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Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Jeri Date: 22 Aug 13 - 03:56 PM Don, if you're 215 lbs down from 230, that means you weight 15 lbs. Something wrong there. But given the intent of your post, congratulations. However, your body adapts to lower calories because it believes you're starving--and you are. It's better if you can fool it somehow. I've lost some weight, but I'm not sure how much, and I'm not going to get on the scales today. I made it to the gym and did elliptical for 20 minutes, but I'm having trouble moving now. I'm not tired, just moving at the speed of a drunken sloth. I think it's because of the heat, as Bat Goddess said, and the dead air. |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Jeri Date: 22 Aug 13 - 07:24 PM My brain started working a little bit, and I figured out there was a comma missing: "I'm 215, down from 230..." I'm still moving way to slowly. I suppose I'll perk up at bedtime. I'm really looking forward to sleeping. Life is just too exciting. |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 23 Aug 13 - 09:30 AM I made one major, major discovery yesterday -- Golick's Ice Cream (which is a heck of a lot closer than Lago's Lone Oak) makes MALTS!!! I am a product of a Midwestern upbringing (and a major dairy state, to boot) and shakes, frappes, or whatever your region calls 'em, were all malted. And I LIKE that. I discovered in New England (I first lived in Massachusetts, then Maine, and, for the past 30-some years, in New New Hampshire) and almost no one puts malt powder or syrup into mixed up milk and ice cream. Lago's Lone Oak does -- way over in Rye (or up in Rochester) -- and I usually get myself a malt or two over the course of a summer if I make a trip to Rye or find myself there. Golick's is over on Rte 125 in Barrington and less than 10 miles away. Yee hah! Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 23 Aug 13 - 11:47 AM These last few posts were an interesting mix! Don, congratulations! I'm not "dieting," I'm doing an alternate day fast. That means I eat an absolutely normal diet one day (with carbs and fats, healthy ones in normal portions) and then on alternate days I drink a couple of cups of tea in the morning and I have a small meal at about 2pm and maybe another tidbit in the evening - to total about 500 calories. Lots of fruit and veggies, very little if any meat on those days. If temptation is thrown my way on fasting days, I tell myself "I can have some of that tomorrow" because there are no restrictions on what I eat the next day. The logic is that you tend to eat your normal amount of food on feed days, but you don't double up after being deprived the day before. It's the law of averages. The thing about this fasting routine is that if I avoid the carb or fat calories on my feed days then I don't lose as much weight - you do have to get those so your body doesn't think you're starving/dieting. Ice cream is a regular part of my diet (and those malts sound wonderful, Linn!) Jeri, I saw that tremendous weight loss but you'd already jumped in. :) Yesterday I was able to try on several rings on that I haven't worn for a couple of years. I can't fit into the smallest of my rings yet, but I'm now able to vary the rings (at my heaviest I had only one ring that would slip over my ring finger.) SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: GUEST,LilyFestre in Her Studio Date: 23 Aug 13 - 02:11 PM Oh let the creating begin!!! I now have enough squares to start my Christmas quilt! HOORAY!!! Pete has the day off and is playing outside with Jeremiah...I can hear the tick of my little Featherweight already! This will make about 240 squares magically turn (eventually) into 1 large, beautiful quilt! YAY! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 23 Aug 13 - 03:00 PM I used to have my sewing room set up with a small TV to "watch" (I actually mostly just listen to) movies, or used recorded books. You don't need anything, of course, but it was always a nice part of getting off into the sewing room on my own. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Aug 13 - 01:25 AM This is the first weekend I can think of in what seems like a couple of years when my weekend wasn't full of the mix of work and my own stuff. It's just my own stuff. I finished handing over the old job to the three people they hired to do what I'd been doing. Now I'm not sure what I'll be doing, except training for the time being. It would have been spectacular to do that job and have two helpers, and have more pay and recognition to do it. They handled this "reorganization" so poorly that now I'm just glad to walk away from it. My kitchen is looking pretty tidy - there are dishes in the sink but I'll get those in the morning. I need to do yard work this weekend - I pulled the cucumbers and cages out of the garden this morning and tomorrow I need to pull a few other expired crops and mow the lawn. Good exercise! SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Aug 13 - 01:41 PM Working on cookbooks and small appliances this afternoon, and moving shelves and the table in the kitchen. Looking in top cupboards to see what is stashed away that I forget about because I can't see or reach it. And I should move the radio off of the top of the fridge, because I can't see that cupboard at all and there is stuff in there also to put into service or give away. It's a nice day, but supposed to be hot this afternoon. But summer is beginning to lose it's grip, I can see it in a few of the trees now. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: wysiwyg Date: 24 Aug 13 - 03:13 PM New fitness program emerging, much more diversified. Walking is the foundation, mostly on land. Pool for strength training twice a week when music permits. Got almost-new sneakers for my hard to fit feets, from a friend, girl-colored! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Aug 13 - 08:43 PM There are two sets of shelves out of the kitchen now, and things are still looking for homes in the new pantry. Getting ready to make some more jelly. It has been a lovely day. My son got to his new house in Tucson and is all moved in already (out of the storage locker). This is a self-engineered move, no more mom needed with the pickup truck to get him to school or his house set up. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Aug 13 - 11:17 PM Two pounds of frozen strawberries have yielded a quart+ of juice for more jelly. Now to clean the steam juicer and have it ready to take back to Dean, who I borrowed it from. Just as well I was slow about returning it, I've used it three times since I planned to try to take it back. Laundry out of the way. Sorted through the linen cupboard and pulled out a set of sheets that only fit the futon in the living room. Later this year that futon may move out to Moonglow's house, so I'll wait to see if she wants them before I add them to the eBay or Goodwill stacks. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: LilyFestre Date: 25 Aug 13 - 10:03 AM SRS, I don't have a tv in my quilting studio but I do have a Kindle Fire that plays movies and music! It's small but since I'm not really watching the movie but rather listening, it works out great! This morning I have a pork roast and veggies in the crock pot, laundry is started, coffee made and Pete is making Sunday breakfast: Fresh tomatoes and our own bacon on toasted English muffins. It smells divine in here!!!! Later today I'll be cleaning out the car and packing it for an early morning trek to the oncologist for the second part of my check up. I only have to go for this part twice a year..thank goodness!!! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 25 Aug 13 - 10:11 AM Michelle, I don't play anything I have to pay attention to when I sew, like you I listen. And occasionally come up for air to watch favorite scenes, then I'm back to my sewing again. Lots on my list of stuff to do today. The sticker shock of this month's travels is coming soon in the mail, so I will put some new listings on eBay to give myself a little extra income to help. In the past when I've been active I've brought in a couple hundred dollars a month. I've got a great reason for keeping it up and running. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: wysiwyg Date: 25 Aug 13 - 09:11 PM Here's more detail on the potential fall fitness schedule/structure that seems to be emerging.... Sundays: Home, chores, spiritual Mondays: AM shower and house chores, 12:30PM GNGT Band practice weekly followed by PT or therapy dog ministry in residential facilities, alternate weeks Tuesdays: AM house chores and pool or kazoo band ministry, Wellsboro errands Wednesdays: AM house chores, Faulkner day; Mansfield errands Thursdays: AM house chores and pool or kazoo band ministry, Wellsboro errands Thursday night date nite: Concerts, movies, stuff w hubby or friends Fridays: Walkies; outside if weather permits or indoors if not Saturdays: AM house chores, NAP, Sat Nite Svc I hope also to get at least a short, dog-free scooter ride in, daily, just for fun. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 25 Aug 13 - 09:49 PM Yee hah! Found accommodations for the last musician needing one during the maritime festival. We not only have a few more musicians this year, but it's been a little more difficult for some reason this year to find a bed for everybody. Been dealing with a family crisis in Milwaukee for the past few days. Finally had a long talk with my sister (my mother's caregiver) today. She desperately needs caregiver respite care. My brother called me Thursday on his way over from Iowa and I talked to him again yesterday after he got home. Really lucked out at a yardsale yesterday -- bought a bunch of tobacco collectibles really cheap -- branded ashtrays, really high quality cigar boxes, and a folk art cigarette box that, when it opens, lifts two rows of cigarettes for easy delivery. For resale, of course. And one of the waitresses at The Press Room Friday night asked when I would bring in some more jewelry that I have for sale. (She was wearing the jeweled quartz crystal I sold her a few months ago.) I have to call my car guy tomorrow. On the way home from Portsmouth on Friday, the "Check Engine" light came on -- which was expected. The problem is probably the computer which will need to be replaced. I drove to Portsmouth again yesterday to the Farmers' Market and to spend a little time talking books in a friend's garden (and petting her dog who adores me). I didn't notice the "check engine" light, but I assume it was on. Well, this morning I went out to do a short yardsale loop and, when I was a couple miles from home, I noticed the light was NOT on. Odd. Then I heard a weird sound -- sort of a jingle-y squeak -- I think from the vicinity of the rear driver's side wheel. After about 3 or 4 miles, it went away. As far as I know, the "Check Engine" light is still off. Made some headway today (while waiting for my sister's call -- she can only call me when she's out doing errands or my mother listens in) on organizing and consolidating the piles of papers/ephemera in the bedroom. Found another box with old photos from the '80s through 1990. And some wonderful shots of Jay Smith at the 1986 St. Patrick's performance of Cuckoo's Nest and session photos from when the session was at a table in front of what is now the A/C ductwork. Oh, and we had the first BLT made from local heirloom tomatoes tonight for supper. Washed down by Otter Creek Black IPA. Wonderful... (Need to get some more bacon and bread tomorrow.) Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Aug 13 - 10:38 AM The folks who took over my job from me are now mining my resources. I'll be sending them stuff that they will use and get credit for. Bummer. I'm working on adding new skills, going through various training online programs (the Lynda videos are actually very good - if you have Adobe products and click on some of their help videos you get small sections of these full-length Lynda videos. My school subscribes to the company so we all can use these.) Must mow the lawn this morning. Making jelly this afternoon. Roasting eggplants this evening (gotta get more lemons for the babaghaouj). Must pay for my annual registration tags on the pickup. It's a regular laundry list of useful or necessary chores. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Aug 13 - 12:14 PM The lawn is taken care of out front, but I need to trim. And I need to trim a path to the sewer line cleanout near the front porch because there was a drain backup on Saturday night. I poured the last of the Mister Plumbr down the downstream bathtub drain and after about 20 minutes it all siphoned out (both loos and water in both tubs.) I don't want a plumber mashing desirable plants so I'll clear a path that he can safely work on (and needs to stay on.) I should call later this week, though it is tempting to buy another bottle of the liquid drain cleaner and keep my fingers crossed. Worked up a good sweat out there, it wasn't a lot of mowing, but it was exercise for about 30 minutes. I mowed the zone along the back of the house so the dogs have a groomed green area before the dry dusty area. I always keep a watered mowed spot for them because they love to roll around on that cool grass. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: mg Date: 26 Aug 13 - 02:10 PM SRS..kids are pretty well grown now and it sounds like your job is not exactly what you want...can you consider coming back to PNW or too many retirement considerations etc.? |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 26 Aug 13 - 07:34 PM What a day! First, discovered wasps building a nest under the lower end of the handrail on the outside steps. Managed to get both me and Tom safely unstung to the car. (Didn't have time to get the wasp spray.) Got the two errands done well before we needed to be at the Wound Center, so went to drop off stuff at Goodwill...where I discovered that yes, I had taken the stuff out to the car (along with other stuff), but I'd evidently put it next to the back of the car and forgotten when I'd gotten the other stuff stowed, to put the Goodwill stuff into the boot. Sigh. Things went well at the wound center and they actually found another spot on Tom's heel that they were even more concerned about. So...they wanted an x-ray and some bloodwork. Sat in Radiology forever before he finally got the x-ray, but by the time we'd gotten out of there, the Lab had closed. So tomorrow morning I'll have to call and see if he can have the work done at Lee Walk-In so we don't have to drive back to Dover. Had a couple stops on the way home, then eliminated the wasps before bringing Tom in. Really glad supper was leftovers that just had to be warmed up and dished out into a mayonnaised and cheesed hotdog roll. Just wrapped up some more PMFF communication and I'm now ready to go upstairs and under-react until Tom wants to go to bed. Goodnight! Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: wysiwyg Date: 26 Aug 13 - 07:50 PM It was great to return to some structure today. I did 90% of dinner prep, took a shower, and headed into town for band practice. I found that I do actually have a returning voice -- the high range coming back. Then Faulkner went on his first ministry visit to shut-ins who'd had to give up their dogs. He was a surprise and was a BIG hit as he showed off his superb manners and calm spirit. Before leaving I checked out the couple's ability to handle him on their own for a weekly short visit. He needs a job and he's too great of a dog not to share him! Parking and getting into the facility gave me a good walk and him a first-time experience of sharing a sidewalk-- his first time walking around in town. Me too! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Aug 13 - 08:31 PM Mary, moving back to Washington now isn't an option. I have quite a few years till retirement, and the difference in cost of living here versus there means that I may need to win the Lotto before I can make the move. The kids are doing their own things now, and though they consider Fort Worth their hometown, I doubt either will move back with either parent. No one said they couldn't move back, but no one said they should, either. Jelly tonight and tomorrow. I picked up more pectin, a bag of sugar, and a case of 12 oz jelly jars. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 27 Aug 13 - 02:02 PM I've emptied the kitchen of rarely-used appliances, so now I'm hunting around for things that have been stored out of reach that I can put in the new pantry space so it available (if I can see it I will use it). In the laundry room I pulled a small Igloo cooler and a couple of Thermos-style drink containers from the top shelf of a cabinet over the dryer. The question is - does something else go back on that shelf? Something I'll forget about or not be able to reach without the step stool? I made a pot of tomato beef and veggie soup that turned out very well. I had a couple of quarts of tomato juice (I canned it) I needed to use so that was the broth, I didn't add any more tomatoes, but the rest was ground beef, diced onion, carrot, red potatoes and kidney beans. I added some red wine, some Balsamic vinegar, and a chunk of Parmesan cheese rind (a local market sells containers of chunks of rinds for cooking that come off of the wheels that they cut up and sell). A large pasta added in the last 30 minutes or so and it was great. Moonglow stopped over for lunch after the morning in the dentist chair (filling little micro caries - she's off of my dental insurance after Sept. 1, so this was the last insured visit for a while). The soup was perfect for her numb mouth and need for soft food for the next 24 hours. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 27 Aug 13 - 07:44 PM Had a run all over hell 'n' gone and then wait...and wait...and wait sort of day. But Tom got his blood drawn and his Rx filled. Finally got home, grabbed the mail and made BLTs for lunch. Then I opened the mail. We haven't submitted enough paperwork for the fuel assistance app. They want information about the pension/annuity/IRA that Tom has never owned. Oh, and and explanation of the $75.89 check deposited on July 1st -- it happened to be the rebate from the state for the Low to Moderate Income Property Tax Relief. It's nowhere near the amount of (what turned out to be useless) paperwork I submitted earlier this year, but, ya know, I think I'm still dealing with PTSD...or shell shock...or battle fatigue. It makes it very difficult to fill out the forms and provide all the photocopies to prove how little income we have. I called the agency and ended up getting more worked up than I had any right to (and I explained the situation and apologized -- she suggested I have a beer and relax for awhile; right). Tomorrow, I'll gather all the documentation and photocopy using up yet another ink cartridge and then mail it to them for lots more than one first class stamp. Most of the stuff is still out of their files because I just had to photocopy and submit them for something else. It's never done and it's the same stuff and no governmental agency communicates with any other. But this sort of thing takes way more time than it has any right to take. And I DO have other responsibilities to take care of. Well I DID go upstairs and "rest" after I got off the phone. Started filing chronologically all the articles Tom wrote in the 1990s when he was primarily doing freelance writing as well as music. Then I read a bit. Then I gave in and took a nap. Then I filed some more stories. I don't really realize how close to the edge I am until some inanity nudges me over the brink. Forgive me for whining. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Jeri Date: 27 Aug 13 - 08:16 PM I got a phone, Linn. :-) Went to get my registration from Peter. I buy cars so infrequently that I forgets stuff like the registration goes with the plates, and if you transfer the plates before the end of the year without it, you have to pay for the rest of the year...again. And they replaced a signal light bulb. One worked, one didn't, so the car blinked twice as fast. (Learned something) My driver's side mirror spider ate something last night, but I haven't seen him since this morning. Maybe tomorrow, he'll have the web re-built. I sort of missed him today, even if I have to keep that window closed. I'm not sure he doesn't want to be inside the car. I need to get the basement screen door replaced. Going in and out using the current door is an adventure I don't enjoy. |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: wysiwyg Date: 28 Aug 13 - 12:41 PM That ain't whining, Lin.... ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 28 Aug 13 - 02:05 PM Sorry, Jeri, I just couldn't deal with talking even to a FRIENDLY voice. (Although the poor woman at Rockingham Community Action was polite even when I came close to losing it -- AND, after I explained why I was in the state I was, even suggested I have a beer and relax, it was all going to work out okay.) I'm better today, but haven't even thought about gathering the documentation together to photocopy and mail to them. Have to change Tom's dressings (yes, that's plural -- now there's a wound on the back of his heel as well as the one on his ankle) and put the compression stocking back on. (Yes, that's new, too -- on in the morning, off at night.) The VNA called this morning, but they don't have the new orders -- all she was going to do was something with the compression stocking and was unaware of the change in the dressing meds, etc. and the fact that there are now TWO wounds to deal with. So I gave her the number of the Wound Center so the VNA can get new orders. And I have to help Tom with a bit of PMFF biz that needs to be taken care of. I put my hair drying time to good use this morning, cutting out, putting in page protectors, and filing chronologically Tom's body of work as a freelance writer in the '90s after Cinematheque closed. Since the rights revert to him, I'm thinking a collection of his antiques articles might be in order. And I think reading the thank you notes to him might help his state of mind a bit, too. He wrote a lot on folk music-related subjects as well. And I think I just found another full box of his writing here in this room that I need to extricate and start working on. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 29 Aug 13 - 09:26 AM Well, got carried away yesterday (plus had nothing really pressing -- except, of course, the paperwork I was avoiding), so spent a lot of time on the box of Tom's articles. I'd forgotten how prolific he was in that time period! On February 18, 1996 he had the whole front page of the Accent section of the Portsmouth Herald -- an article about draft Guinness above the fold and a story about Mark Fenwick, local sculptor, below the fold. I just this minute got yesterday's laundry into the dryer, unstacked all the smaller rugs (less than 5x8) from the pile of boxes in front of the bookcase, helped Tom get from the bed to the table (since he's more blind first thing in the morning) and got his coffee and poured in the cream -- he's not going to be able to drink it until he can see a little better, and then came back to locate the box with more of his writing in it, put it on the top of the stack, and then put all the rugs back (so Rufus won't be upset -- that's his morning and evening nap spot; afternoon nap spot is on the bed upstairs). I've realized why for many events in our lives I had no newspaper clipping in my archives -- Tom wrote the article and they were all in boxes together. After I get them all properly filed chronologically and I make an index, I can put the duplicates of each article into the archives. (And put them into the timeline/calendar at the beginning of each year.) That way I'll have a digital record as well, so it can be searched. (Oh, and I'll also have two less boxes taking up space!) Tom's got an appointment with his cardiologist this afternoon. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 29 Aug 13 - 01:57 PM The jelly is beautiful, a case of 12-oz jars of Mustang Grape now in the newly organized pantry shelves in the hall. The storage pantry (the former closet) has non-food items - cooking and food preparation and serving utensils, storage (large Rubbermaid plastic containers, etc.), and empty canning jars. One of my eBay items sold - a converter box that I suspect was purchased because of this ongoing CBS/cable company dispute that is keeping CBS off of a lot of televisions. I have another converter box that is also spare that I'll list in the next couple of days to take advantage of resourceful viewers who haven't converted to HD TV and want to watch over-the-air programs. Here is some catchup on the hall project. Closet, before. Closet as I was figuring out how I wanted the shelves to go How it looks now SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: LilyFestre Date: 29 Aug 13 - 02:08 PM Linn, I can't help but read your posts and hope that Tom knows how lucky he is to have you. Being a caregiver is probably one of the hardest jobs around and I think you are doing a fantastic job!! Today I am feeling almost guilty. Jeremiah has been enrolled for a 2nd day of school each week. It's a gift from a family member who has decided I need a day to myself once a week to get my hair done, to go grocery shopping, to sleep, to read, to sew...anything I want...ALL BY MYSELF!!! I dropped Jeremiah off at school this morning, there was a substitute teacher there and he took one look at her, turned to me and cried. *big breath* I stayed for a few minutes to talk to him about his new teacher, answer questions about where his normal teacher is, to offer some encouragement that he would have fun with his friends and then I left...doing my best not to cry too. I know it's ridiculous and silly but leaving him there in tears...well...I hate doing that. I ran some errands in the area and called about 20 minutes later to check on him, resolved that if he was having issues, I'd go pick him up and that would be that. He was fine...outside playing with his friends. RELAX MOMMY!!!! Sheesh. I knew he'd be ok. I really did know that BUT...I had to check. Anyway, errands have been run, I'm on the 2nd load of laundry, I have enough cucumbers sliced and chilling to make 16 pints of pickles, a new chili recipe ready to try out, a list of items I forgot on my first trip to the store and am only taking a break now because my body is demanding it. There are so many things I want to do but there will be other days like this.....yes..there will be. I'm not sure I like it but at least I'm being productive. I feel guilty that he isn't here with me because I am at home. There's no reason he shouldn't be with me. Gentle reminder to myself: School is good for him. He gets to play with other children. He is learning. School is good for him. In addition, some time alone is good for ME!!!! Ok...so I have a vacuum cleaner to run, some floors to sweep and I'm going to use some of this time to make a mega grocery list as things are looking sparse around here. Have a great day everyone! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: LilyFestre Date: 29 Aug 13 - 02:43 PM Maggie, Your closet looks GREAT!!! We have a closet in the kitchen that we need to empty and tend to. I want to have all my cooking gear and canned goods (what will fit anyway) IN the actual kitchen!!! As it is now, anything like a crock pot, pressure canner, griddle, etc is in the mud room at the other end of the house...kind of a pain. Do you hire out? *wink* Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 30 Aug 13 - 12:50 PM Michelle, kids learn so much from the behavior you model for them, and you handled that exactly right. Jeremiah needed to have a few of the advantages of staying pointed out to him by someone he trusts, and that change (the different teacher) doesn't need to be alarming. Leaving him to then process what you told him strengthens his ability to deal with change in the future. Good job! I had to redo some of the supports as I worked out how I was going to do the closet shelves - you wouldn't want me on an hourly basis for this kind of job! I like that the Rubbermaid shelves are adjustable - they all could be, but the wire ones move easily. I have some spare space, and I have some rods I was going to put in to support some of my baking pans stored on edge, but these were my second choice (they have to be screwed onto the shelves). I looked at Amazon and found some shorter versions of the tension rods I want so when I finish I'll put my large baking sheets in that closet pantry also. Now they're stacked on top of each other on a top shelf in a kitchen cupboard and occasionally threaten to avalanche onto my head. Came home with a bit of a bug last night - it was one of those dash into the house from the truck kinds of drives - and it stayed active overnight. I'm taking the day off today, but it looks like sick leave is more suitable than a vacation day. It's supposed to hit 106o, so I'm glad I'm here. I'll run a few errands then let the dogs in for the afternoon. Today is Moonglow's birthday. She turns 25! I went to the hospital at 11am and had her at about 2:30 in the afternoon. A very civilized arrival! Linn, I agree 100% about the big job you do as caregiver. If it is possible to find someone to come in and give you a break for a day a week or for a couple of afternoons, that will help you considerably. It's times like this that I wish we weren't all scattered around the globe and could lend a hand when needed. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 30 Aug 13 - 01:43 PM Just having someone come in once a week and vacuum would be an INCREDIBLY big help. And I need to ask Tom's CFI (Choices for Independence) caseworker about that -- he had mentioned that as a possibility. I'm STILL feeling shellshocked...battle fatigue, whatever (in all likelihood, post traumatic stress) from the CFI/Medicaid application process. They accepted Tom -- then told us that we were ineligible for the ONLY benefit of the program that we were interested in (me being paid as Tom's caregiver) because we are married (and hold medical powers of attorney on each other). I'm having a LOT of trouble forcing myself to fill out paperwork (I was late for fuel assistance and now they want even more documentation) let alone write the letter to the governor's office about how poorly treated we were in that four months of hell for no real benefit, or even contact the caseworker. And I lost it the other day with the woman from fuel assistance. After I apologized and explained WHY I went off the deep end, she suggested I grab a beer and take the rest of the afternoon off. ;-) Tom went to the wound center for the first time on Monday, and now I have a bit more that I have to do for him, different dressings plus a compression stocking. And the visiting nurses didn't get the change of orders until today. (She should be here sometime in the next half hour.) Meanwhile I'm also dealing with a crisis with my mother in Milwaukee. My sister is HER caregiver and my mother is being unbelievably abusive and just plain nasty to her...AND refusing to see her doctor, etc. Well, this morning she fell out of her lift chair and is in the hospital where she'll finally have a couple things addressed. (And, maybe a psych eval.) I'm kept in the loop by my sister and also by my brother in Iowa who can get over there a lot easier than I can. Actually, everybody knows that all I can offer is moral support and I don't have the time to worry about not being able to do anything except commiserate. Thing is, I don't even notice how close to the edge I am until I'm nudged over it. I REALLY appreciate this thread, for so many reasons. You are my support group. Sometimes I just need to vent my frustrations or write about what I AM getting accomplished (so that I can acknowledge it to myself). Thank you all for being patient with me. Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 30 Aug 13 - 02:10 PM I wish we could do more. And hopefully as the season shifts, before it gets cold and icy, you'll have a relaxed and comfortable autumn. That has to help a bit. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 30 Aug 13 - 10:11 PM Decluttered a few gigabytes from one of my hard drives since I use my computer like a DVR. I dumped programs I had recorded that I can stream from NetFlix. No point in clogging my computer with them. I don't have cable, but I do have a receiver in this computer. I record them then I can watch them in this room or on a networked computer. My next challenge is to have the new laptop stream these to the big TV in the living room. I can't get to the computer through the BluRay player, but I can through another computer. I have a couple of items selected to next list on eBay. They'll clear out a couple of cubic feet of stuff when they go. Linn, do you have anything that you can list on eBay? That would be one way to bring in income that is under the IRS radar (unless you make more than $40,000 a year). SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Bat Goddess Date: 31 Aug 13 - 09:21 AM Sold 40 bucks (plus a deferred $10) worth of jewelry at The Press Room last night. I've got to photograph a couple more things to list at CraigsList. They're larger, heavier or awkward sized items that I'd prefer to sell locally. Still have to get set up at eBay and start listing ephemera in particular there. I've got some pricier books, too, that I'd rather not sell at auction, so I figure Amazon is a good bet. Haven't listed or sold anything at Amazon for years; have to check if I'm still registered with them. Need, too, to call the guy who buys LPs -- talk about cubic footage! Linn |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: LilyFestre Date: 31 Aug 13 - 10:44 AM We've been out on a wood delivery today and have 2 more to go. For me, it's an ugly day. My hair is pulled back in a pony tail, my bangs are held back with a headband, no make up and work clothes. My allergies are killing me today....sneeze, sneeze, sneeze, red nose, itchy eyes...ICK (hence no makeup AT ALL)....I feel icky. A shower would probably help but I won't be doing that until after all the wood work is done. I went to BJ's yesterday (a wholesale store like Sam's Club) and did some major shopping as things were getting bare around here. It was a long day yesterday too (allergies and humidity/heat) so I didn't put anything away except the things that needed to go in the fridge. So...my kitchen looks like a grocery store explosion. It's a mess I'm thankful for but a mess none-the-less. ACHOO ACHOO ACHOO ACHOO *sniff* *eye rubs* Onward...there is work to be done!!! ;) Happy Saturday!!! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 Aug 13 - 02:14 PM Linn, I posted some in-depth eBay tips on Mudcat in the past. Search for those before I re-write any, they'll be current enough to get you started. eBay was in the thread title. Michelle, you're too hard on yourself. There isn't an "ugly" day for you, ever (!), but just an allergy time-out from exquisite grooming. :) I listed a couple of bulky items on eBay this morning, getting started on my autumn push. I've opted to pack them carefully and offer free shipping. Sometimes a higher-priced item can sell more easily if the shipping is free. Another hot one today. Looks like the best use of the day is packing and listing eBay stuff. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: LilyFestre Date: 31 Aug 13 - 07:58 PM Maggie, You are too kind and obviously have never seen me...ROFL. UGLY is THE word of the day. When we used to have Fresh Air Fund children come to spend the summer with us, they used to sing this little ditty and today it fit me!!! U-G-L-Y You ain't got no alibi You ugly. Yeah, yeah, YOU UGLY. LOL Missions accomplished, shower taken (just in time too because it's been thundering and lightening for the last 2 hours) Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: maeve Date: 31 Aug 13 - 10:55 PM Michelle, Maggie is right. You're looking in a silly old mirror. Maggie looks at the heart. |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 01 Sep 13 - 01:44 AM :) I have a stack of boxes described and listed on eBay sitting on the table in the sun room. There's one left to finish and I'll stop there. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 01 Sep 13 - 02:43 AM Here is the next thread. |
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Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13 From: LilyFestre Date: 01 Sep 13 - 12:49 PM Maeve, I hadn't thought of it that way. <3 XOXOXO Michelle |
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