11:02 AM

I just meant that instead of starting an August thread, I would change this one to August in the header come August 1, and let it run for 2 months. We're all busy in the the summer, there are fewer posts. I understood what I meant, just didn't spell it out. Sorry!

It's cool here for a couple of days - exceedingly rare this time of year. Supposed to be 90 today, 85 tomorrow. I know, not cool in relation to other parts of the US, but cool for us!

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 11:28 AM

Ohhh...whew. I read this thread often even if I'm not posting much...I find lots of inspiration here!!!!

Cool and rainy here. Jeremiah and I are headed out to do some errands but it's cool enough that I have him in sweatpants. :) It is a welcome drop in temperatures to me!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 08:51 PM

I mowed part of the front yard - I don't water a lot in the summer, I keep the gardens going but the Bermuda (turf) turns brown. My next door neighbor has St. Augustine and it's still growing and it grows into my lawn every year. I had to mow that part of the front.

The dogs and I are going for a walk before I feed them. It has been ages since we were last out of the yard to stroll through the neighborhood.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 09:09 PM

Today is Canada's birthday. We are now completely moved from the cabin ----except that the truck quit yesterday and there is a small camping trailer that will have to wait until the truck is repaired. We hope tomorrow. It quit yesterday (electrical) half way between here and there as we were on the way to do the "last load". We had to hitch a ride and a wonderful woman who used to work at the Mill - when it was a mill - turned around and gave us a ride, got a tour of the now of it and I gave her a small pot in thanks.

We got the car, called a tow truck, had the truck towed and went for a load in the car but it was late and we went for two more loads today. At the end of the first load this morning, what should turn up but two of the awol raccoon babies. Happy to be picked up and taken in the car. BUT! we forgot to close the tail gate and looking in the rear view mirror, we saw this tiny raccoon chasing the car down the road! Poor little tyke must have fallen out the back and "Stop, Stop! You have my sister! Don't leave me!!"   Life is such an adventure! Just picture this tiny - about two handfuls of fluff - critter running as fast as she could down a country road. A picture we will never forget!

So the girls are in a smallish cage out back. We hope for enough energy tomorrow to put together a bigger cage for the darlings. Right now, the dismantled cage and other items have not been off loaded from the trailer. R is working on improving the water situation. There is a faucet that finally works - "way over there"! Currently, a bucket and basin in the "kitchen". A hose might be in the near future. A futon in the "BR". Microwave and toaster oven for cooking. Indoor camping.

As for our worldly goods - I tried so hard to be organized but as stuff arrived it seemed to get disorganized. I have found most needful things but the important bag with our passports and my US credit card has resisted my attempts to find it. When I put it in ????, I said to R, "Pay heed, I am putting... in here!" But neither of us remember what "here" was! A search today has not yet turned it up.

Total exhaustion and aching everywhere there is to ache; feeling dirty but no way to wash adequately until we get back to the city; wondering if there will ever be anything resembling a reasonable facsimile of a living space - but it is ALL moved. It is all here - somewhere! Even the little darlings!

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 11:19 PM

Oh my. So many thoughts cross my mind at the sighting of a baby raccoon chasing you down the road. Thanks for that word portrait, Dorothy!

Our walk was lovely, the dogs are always happy to go and we haven't much lately. I was so busy in the spring I got out of the habit. I'll make a point of walking them while it's cool (this week should be cooler than normal according to the forecast.)

Despite a little cooldown, the summer is always a difficult time of year for me. The heat affects my willpower to get out and do things, regardless of my weight. I am motivated to reach my goal over the summer, so I expect I'll be climbing the stairs in my library a lot. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 09:56 AM

Decluttering my kitchen counter of some fresh produce. I'm taking an assortment to my hairdresser this morning, and more to co-workers. Cucumbers and eggplant continue to be prolific, along with cherry tomatoes.

I've been wearing blouses without always wearing a vest over the top of it these days - the spare tire isn't so conspicuous. I'll be at the office today so I'll climb the stairs several times, and it's a "fruit" day so I'll take a salad for lunch (homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers - until I get tired of them - I need to look for some cucumber recipes.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 11:25 AM

I have company coming on Sunday....friends who have the most immaculate home. She has a mansion of a house in Georgia and I...well, I have an old farm house that maybe in 50 years MIGHt be finished. My yard is not manicured (although the grass is cut), we do not have a landscape artist (we do have a few pots of flowers) and I am feeling a little sheepish about having her here. I love our home....I love that we are a bit isolated, I love that it's lived in condition (who wants to live in a museum?) but I'm not digging on having someone here who might be a little judgmental. She says not to worry. So...I'm not going to. I'm just not. I won't be able to enjoy her company if I'm worried that she has spied a cobweb I missed or a giant ball of dog hair appears from under a book case (hey..it happens). I am, however, cleaning, for her. It gives me enough stress to take care of some things that need tending to anyway. Today my focus is on the upstairs hallway...going to wipe down the walls, clean the framed photos, sweep and mop. The steps will get a good sweeping too. And then the downstairs hall which is pretty cluttered and the bookshelves all need a good dusting in that hallway. The standard cleaning of the bathroom will happen today as well. I'll save the kitchen/dining room and kitchen for Friday and Saturday. Pete is in charge of the porch and yard. My friend is bringing her son who thinks it will be *fun* to visit the farm. I told her last night that we've had a ton of rain...expect MUD and dirt. It's a FARM after all. Let's hope she means not to worry about the house. I KNOW she is coming to see ME but you can't help seeing the surroundings. I need to get busy.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 05:20 PM

I think you'll find that Jeremiah comes to the rescue. When you have small children and lots of toys, and really important things to do that involve children, peripheral things like dusting or finishing building your house are way down the list. Her son will have fun and they'll go home and wonder why their manicured home doesn't have the character and coziness of your rural farm. Trust me - once the boys spend time wading after tadpoles or you and your friend have a nice homemade fruit drink or refreshing iced tea and sit out on the porch talking, the comparison of your homes won't come into it. She's coming to see YOU, not your house. (Lucky lady!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 07:09 PM

Didn't think I'd get a lot accomplished today. I don't deal well with high humidity -- I don't know what's wetter, outside in the rain or in the house perspiring to beat the band.

Too wet and slimy (mud under the grass) to safely do anything outside, even when it's not actively raining (which isn't often).

I did get in a long catch up phone call with my sister and went through (and threw out!) a pile of New York Times that a friend had given me. Also labeled a couple binders of miscellaneous interesting stuff (sort of unclassified inspiration).

Making a nice supper, so all is not lost.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 12:55 AM

i don't have to check to know i've been on a downhill slope, but this is still one of two fav. threads full of acceptance, validation, encouragement, etc. thanks for keeping them going.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 11:47 AM

Culling stuff from the office closet again - this feels like ground zero - if I discard what I don't need and organize what is there I can then I create gaps for related stuff from other rooms. Those gaps in other places are the toehold to organize those other rooms.

All of that said, we have cooler weather this week, so I'll be doing closet and housework when I'm not out enjoying the garden.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 04:04 PM

I guess today is successful because it's about 2/3rds over and I've managed not to kill anybody.

Came close to a melt down at the grocery store. And it was air conditioned in there. But seldom have I encountered so many rude or just plain thoughtless people -- including staff. The melt down was a fantasy. It would really have been fun to just scream...

And then at home while trying to put groceries away, the freezer would just not cooperate. All my patience had melted and dripped out my ears. It's not raining (yet) but it IS very hot and unbelievably humid. My brain has mildewed. All I wanted to do was put the nice pizza in the oven and get the groceries safely stowed. And something managed to get wedged behind the freezer drawer. Took half of the stuff out of the drawer and was able to retrieve it. But the drawer still wouldn't go all the way back in. Turns out something from the bottom drawer had slid over the back. Couldn't retrieve it with my arm over the drawers. Had to take the bottom drawer out. Got it. Put the drawer back in...and it still wouldn't close.

In the meantime, I'd managed out of total frustration, to yell at Tom and almost step on the cat. Then Tom fought with it for awhile. Then we ate lunch (with half of the freezer contents in coolers and the door propped as closed as it would get). Then I sighed deeply and attacked it again. FINALLY!

Now all I have to do is wait for the potatoes to be cooked for potato salad and I'll take a G&T upstairs and under-react with a book until I feel less stressed.

It's not quite 90F (thank goodness for small favors -- but AccuWeather says "Heatwave from tomorrow til Sunday" -- what have they been calling the past two weeks?! ) but the humidity is again through the roof and the "real feel" is closer to 95F.

Sorry for the whine, but the rain, humidity and heat are really getting to me. I'm heading upstairs now to sit in front of the fan. Maybe I can de-stress to the point where I can sort some papers or do some other tedious task that doesn't involve moving.

Linn

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Mrrzy
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 04:43 PM

Keep cool, Bat Goddess baby!

Hey, I now have herbs in many pots, any advice for particular pruning style and frequency for, alphabetically:

Basil: I hear snip at the two-leaf level to get it to split there like a hydra, but how often?
Lavender?
Oregano?
Parsley, curly and flat?
Rosemary? Very woody, what should I use if my scissors aren't happy?
Thyme?

I also have some hot peppers and cherry tomatoes... am having fun, never done this before.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 08:27 PM

In my yard the basil grows to the size of a hedge, so I pick it whenever I need it and don't worry about branching it out. My rosemary is the size of the Volkswagen beetle (in three different spots around the yard) so again, I don't worry about when to prune - when it gets too big I cut it back, and if I need some for roasting a chicken, I snip off new growth somewhere that needs pruning. Thyme is also woody and prolific so I just snip whatever, and oregano is taking over my side kitchen garden like a ground cover, so I pull out hunks of it to transplant to the front bed in the yard (slowly establishing it there so it will be useful ground cover). I haven't grown lavender and I'm not that fond of parsley.

So unless this inspires you to grow immense patches of herbs in your yard, one of the others probably ought to answer this question. :)

I have been doing some of what Liz referred to recently as "retail therapy." I finally reached the point where there was so much shopping I needed to do I made a big circuit. I picked up a whole fresh sockeye salmon to brine and smoke for my daughter. It'll take a couple of days, so it's a good thing I have tomorrow off.

Must clear out the kitchen and get started filleting the fish. I bought it whole and saved about $8 a pound on it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 06:43 AM

NONE of my basil came up this year. May have drowned, but the other stuff I planted the week before is fine. Unfortunately the nasturtiums and borage don't really make the kind of pesto I'd like...;-)

Sun is out today, though thunder showers predicted for afternoon. And hot. I just think it's great that morning's breakfast, music and reading of the Declaration of Independence won't be poured on like last year. And Tom is reasonably mobile, too (he still couldn't put weight on his ankle last year) so the music party afterwards is on the schedule, too.

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 01:14 PM

Darn! I just zapped my own message.

Linn, I can send you some of my dried basil if you'd like.

I have salmon drying out a little now, it came out of the brine and was rinsed. I'll smoke it this afternoon on a table beside the sunroom door. I don't trust the dogs to leave the smoker alone if I use it out back.

There is a bag of clothes ready to go to Goodwill soon - I weeded t-shirts that I haven't worn in years and when I get back down to that size I still don't plan to wear them. I'm still in the weight zone I was working toward - I need to drop 10 pounds to be in the next "zone" I want to be by August. I need to weed today so I'll use a mattock (good swinging-chopping motion) and that's a start, but getting vigorous exercise in this heat is difficult.

No plans for the evening, except to walk the dogs before dark and keep them in during the noise (no fireworks allowed, but the neighbors don't do a great job of observing that rule).

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 06:07 PM

linn, i remember groaning when the weather guys forecasted the 3Hs:

HOT, HAZY & HUMID

I hated   bthem!!

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 06:16 PM

Salmon is in the smoker, I need to put on shoes and walk across the road to check on the wild grapes, they're probably ripening now. Time for jelly!

I've been clearing up stuff in my son's room, I decided I'd make it look like a guest room before the next guests arrive. Around the house I've crept up on other clutter. I've tossed some of the garden stuff (black plastic flats and small pots) into the pickup to run by the recycle bins. I have to work tomorrow, at least in the morning, so this will be in the truck ready to drop off on my way back home, including Goodwill bag.

It's darned hot out there today - back to our regularly forecast July in Texas weather.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Jul 13 - 08:06 PM

Thing is, I left Wisconsin over 40 years ago to escape hot humid summers. Alas, the weather has caught up with me (but took about 30 years to do it).

Miserably hot and humid today -- definitely interfered with the enjoyment of the day.

Right now it's time for ice cream...and then standing in a cool shower for awhile...and then finish watching "Thunderball" in front of the fan.

Sunny, hot and humid for the next three or four days (with scattered thunder showers), then it will settle down below 80°F to some more rainy weather. Between the rain and the humidity, I'm sure I've mildewed. All my basil drowned and haven't been able to do anything outside for about three weeks.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 10:33 AM

Down a couple of more pounds. I'm at work today and am planning to climb the stairs several times because it's back to hot weather outside, making it harder to feel motivated to get much outdoor exercise. There will be a tiny chance of rain over the next few days [read: hot and humid, no rain, just the excruciating desire for rain to offer temporary relief; should rain happen, this leads to even higher humidity after said tiny rain.]

Last night I put some framed art up on the walls in my son's (the current guest) room. I'm going to move one of the large armchairs into the corner of that room, with a lamp for reading. I've been switching out a couple of small tables to see which I like better. The chair and lamp will come from the front room, making that room look a little less crowded.

Tonight I need to use a bunch of my garden ingredients (peppers, garlic, herbs, tomatoes) to make a batch of spaghetti sauce to freeze it in small portions. This will be a mix of tomatoes that had chunks cut off (spots that were damaged and starting to rot) that couldn't be used for canning along with some cherry tomatoes I cooked down and one jar of diced tomatoes that didn't seal properly). I'm keeping up with the garden output so far by eating and giving away, but now is the time to start freezing along with the canning.

I need to empty and rearrange my pantry shelving. The jars I've emptied over the year have been tucked in here and there, and I've fished them out as needed. It's time to figure out what is in there and put my available jars in one place.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 02:26 PM

Linn and I must have similar Weather! Too hot and humid and rain predicted for every day. I tend to refer to that type of rain as "the excess humidity falling out of the air". This does seem somewhat different than "real rain". Yesterday I was hoping for a good rain so I could go out and "take a shower"! It only sprinkled so this morning I took the water bucket and a large yogurt container to an outside door and poured cool water over my head, soaped and rinsed. Felt SO good!

I could not stand keeping the girls in that small cage and did not have the energy to rebuild the big one so I took them for a walk into the back area where there are trees and weeds and stacks of lumber and other neat stuff. They declined my request, "come on, girls, Let's go.", to walk back inside. They have been out in "their" wood pile about 3 days now. I take them food and they are delighted to say hello, when they are not napping, but love their home. We hope they will be safe but "one day in the wild is better than a life in captivity". I am having to accept that the little darlings are happy out there and they can get into the building if they need to do so. In fact, they came in at 3:30 am the other night! We stuck them in the dog crate so we could go back to sleep! Last night, I went out about 9 pm and took them goodies. They were appropriately enthusiastic and I left them to it.

I managed to dig out drapes or coverings for all the windows, in the solarium/BR to keep the lights out, and everywhere to keep the sun out. A clean water bucket and plastic basin serves for our washing up tasks. Microwave and toaster oven for cooking.

Today, Bruno is installing the free kitchen (Craigslist) R and the guys collected. It does not suit our designated K space so it is being put where it will become a "staff K". We will use it until there is time to acquire one for the space. (May I live that long!) It may even have water to the sink and a functioning stove!

Last night was SO hot - but R likes a quilt so I pulled out a light weight one ----that I have almost thrown out or given to the animals so many times over the last few years! Some things just need to be useful! I think it will have to totally disintegrate before I deep-six it!

Thinking of Michelle and windows as I look at the wonderful patio door we got on Craigslist for about $200. Or maybe another one of those sites - Kijiji, LesPAC. I took the screen door part to a local man for repair; will pick it up this afternoon.

Thinking of making awnings. Thinking harder of how to get rid of house flies. Tried cloves; soaked them in water and warmed in microwave. No help. Rubbed the clove water on my legs (shorts today!) No deterrent. Lavender oil is next but, if I have any I do not know where, so shall have to get some in town. Or a couple plants if I can find any. Suggestions welcome. I checked google and those seemed the best offerings.

I need some pantry shelving to arrange!

A wasp want out. To the rescue!

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 11:56 PM

I am looking forward to picnic food being OUT of my fridge. I can't seem to stay out of it. *sigh*

I got to spend a few hours in my sewing room tonight...the first time since I've moved everything. Can I just say that I've forgotten how really good it feels to have some time all to myself to do something I love? I whipped up 4 little quilt tops for a preschool teacher friend of mine...all farm animals...very cute. The name of the line of fabric is even cute: Oink-A-Doodle-Do! They still need borders, backing and binding so gee...I guess I'll need a little more time in the sewing room. What a tragedy! ;)

Another bonus? It is air conditioned in here!!! Ahhhhhhh!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jul 13 - 10:41 AM

We're to the very hot days of summer now, when working outside is as calculated a move as going outside to work in freezing or snowy weather. How long to expose oneself to the temperature to perform the task.

There is a lot to do indoors. Today will be a mix of indoors and out, pacing myself in the heat.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Jul 13 - 03:38 PM

Shucks! I thought we were going to have rain today. I went out at 6:30 to plant the two pots of squash plants - at long last. Also threw sprouted potatoes on the ground and covered them with lots of straw. By 7:30 it was TOO hot - for me. Then it cooled some and the breeze felt rain - but not today. And now it is too hot to move.

It is lovely to have the repaired screen door on the solarium. But the breeze is too hot right now. I have coverings over all the windows during the sunny times but it was nice to have the door open all night. Also rigged a fan to eject the heat from the kitchen. Need to find screens for other windows and doors.

Did the farm market - not many booths and NO strawberries! The organic farm lost most of strawberries to the wet weather - fungus! The thrift shop - a couple pairs of underwear for R as I have not been to the city to do laundry and some other good pieces of clothing.

Spent a lot of time looking for a washing machine on line, having been assured there is a place to install it; the one at the right price and not too far, was gone. So I did an alert. Also picked up some groceries. Found a large solid wood K online for $900 which could probably fit our space with stuff left over. R is considering it. Having taken out the other K last month, he knows what it would take in person hours to remove this one.

Bruno is due to come back on Monday to finish the secondary K and it is expected to have running water. I hear a rumour that the stove in the primary space may be connected yet today. "No problem." If he wants supper....

Did I mention that we are dealing with 40,000 sf of building? It is about 100 feet to where the washing machine can be, currently, and about 150 feet to the flush toilet. Plan ahead!

Things can only improve, she says hopefully. Now I am awake enough to find a way to organize clothing on shelves. Shelves on a pallet so things can be moved as work proceeds in different areas.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Jul 13 - 06:53 PM

Stove connected! Real food tonight! And not in a restaurant!

Moderately cool breeze wafting through the screen door. Sun is way over on the other side of building on a downward slope.

Went out earlier to check on the girls and one came to me. I carried her over to the small pond but saw a large turtle and took her back to the lumber pile. The sister came and instead of eating, they followed me back to the building. Then, they suddenly decided to run for the pond. Shucks, they knew it was there! They are raccoons after all! Hope they avoid that turtle.

so they are fed and have lots of water. I carried water up to the plants I planted this morning, since it is not raining and they needed to be watered in. Then fetched another bucket of water for the ornamental plants which, due to lack of place to hang the baskets, are on an antique bench. The weeds desperately need to be cut.....

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Mrrzy
Date: 06 Jul 13 - 10:02 PM

Thanks - bloody hot here too. First house in a while with no central air... fans are a marvy thing.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jul 13 - 11:03 PM

I made a run to pick up another fillet of salmon, and on my way I stopped at Goodwill and gave them the latest bag of clothes. I have a couple of things I may list on eBay that I pulled out of the closet when my daughter was here today (Moonglow came down to pick up the salmon I smoked for her.)

Kind of at loose ends this weekend - I'm waiting to hear what jobs people at work got. I was not placed in the position I was hoping for - the best thing about the new assignment is that it might have a larger pay bump, but it is in a strange direction.

Did you know that if you go to a high end grocery store in every day slacks and an old t-shirt, that you can dress up with a nice pair of dangly earrings and compensate for the gardening clothes? :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jul 13 - 11:07 AM

My son is in San Diego and managed to lose his phone in a cab. I got a text via a friend's phone. His phone was off, so I can't track it using software or the family tracking service Sprint offers. I'll mail him an old phone overnight if he doesn't find it today. I'm still doing my other stuff today (smoking salmon, checking and hopefully picking grapes, etc.). Amazing how you hear from the kids mostly when they need something. I'm glad I insured the phone.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Jul 13 - 02:48 PM

Have to pick up a prescription at Tom's doctor's tomorrow over in Somersworth, so figured I'd come home via Goodwill in Dover so maybe I should fill up a few more bags and get them loaded into the car.

Started with the lower left hand section of the built in hutch next to the unused front door at the end of the kitchen.

Kept a few things that I want to give to friends (lab glass that one friend uses for vases, etc.) and a few things that I think I can sell, but wrapped up a whole bunch of vases, candle holders and miscellaneous glass containers (all quite nice, I just don't USE them) to de-accession tomorrow. Plus a Dirt Devil vacuum and a nice insulated pitcher that was the same pattern as a set of ironstone I used to have.

I know there's plenty more in the other lower section, but I don't feel like moving the stuff in front of the doors.

Ran a load of dishes through, emptied rainwater from a couple buckets and emptied most of the garden soil out of the wheelbarrow and the big bucket I intend to use to move composted goat manure. Then extricated some well composted material from a washing machine drum that was a bad idea to use (twenty years ago or so) because the top opening is too small. When I get all of it out (and spread on the garden), I'll take the drum to Harding Metals and convert it into a couple bucks. Should take a load up there one these days anyway.

Cooking up some rotini for a pasta salad for tonight's dinner and then I'll head up to the store and see if I can get a fan for Tom to use at night. That should guarantee the temperature drops...

Just been getting tired and frustrated of not accomplishing anything because it's too hot and humid.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Jul 13 - 10:56 PM

Last trip to the cabin today, to tow the little camping trailer down to the Mill and a good visit with the next door neighbour up there, and his partner. Mosquitoes were fierce. We do not miss them at all. But we really like the neighbour and shall miss those visits. A 30 min drive is not a five minute walk!

R woke up this morning hearing "chittering" - raccoon talk. He walked toward the sound and found 3 kits in our neighbour's live trap and mom trying to figure out what to do about this. After some discussion, he walked back and released the kits who followed him for about 20 feet and then, hopefully, found mom. I could not bear the idea of our good neighbour transporting the babies to a different area, separating them from their mom; this would be almost certain death for them, as well as traumatic. It flashed me back 40 years to the 2 months I lived through not knowing where my sons were because their father had disappeared them. Raccoon moms have feelings too. I shall have to find the courage to talk with Merle about the appropriate time to trap and transport. He is a kind man. And thankfully, an anglophone!

We now have hot water, too! Still about 100 feet from the "K". I think the plan is to get both hot and cold running to the secondary K, 30 feet away. I will use that until we get the primary one. The one for sale on Kijiji has been reduced.. Solid wood cabinets and lots of them. R is still thinking about it. A sort of makeshift shower arrangement could be managed with moderate encouragement, she says hopefully. Maybe tomorrow.

I spent several hours today sorting and organizing - first clothes and household stuff, then started on pottery stuff. Made a good inroad into that. And sorted out things that can just plain go elsewhere until ... bed frames and tables we will not be using in the foreseeable future can go to a different part of the building.

Rained all afternoon into the eve so my potatoes and squash are well watered. The little trees we planted in May are doing well - every one!

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 12:54 AM

I'm staging some garden treatments over the next couple of days. The grasshoppers have been fierce this year, and I treated the small ones the other day with a bait, but the big ones devour everything. I sprayed a slurry of Surround WP - it is a very fine grind of kaolin clay (the stuff that is in cat litter). 95% clay, 5% wetting agents. I added a little orange oil as a surfactant and to clobber a few other bugs. And I disturbed some good ones along the way. But preying mantis eat other bugs, so the layer of clay shouldn't bother them.

Dinner was a lovely concoction - starting with onions and peppers from the yard, then adding cut up zucchini I picked today. Tomato sauce I made yesterday with much of the same plus home-grown tomatoes, and a mix of a Czech sausage similar to kielbasa and finishing with the last of a container of feta and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. :)

The dogs and I went for a walk, but it wasn't very far and it was low energy; it's hot and muggy out, so it was a chance for them to get out of the yard. We shimmied down the bank to walk along the creek and let them all get a snoot-full of mud and algae.

This morning we concluded that my son's phone, while perhaps initially lost, is not going to be returned by whoever found it. I contacted the carrier and it was shut off - and I wish there was a way to remotely wipe it. He needs to back up to a cloud setting, not keep data in the phone. A few days ago I decided it was time to clear out all of the old text messages; I wish he had done the same.

Interesting week coming up, in many ways.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 11:19 AM

Marvellous day of cool breeze and low humidity! Cross the road neighbour came over for a tour. He lent me his recycling bin so I have filled it and rolled it to the street, hoping I was in time for the twice-monthly pick up. A good de-clutter!

R has dashed off to the city, reluctantly, to deal with the crises there.

Still working on the washing machine deficit. "I have several ..." "so you have been telling me for two years. One that works would be good!" -After I asked if maybe he could pick up one I found on Kijiji.- There are three garbage bags of laundry in the city and one in my car.... Too nice a day to go to the city. Maybe I will just pull out socks and underwear and wash them in a bucket - now that there is hot water. I will consider that possibility for a while! While I also consider getting a pottery wheel set up and making a few pots today. Waiting for my next round of energy!

Re lost cell phone: I left mine plugged in at the farm market the other week. When I remembered and went back, it was gone. While trying to figure out who to contact, I checked FB, which I do not do often. A message from my sister-in-law in PA informed me that the finder had called her and she relayed the necessary info so we could go fetch it. This kind woman works in the building and came out just in time to hear a couple kids say, "Look, a cell phone!" Lucky me!

Well, a good lunch and a rest might bring on that rush of energy....

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 01:47 PM

Hot and humid here. I will be getting up early for the next couple of months to take care of any garden stuff before showering and heading to work.

I have so much to do that is in so many categories that I'm going to have to make a list. It's one of those weeks where every time I realize there is some thing that needs doing, it has two or three related items.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: GUEST,SINS
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 03:01 PM

Finally! Ten months into my exercise program people are starting to notice the weight loss. The gout medications are worse than the disease so I am taking them for six weeks to clean my system while on a fairly strict gout diet. No red meat, no most seafood, no dried beans or lentils, no turkey and certain vegetables like spinach, asparagus and cauliflower. All doable. Other than hot dog and hamburgers I am not a meat eater. Of course no alcohol. I would love a vodka tonic but settle for red wine once in a while. I can have whole wheat bread but not whole grain. Nuts and seeds are limited. But I can have eggs, butter and cheese, potatoes, sweet potatoes, popcorn.

Given a choice between the pain, the shitty drugs and the diet - I'll take the diet. With some planning I am very happy.

I love Tai Chi, so simple but so relaxing ( I sleep like the dead after a session) and so effective on the muscles and joints.

Actually vacuumed the entire first floor on Saturday. A sweaty business but I have the motivation so why not?
The sun room is down to 6 boxes of sortables - a major achievment.Wish I had the courage to go upstairs. Baby steps...baby steps.
SINS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 03:57 PM

Good job, Mary!

All of that running around that you're doing, Dorothy. Is the mill you're moving to instead of the cabin, but you're still keeping the place in town? And is the mill a rental also? I do hope you're able to keep the raccoons and the neighbor sorted out!

I need to walk around a bit, my office is cold and I haven't had as much exercise with the heat so I'll head for the stairs. Lunch was a garden cucumber and a garden tomato with Parmesan cheese and salad dressing. But I cut them up here and there isn't much room on my desktop. The maintenance folks will need the shop vac to clear our office this evening. ;-)

Tonight at home I'll do another small batch of tomatoes. I love the look of those filled jars cooling! My grapes across the road seem to resist ripening this summer, I may have to make a different kind of jelly. Jenn Brooks shared a recipe for Cranberry-Jalapeno on my facebook page. Sounds interesting!

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 05:18 PM

It's supposedly cooler today, but the weather in the house is oppressive. Weather oppressive outside, too, waiting for the rain. It's sprinkled, but that's about it so far.

Morning started out great -- power went out suddenly just before 9 a.m. and when I initially called, they first tried to tell me I HAD power, then abruptly switched to the recording that said they hadn't found the source of the outage yet. We were powerless for about an hour and a half.

When I left the house (after finding a couple good-sized branches down in the turnaround), I noticed a smallish tree down further up the road. Since it was only 22 subscribers out, I figured it was just our road and maybe that tree was the cause. I'm at a loss about the branches in the yard -- we never had last night's predicted thunderstorms. The lightning was some distance away and the "storms" were a sprinkle that barely wet the deck. No wind, either.

Got the de-accessioned stuff to Goodwill and picked up Tom's Rx. The "Check Engine" light came on yesterday, so had the car scanned today -- according to the codes, it's the same sensor that was replaced last week. Car goes into the shop on Friday morning.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 11:26 PM

Last night I sprayed the vegetables with the Surround (finely ground kaolin clay that looks like a thick paint when you mix it in water). Once it is on, they say you should only water from below. This evening I turned on the soaker hose at the front and west side of the house, and only later realized the darned oscillating sprinkler and that hose (coming off of a multiple hose connector) was still in the "on" position and washed some of the dried clay slurry off of the plants. It coats stuff and repels grasshoppers and other bugs. The grasshoppers have been really bad this year, so I'll have to mix some more tomorrow morning and spray before I head to work.

Talked to a co-worker this afternoon about the job change we're many of us going to experience - we have concluded that we're probably going to both be in the same group. A new category of job, a change for both of us. We've worked on other things together and get along well. That's good. I'm tired of the rarefied air I've been in for a very long time. The proverbial square peg in the round hole.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 10:28 AM

My rush of energy held off until this morning. Did only the barest of essentials yesterday - minimal food and food to the girls out back - but no sight of them. Bruno worked on the secondary K. I rested/read/computered.

This morning, about 7:30 - before too hot, I cut some of the rushes along the front with hedge trimmers - for about an hour. I really think it would be more productive to hire someone to cut all the weeds - which are now approaching the two foot level. We do not have, nor could I use, a gas-powered weed whacker (because of the toxic fumes) and an electric one ... There is about four acres of weeds, minus the area consumed by the buildings - 40,000 sf or the equivalent of one acre. That leaves 3 acres of weeds. Yes R, it is time to fire up the mower and maybe get one or two of those fine young lads out here to cut small trees in wrong places and work toward a semblance of tidiness.

I also did more sorting and organizing, mostly of pottery stuff and have set up the portable wheel near a window, found a bench to sit upon and will be ready to pot today! I think the energy will come today. I covered the window to keep the heat out and the day is breezy with low humidity although it is to go to about 85 today.

To clarify: R owns the city house, a beautiful Victorian in desperate need of -TA DAH - a new kitchen! Unfortunately, the powder post beetles have eaten the floor, joists and ??? So it is not just a K but a tear out of bug infestation before anything can be done. I really do not like being there - but it does have a functioning washing machine. He said last night he would put a load in when he got home.

R purchased the "saw mill" late last summer because he took a fancy to it, it is in the country and it was a "bargain". It had been vacant several years, vandalized, and the roof leaks in several places. Walking from the "living space" being developed at the one end, to the flush(!) toilet involves avoiding numerous large puddles. Hip waders not necessary but rubber duckies would be useful - if I knew where they are. Also need to be careful not to slip. The concrete floor would be unforgiving as well as unpleasantly - disgustingly- dirty. An incinolet will be installed sometime. "R's time" is somewhat akin to "island time". Efficient use of time, or energy, are concepts he cannot grasp. Having been raised on the idea of time and motion efficiency, I have trouble with this. I may do nothing when I have no energy but when I do things, I try to make the best possible use of time/energy, especially as the latter is decreasing perceptibly.      

The "home in the country" is still a fantasy.

OK. Need to wash underwear, then make pots. Phooey on the weeds!

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 12:45 PM

It sounds interesting, Dorothy, but definitely something that would use some helping hands!

I was tired last night, didn't can, but I must do it tonight. Those tomatoes are filling a shelf in the fridge and some on the kitchen counter.

I had to clear piles off of the secondary workspace in my home office, so now I need to address those stacks before they become dust-collecting fixtures on the floor.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 12:24 PM

Have been putting out fires at work, the paper stack is shrinking.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 01:04 PM

What a difference the weather makes! I felt it before I was conscious of it - "I'm feeling better!" Then i looked out and saw clouds, drizzle but, most of all, the trees moving - generating the neg ions that are so energizing. Electrical storms predicted. Maybe i will get my shower today. The rain, of course, means bigger puddles indoors again.

Yesterday ended up being another day of rest - mostly the heat, I think. I did drive to the municipal office to find out why my recycling was rejected. Ah, dry paint cans are not acceptable. So I put them aside and emptied the bin to return it to neighbour. R can pick up one for us before the next recycling- or I will borrow the neighbour's again. Also picked up some groceries before coming back and re-collapsing. Made a couple qts of plain humus. Yummy on a salad for supper.   

This morning it was already too hot at 7 am. But I sorted the clay I want to use from the pile of 50 pound boxes onto a dolly and moved it to the wheel area. Then spent morning on internet, including a lengthy response to a post on clayart group. It stretches my mind, causes me to think things through. Gentile, without the craziness that sometimes happens on Mudcat. But not without some strife and anguish. This thread was basically about how we communicate, how our words can be misread because we are writing, not talking, and we do not really know to whom we are writing and may be making assumptions about the other(s). Intriguing to me.

I cannot unpack because of impending - someday- changes, so I am learning what is in which boxes, grateful for the plastic bins I bought for food stuffs. Found a cat collar with bell by the back door, from one of the two cats who seem to think they have rights. May be a way to visit the neighbour and broach the raccoon conundrum!

Lunch, then pots, she says hopefully.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 03:20 PM

I finished an art project for a photo contest at work (learned something new about how to handle mat board for framing) and I went for the weigh-in for the work weight loss competition. I show as having lost 15 pounds in the two months! The nurse made a surprised and pleased noise when she entered my weight on the form! I still have 20+ pounds to go, but making progress at all has been very nice.

Supposed to get really hot here - triple digits - so I'll be planning how to keep the dogs cool, though they're outdoor dogs. One possibility is a small personal air conditioner on a timer in their stall in the garage. I'll have to research if that is possible. I saw something recently that wasn't a drippy window unit, but I don't know how it works so until I know, I won't jump on that.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 05:27 PM

Trip to the endocrinologist confirmed that insulin isn't working. So...we are on to something that is a concentrated insulin and hopefully the pump by the end of the summer. This means a trip to the dietitian to discuss a low carb diet...not so much to lose weight (although I certainly do need to lose weight)...but rather to use the pump in the most effective manner. So...there it is.

I've been running for the last 4 days or so and it's nice to be home today. Laundry is all done, dishes are running through the dishwasher and I still need to do some sweeping. I have a sink full of veggies that are going to be our dinner tonight. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 06:40 PM

Been threatening rain and thunderstorms since Monday, but only distant thunder (Monday) and a few spritzles of rain. Enough to wet the deck.

The humidity, though, had us soaked through and thoroughly uncomfortable. That and the oppressive "waiting for the rain" feeling.

After a very fine mist all day, it finally decided to rain a couple hours ago. Nice, steady rain. Grateful that it's not the thunderstorms, wind, and flash flooding that's been predicted. Just a nice, steady rain.

The humidity is still ridiculous, though.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 12:21 AM

It's just hot here, no prospect of rain any time soon.

I heard an interesting story today, though I missed the end (I was in the truck and didn't have the leisure of a "driveway moment" when I reached my destination). The TED Radio Hour - "What Runs Through Your Mind As Your Plane is Crashing?" Very interesting.

I took trash down to the curb this evening, including cans of stuff that have been around here on laundry room shelves for ages and I've never used. I don't throw full cans of stuff in the trash often, but into the trash it went this evening. Now I can look at that cupboard and see if I need everything in there or if the space can be put to a better use. Do I really need that many insulated lunch bags and plastic bottles?

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 08:36 AM

I forgot to mention yesterday I went for the 2-month weigh-in at work. I participated in a Library team for a slim down competition at work this summer - I knew I was going to be losing weight, and though I didn't plan to set foot in the gym for that part of it (I work around the yard instead), I wanted my group to get the credit. I weighed in 15 pounds lighter yesterday. The nurse who had a chart with the original amounts from 2 months ago made a congratulatory noise when she saw the scale readout. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: GUEST,Can't Say Who
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 12:44 PM

I love to hear the success stories here. However, I am way far behind all of those who post here. I have way too much stuff. I would guess that I have way more than anyone here. I don't have stacks of newspapers up to the ceiling like they show on TV. But I do have trouble navigating parts of my house. And I definitely don't have any space for entertaining (or exercising). Most people would say I am a hoarder. So where do I start?

I am already on several medications. And I looked for a support group, but I could not find any. Can anyone offer anything? Thank you.