Summer Declutter & Fitness - AUGUST '13

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 02:00 PM

Guest CSW- There may be something of help for you through this Yahoo support group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Messiness-and-Hoarding/

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bettynh
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 02:30 PM

I hear you, Can't Say. I'm sometimes utterly lost in this huge (12 rooms, cellar, garage and porches) house I inherited. It's full of stuiff "too good to throw away" from four generations, and I'm not blameless myself. I'm working at it, but not much of a diarist. This thread does help.

Some things I've learned:

Stop buying. It seems obvious, but it's hard for me to avoid buying books and cds. I've even committed the horrible sin of copying cds to my hard drive and then selling or giving them away.

Figure out recycling. It's much easier to throw out a warped metal table if you know it'll become something useful somewhere (else).

Yard sales work on many levels. First, you have to decide what might make some money. Then you get to see what people will actually buy. I usually have a huge table of random stuff that might be of interest or use, and sell it for a quarter apiece. People love it, and I get to talk to them. Things I think might be worth a fair amount, I'll leave unpriced and try to pick the brains of the folks stopping in as I try to sell it. It's immensely satisfying to see a little kid happy with a bag of dinosaurs, or a guy snatching up an old wrench. Some folks are out to make money, I know, but they're out here looking and good luck to them. After you've dragged your stuff back in a couple times, it'll be MUCH easier to either donate it or just throw it out (though the books are still hard for me).

I've used craigslist successfully, too. My more successful sales postings have been rather chatty ("This was my mother's best set of china, only used on holidays"). I've also unloaded some unusual stuff (for example, a load of darkroom equipment) by suggesting unusual uses - I suggested homeschool experiments with the lenses) and keeping the price very low. I had no luck with books on craigslist. If you list on craigslist, you have to pay attention to your incoming email and make some decisions about trusting others (no checks).

How to start? Fill a box with random stuff, settle into a comfy chair, and sort. It'll take more time than seems right, because there'll be memories and things to think about, but decide what to do. It's ok to have bigger donation and yardsales piles than trash. They recycle much more than paper these days. And it's ok to have an "Maybe, but I just can't decide today" pile. After a session, box up the yardsale stuff and evict the trash, recycle and donate piles from your living space. Have you visited your local landfill? Many have areas for things that are "too good to throw away." My guess is you'll have a few more square feet to live in. Then do it again the next day. It can be very slow but it does work.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 11 Jul 13 - 11:42 PM

i can tell you a support group if you pm me. very nice people.

i can also recommend where to start..garbage first and recycling second.    Do not sort papers or pictures at this time. gather them and put them in a plastic bin or laundry basket. laundry baskets are great for sorting.

gather up your best treasures, wrap and put in a chest of drawers. you don't need them around for a while while you do this and you want to keep treasures away from anyone who might help and send stuff to goodwill. you will also be able to wipe off surfaces better with no knick knacks etc. and do wipe and clean any surface you can reach as it clears up.,.don't wait until everything is done..just keep doing little patches.

a lot depends on your finances, energy level, ability to hire anyone, help from family etc. at this time accept help but limit it to certain tasks..like can you help me sort through my clothes...some will go right away to goodwill or a consignment shop or yard sale...if you can find someone who is good at garage sales and will have one for you that would be nice..give her a share of profits..or you might find it easier to just get items of no particular value out of the house direcy totl goodwill.

work on one destination at a time at first..tomorrow i will go to goodwill....gather up in bags anything reachable and not overly valuable but others could use...clothing , bedding, old toasters etc. don't deliberate..just gather and take to goodwill. get it out of the house immediately. if you like pets the shelters often like old towels, bedding, tshirts etc. so pet shelter could be the next dropoff.

my theory is lighten your load. easy stuff first. unsentimental stuff first, nonvaluable stuff first. keep gathering and confininng papers and little treasures.

i think for most people huge amounts of stuff to goodwill first, saving more valuable items for more careful consideration. if you have a goal for any money you recover, it will help...do you need house repairs, dental work? Is there a lifelong dream vacationF? eSPECially if you inherited stuff from relatives..you can not keep it all and yo9u should not keep it all because it is theirs ..but you can transform it into something be4neficial to you and that is what they would want you to do.
o
So do all that and check back in tomorrow..just joking..you need to shovel out the stable and get down to manageable amounts of stuff. you will improve the value of your home, your family life, your health, your bank account as you start selling off more valuable items down the road.. but to start, garbage, recycling, goodwill. yardsale if you have the energy and motivation .

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

Can't Say Who:

It may be an old saying, but recognizing the problem is a huge part of the solution right there. Let me offer these starting points:

I was able to turn a corner to cut down on the clutter when I found a couple of books by Don Aslett. If you only read one, pick up Clutter's Last Stand: It's Time to De-Junk Your Life!. Read it cover to cover. There are lots of illustrations, it is an easy read, but it is an important read because he doesn't tell you how to do it he helps make you want to do it by offering sound yet simple philosophical reasons why the clutter got there and why it is difficult to let go. It helps you see the clutter differently.

There is procrastination involved. Where to start - the task is overwhelming. The Procrastinator's Guide To Getting Things Done helped me address the time issues - it's a slim volume. Make it simple - if you pick up these put them in the bathroom, read a little at a time, and if you find a chapter interesting enough that you want to keep reading take it with you to read some more and don't lose it in the clutter. I'd start with the Aslett book first, that might be enough.

We've had people drop in and out of these lists for years. My house looks a lot better but it isn't finished. I go in spurts. When the garden calls, the house sits and waits. We need motivation. Something like this might work. Why aren't you inviting your friends over? Because the house is a mess. Is the stuff in that house more important than your friends? You know they'll come to see you, not your house, but aim for a compromise: work your way through a room at a time and start by clearing the kitchen and living room so you can have company in. We usually suggest to people to start small - clear the smallest room (don't relocate, get rid of or put each thing in it's proper place if it needs to stay) and work outward from there. We say if a room is too big a project, start with a cupboard or a drawer. I don't think you have that luxury, so look around and see what are the biggest things you can get rid of first so you can see a change quickly.

If you're ruthless with yourself, you'll rent a 30-yard dumpster (the largest they rent to individuals) and you'll treat it like an overstuffed estate and start throwing the surplus out - if you can't use an item, don't worry about it, it goes. I've been doing the more frugal route of not trashing but selling and shipping it, or if an item is big, listing on Craig's list or having the Salvation Army pick it up.

In the environmental climate today putting stuff in the landfill isn't a great idea, so I wouldn't blame you if the dumpster is too radical a suggestion. But you can set up a schedule for yourself. Once a week to the Goodwill or St. Vincent DePaul or Salvation Army. You need a goal to thin out the duplicate stuff and if you decide to donate, you can list the fair market value on your donations (use eBay prices, garage sale prices, thrift store prices, consignment store prices, auction gallery prices, etc. depending on what you're donating - take photos and keep track for the IRS, there is a form that asks this) and give yourself a sizable deduction on your income tax. If you're on several medications, have health care bills and insurance and medical costs that allow you to itemize deductions, the donations will further save on taxes. (This is the case in the U.S. If you're somewhere else, someone else might have suggestions about donations and taxes.)

I hope I've spelled out enough ways and reasons to start tackling this. Please keep coming back, and please decide to out yourself once you've gotten started. It's easier to be yourself than log in and out to comment anonymously - you'll be more likely to participate and share your progress on this thread.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 10:38 AM

Wearing size 12 slacks today. Down from 16 back in April. Onward and downward as I continue to make slow progress. When it is as hot as it is now, getting adequate exercise is more difficult, but I'll keep climbing stairs as much as possible, and I must mow the back yard this weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 10:41 AM

Can't say:
Keep it simple. Start with one box, drawer or corner. Don't set a time limit; just attack it a bit at a time. One success is all you need to start.
Good luck.
M

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 10:42 AM

The journey of a thousand miles starts with but a single step.
Enjoy the trip.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 05:40 PM

I seem to have de-cluttered another 5 pounds (total of 15, so far) but there does not appear to be a visible change in body shape or size of clothes. Maybe after another five....

A couple cooler days have been helpful. Sorting, organizing - clothes and household at this end, pottery stuffs at that end. Have found what I need for tomorrow - demo and, hopefully, selling at the Apple Hollow Music Fest. Bet Jeri will be there!

Need for socializing sent me on a visit with the only friend nearby for a few hours respite on Weds. It was so nice, I went to the ice cream social last eve;no one I knew but chatted with the cake server, an enthusiastic fan of pottery "You're the pottery lady !" And the tea server about the book I was reading- Rainwater by Sandra Brown - very good. That was supper! No sugar rush and just a piece of cheese later.

Went to thrift shop yesterday, fabric store re window covering to keep sun out, library to stock up, and groceries. Back to thrift shop today with a nifty basket to see if a plastic object would serve as a liner for pots. Yep. Done but would like some of that moss to cover the plastic. Not down here! And a bright red ceramic pot for another plant - need to find styrofoam peanuts to fill it half way so there is drainage. (I know where they are!) And a heavy flannel shirt for a friend who fancies them. And two small burgundy bowls of a shape I like - because I could not resist them and they will look nice with the two bright yellow ones I could not resist a few months ago. I need to curb my weakness for "china". There are some, beautiful plates and soup bowls, I forgot about, packed in the front office. Therein lies the rub. It is hard when things are packed away and not available, to resist adding to the little that is not packed away. I am already fed-up with living out of boxes.

And to add to my sins, I went back to the fabric store today to do further research into the window covering - all face east or south! I think I have figured it out now but while I was chatting with the owner, I spied a piece of fabric - that spoke loudly to me. Now it is sitting across the room saying, "What are you going to do with me!" 3.5 metres - dress? I only wear jeans and T-shirts! Curtains? Could be. Sort of that broomstick kind of no-iron cotton - light and airy and cool looking even though it is mainly shades of light red stripes on white.

The window covering is an outdoor fabric that is meant to keep the sun out but can be seen through. Next week I will try my idea on the studio windows to see how it works. I can do an awning or just let it hang, with grommets and a cord to pull it up out of the way.A sleeve at the top for a piece of PVC pipe to attach it to the wall. If I decide an awning is better, I can use PVC to make arms.

Through all this moving, I did not de-clutter anything. Maybe as I unpack...

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 10:45 PM

I'm going to end up working overtime this weekend, but I'll take some informal comp time next week. My days of donating time in order to get the job done when I'm off the non-exempt clock are over. I'm going to clamor to get an early audit as they look at the new jobs we landed in, and I'm looking forward to leaving the job at the office after I make the change. I woke up this morning a hour before my alarm and I realized my thoughts were racing through all of the ramifications of this reorganization and the things I need to do. I felt like I must have been processing that stuff all night in my dreams. I'll be very glad when this is over.

I picked several pounds of cucumbers that were small enough to make good pickles. The first batch I gave to my friend Dean were too big and didn't work out well, but these brought a sparkle to his eye. We're going to swap pickles when they're finished - I'll give him a jar of my zucchini bread and butter pickles (made from my squash) for a jar of his cucumber bread and butter pickles (made from my cucubits). Mmmmm! This evening I picked in the garden and then cut back some of the tomato branches. It's time for fall tomatoes to go in, but I'll have to keep them sprayed with the kaolin clay or the grasshoppers will mow them down.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 11:44 PM

Walked at the Relay For Life today...several miles later and my feet are now complaining. I don't care....what a lovely day and wonderful reminder of just how important each and every day is.

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 13 - 10:09 AM

Are you okay with all of the activity, have you gotten the next medication for the diabetes to work for you (stay safe and take good care of yourself, dear friend!)

Once again I woke this morning feeling like I'd been talking to people all night, and I did - in my dreams. There has been a lot of daytime stuff to process at night in my REM sleep. Snippets of conversations occur to me, but I know they didn't actually happen. It's figuring out how to do all of the stuff I need to do and figuring out how to hand this job over to four other people in such a way so they can pick it up and move forward without fumbling. My immediate supervisor dropped a 2-day business meeting on my to plan two weeks ago, in the middle of everything else I needed to do. That meeting is good to go now, but my own tasks have suffered.

I'm drinking my tea now as I check in, but in a few minutes I'll be mowing the back, and tomorrow morning I'll mow the front. Not all of the lawn needs mowing, some of it is dry and dormant for the summer, but as much as there is to mow is still more exercise that I can sometimes manage during this hottest time of the summer.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 13 - 04:09 PM

The back is mowed, it is hot out there. Now for some indoor activities until evening when I can get out in the garden for a bit. Maybe walk the dogs (though morning would be better, because in the evening the pavement can still be uncomfortably hot.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 13 - 07:36 PM

I took Zeke up to Susie's house and he spent about 20 minutes retrieving toys from the pool. And I helped her with the cap over a new probe that was set into her skull yesterday. This is to do with a hearing aid thing that is "bone to bone," as she described it. She wanted to know how to take it off so tomorrow she can remove a sponge that is in place for a couple of days. When she was hit by the car in January 2012 the head injury caused a complete hearing loss in her right ear. This is to help restore some hearing on that side.

eBay stuff tonight and some writing for work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jul 13 - 12:23 AM

Maggie,

You sure are a wonderful friend...what would she do without you?

My new insulin has not arrived yet. I was informed on Friday (from the company where I get my insulin) that I need a phone consultation with their pharmacist first. Maybe they will call on Monday..I don't know. So for now, I'm in a holding pattern of sorts. I have a new basil insulin and the doctor had samples of that for me...sooooo...we shall see.

Today was our 21st anniversary so Jeremiah went to the sitter for the day while Pete and I had some time to ourselves...went to lunch, then to Watkins Glen, NY to a favorite artsy shop where we got a decoration made of metal and glass (Photos will be up on FB eventually), then out to dinner where the manager gave us a free appetizer and the waitress brought us a hot fudge sundae to share (after dinner) for our anniversary! Next we went to the bookstore for a few hours and then to see The Heat (FUNNY movie). Just got in not long ago....

Tomorrow is a day at home and Monday I'm off to see the genetic counselor about the BRCA 1 & 2 tests as well as the Lynch test.

My house is a mess. I suppose that's what happens when life is going on!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Jul 13 - 10:27 AM

Exchanged loaner for my car yesterday; hope the problem is finally fixed. Alas, didn't see Peter to talk to and was too busy to call him today.

Picked up my Meadow's Mirth share at the Portsmouth Farmers' Market -- first time I'd been there since they moved from the municipal lot on Pleasant St. years ago. Bit of a hike up the hill...

Got arrowhead cabbage and some interesting heirloom cukes. Cute little yellowish ones. Think I need to make some refrigerator pickles. Oh, and pork chops and chorizo. Forgot the eggs.

From another vendor I got an incredible clump of basil, since all the basil I planted drowned. I've got this clump in a large vase and it's scenting the house. Glorious! (And a really good idea since Tom has company coming today; maybe they won't notice what a lousy housekeeper I am.) Minced a few leaves last night to put in the garlic butter for the garlic bread and also tried an experimental batch of basil vinegar (to go with my lovely rosy purple chive vinegar), but will use most of it in pesto probably tomorrow. Maybe some basil-infused vodka, too, though. (Ooo...just found what sounds like a great recipe for garlic basil infused vodka!) Since the roots are left on, I'll plant them again and see what happens.

After the farmers' market I passed up a neighborhood yardsale and went over to a friend's. She's a librarian and a musician and our conversation is always lively, inspiring, educational...and a great delight. Sat on the deck sipping wine and stayed longer than I'd intended to. Called Tom to apologize...and brought home interesting choices for supper to make up for it.

A couple of Tom's high school classmates are coming to visit this afternoon -- one from Wolfeboro and the other from Cambridge. We should be able to enjoy some great conversation on the deck -- if the glare doesn't make it painful for Tom.

Maybe this week will be dry enough to get some more yard and garden work done this week. Discovered a couple mallow plants (in the wrong place) so I didn't lose them -- need to transplant to a more appropriate spot. Moving things around is what I need to do most of. That and hacking down some more brush. Maybe this fall I can get a friend with a chainsaw to help cull some of the bigger stuff and clean out the periphery of the woods, too.

Gotta go spiffify the house a bit for this afternoon's company...

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jul 13 - 11:02 AM

Yesterday was hot and bright and I worked outside. Today I woke to rain (!) and am indoors. There is writing for work, and I also need to dust. And maybe can a couple of jars of tomatoes. I'm almost out of large tomatoes, and today or tomorrow I'll pick up some new plants for fall.

After the plants in the garden dry I'll spray more Surround WP. It does provide a pretty good repellent for grasshoppers. "Move along, there's nothing to eat here." :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jul 13 - 11:35 PM

Wasted the day working on stuff for work. The rain didn't stop - pretty amazing for North Texas in mid-July. I'll have to repel grasshoppers another day.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jul 13 - 08:35 AM

I seem to have moved to Seattle, Texas. It is still raining today.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Jul 13 - 03:34 PM

Rain is good! It replenishes the water supply. Also makes the grass grow... Too bad about that. I would think it would be good respite down there in dry Texas!

We have had a few non-rainy days. A gorgeous day, but hot, for the Music Fest. (Jeri missed it.) I had lots of good helpers setting up, lots of good socializing, tons of terrific music. Totally exhausted on Sunday, We had a light brekie about 11 and I dashed off to the fire museum to demo - NO ONE came! I spent a pleasant couple hours in the shade with three local folks and came back to Mill where -----TAH DAH, R had installed a washing machine!!
He bought it from an employee for $10 because he was going to trash it - he scratched the side while moving it so HE was going to buy a new one??? Beautiful machine. I did several loads this morning, found a place to put a clothesline and all is dry in the heat and wind. At last, clean clothes! We were at the bottom of the pile!

The other excitement is a "shower". "Couldn't you run a hose so the water is closer?" (He has lots of hoses from yard sales and auctions.) So a hose has been run within 20 feet of the kitchen AND, by running it out through the hole in the wall that will someday have a window, I put down four of those lovely rubber squares and a folding screen frame on which to place a towel and - after dark - had a lovely cool shower. It has a wonderful adjustable nozzle and turns off right there also. This morning I went to water the container plants out there and the water - in the black hose- was too hot! When it gets a bit cooler out, I shall get a bucket of hot water to wash the dishes. Such luxury!

Also, when we put out the hose, R found my wallet which had been missing since Friday eve. I knew it was around here somewhere. We looked and looked It must have dropped out of my pocket while I pulled a weed out there. That made for a stressful weekend so we were elated!

R left this morning rather high on all the organizing he managed to get done on the weekend. I likened it to the tasks of Hercules. He is preparing for the window manufacturer to move in and to move a whole bunch of stuff down from the city, to clear a 3000 sf space for rental. I hope a lot also goes to the scrap yard. The property manager said R and bro need to go on a vacation and let HIM clear that space! HE would seriously de-clutter! They won't.

We have no seen the girls in a few days but something eats the food I put out. Friday night we had a visit from two resident kits, not "ours"! They came to the K screening and looked in, then went toward the open door to the back. As we watched, the dominant one stood by the doorway and looked at us - "What are YOU doing here?" looked at its sib, "are you coming?" - 3 or 4 times and then they left and we closed the door.

His next concern is air conditioning. Mine is a bath tub - but I haven't mentioned it yet. Even if it is outside, i can still de-tox. Just need some screening do I don't scare the neighbours!

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jul 13 - 11:28 PM

The trouble is that in a dry climate at what is typically a dry time of year this much sustained wet makes things misbehave. Plants rot. Things tip over in the garden. And the clay slurry I sprayed on my garden to keep the grasshoppers off has washed off but the grasshoppers are still there - now happily munching my garden. I just now pointed a camera at a munched up eggplant - it's dark so it was a random shot to see what the flash would pick up. And it caught a grasshopper munching in one corner of the photo. I need it to dry out so I can spray on the clay paint again.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Jul 13 - 10:23 AM

Hmmm, SRS: I am so used to places where it is meant to rain that I only get concerned about droughts! Several years ago in PA, I was working with a four year old boy, with a book that asked what colour is grass. Smart little guy said, "yellow". OH! He was right. The grass in his beautiful yard was yellow. I am still pleased that I had the wit not to contradict him!

I was really tired last night but finally convinced myself to go take a shower. Wonderful! THEN I want to bed, a bit cooler. Earlier I had given all the plants a shower, after the sun was off them but it was still hot. I think the huge fuschia uses a gallon a day! I found a clothes pole out there that may hold the "shower head" so I can get right under it. Have not yet come up with a scheme for privacy.

I also unpacked some of the pretty china and put it in the K just to have something nice to see, and use.

This morning, I ran extension cords - about 100 feet, from the pottery wheel to a convenience outlet. I suspect, however, it may be too hot to pot today. But I am ready! I have rediscovered the wonder of fans, though, and that might work.

Sorted and organized more stuff. Thinking of how to have a sewing area. Ahhh! I can hose off some of those rubber mats and make a clean space under a small table.... After I go to town for the first phase window covering. I have the method down to grommets and hooks. No top pole needed. And thin rope and cleats to be able to pull it up out of the way. Life is so experimental.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jul 13 - 11:46 AM

Last night when I posted I was turning off the computer after having spent the evening uncomfortably having my gut sorted. Dinner didn't seem to go through smoothly. I was at a favorite restaurant - may have to give that outlet a pass for a while.

Still wet out there. It may clear this afternoon, and I'll spray my plants.

On hold with the vet - getting my heartworm treatment this month - I didn't get my mail order in on time. It is so expensive from the vet, but I need to get it from the vet this time to keep them up to date.

Dorothy, how much of the space (square feet) in this mill is actually habitable? Are you going to be in a part of the mill that was always meant for people, and the rest of the building was industrial use?

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jul 13 - 10:12 AM

Continuing to unpack and hand over a job I've done for 16 years. It's a bit of a roller-coaster on many levels. Now that the time is here I want to be finished with it, but I need to do it in an orderly fashion. The trouble with not having a title or job description all of these years means one must manufacture the gravitas in order to get people to work with me on my schedule for this handoff, and not just when it is convenient for them.

Don't worry if you don't understand that paragraph. I don't know if anyone other than me will understand it for a while. I learned these things gradually over time and as technology evolved. These five people who are replacing me are being handed the whole thing with all of its components.

Off to another day at the office. And I will try to not put in another evening of unpaid overtime. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jul 13 - 10:11 PM

Potatoes and chard from my garden for dinner tonight, along with a rotisserie chicken on sale from my local grocery store. Mmmm! Before picking my chard I checked out the garden and found another good-sized hole and pile of dirt (hole the size of a half-dollar). As I peered down at it, a little mouse face appeared in the opening and gazed back. There is now a hefty sprinkling of dog hair around that area, and in more of the garden. I'll also check to see if there are any reliable organic rodent repellents (the dogs are entirely organic but their reliability is questionable - they would destroy the garden in their happy pursuit of mice).

It rained again this morning. I think tomorrow is the last of the rain chance and then I can get out and weed and repel mice and grasshoppers.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 11:30 AM

Decluttering the wallet with a trip to the vet. One dog seems to have an allergy - he's scratching, and I don't want him to start breaking the skin and making it worse. Treat it now and it hopefully won't cost as much as if I put it off.

The sun is out today, though we still have about 30% chance of rain. The lawn was too wet this morning to mow. Perhaps this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 01:34 PM

Been too hot to spend time at the computer, even with the fan directly on me.

Made refrigerator pickles on...when? Monday or Tuesday (What day is today?!?) with the sweet little yellow heirloom cukes -- I need to get more of them. Also with one of the white onions (tastes like a scallion, looks like a scallion on steroids) cut into chunks. Had another of the onions sliced thin and sauteed on top of a burger on Sunday -- delish. (Can you tell I've been reading Philip Craig and William Tapply lately?) And yesterday we made pesto because we couldn't put it off any longer. (Probably should have made it Monday.) Kitchen, especially with the extra light on so Tom could see a bit better, was the hottest room of the house, but we survived it. And the pesto is really good. Going to saute up a bunch of mushrooms and chicken tonight, add the pesto sauce to it and serve over spaghetti. Will make some pesto mayonnaise, too, for something tomorrow.

Just got back from a big loop to Barrington, Somersworth, back through Barrington, store at Lee (limes, tonic water, black cherry ice cream, coconut water pineapple pops -- see a theme here?), home.

Sigh. Hoped to get the emissions part (it's already passed the safety part) of the car inspection taken care of, finally. Took the car to be scanned at my car guy's -- fine. Everything checks out. Took it over to the place in Somersworth, no "check engine" light. Nada. As soon as the guy took it into the garage, he came back and said no go today -- check engine light came on when he turned the car on. (So...maybe scanning it makes the damned light come on?!? gimme a break!) The catalytic converter had been replaced, but that's the code that comes up. So I have to call Peter and see what the next step is. (I just really want SOMETHING to be wrapped up. Medicaid thing is still causing complications, too, since nobody returns phone calls or emails and they're not paying the bill they said they were going to. Arghhh!)

I just don't have the energy or the patience in this weather.

I made the poor person's version of "Hot Girl's Pearls". Can't afford the real thing, so I took the re-usable ice cubes I had, rolled them in a chiffon scarf, tied knots between the cubes, and froze it. Got it around my neck right now. Helps a bit. Think I'll take a tall G&T (light on the G) with lots of cubes in it out on the deck and get caught up on free papers.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 11:17 AM

Linn, when I work in the yard in the heat I always place a bandanna on my head with the front edge at the spot where you might have a line if you wear bangs. I then pull a ball-cap over the top to hold it in place. This provides shade for the sides of my face and neck while I mow. If it's really hot, I use my water bottle and dampen the cloth so I get the evaporative cooling on my neck and the top of my back. It feels good and is very easy to accomplish. And if you look around here (North Texas), all of the laborers and yard workers have some version of this headgear when they're working in the heat.

I had a meeting today that was cancelled so I'm working at home instead. At lunch I'll mow the front yard. I hear the neighbor's mower going now, and we've all gone for a whole week with no yard work. The grass has grown a lot with six days of rain (it's usually brown and dormant this time of year - and we still have a 30% chance today). That'll be the first of two good workouts in the next couple of days. The back yard is even larger and also needs mowing. Plus I need to do a major weeding of the vegetable garden. I rescued the basil from tall grass and spiderwort yesterday and that's only a couple of square yards. There's lots of chopping ahead. Weight is hovering in the high 160s now, I am slipping into the size 12s (the size 14s are becoming too long, reaching floor or catching on my heel when I walk up stairs). I don't have many size 12 slacks so I'll have to visit the thrift store over the weekend. I started this diet at 194 and wearing Women's size 16, so I'm pleased with the progress but want to keep working toward the weight that I consider my "normal" adult weight, where I was at until I had to change medications a few years ago (the insurance company wouldn't pay for the compound, they insisted there was a commercial Rx that did the same thing, I was tired of fighting so I switched, but the amounts of estrogen/testosterone were upside down from my compound and I gained weight because of it.)

I finally found a full version of that program by Michael Mosely that I have told a number of you about. The entire program is good, you should watch from beginning to end to see what he's after with his research, but the segment from 37 minutes is the portion I've been using to lose weight this spring and summer. Eat, Fast and Live Longer from a program in the UK called "Horizon." It played as part of a series of medical explorations hosted by Dr. Mosley.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 11:41 AM

Took a REALLY good look at the white "lint" on the stems of the hostas out front this morning -- and found the "bug" (finally!) -- looks like it's mealy bugs.

Unfortunately, I don't have an outdoor hose (well, I do, but the faucet has been shut off for years because of leaks) so I guess I'll have to try to remove the lint et al manually (wipe off into a bucket?). Then get some insecticidal soap.

AND will consult tonight at The Press Room with Alan Eaton (actually that's DR. Eaton...) who is an entomologist with the state. (And with another horticultural friend of mine who is familiar with my garden.)

No matter what type of expert advice or obscure information you might need, there is SOMEONE at The Press Room who is knowledgeable or an expert in that field. My area of expertise is gravestones and American funerary art, Tom's is English language traditional folk music, early edged weapons and European history. Amazing place, really.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 01:02 PM

Then again, I'm not totally sure they're mealy bugs. The white bug I finally defined this morning had wings...

Any ideas? Mostly it's bright white linty stuff around stems...

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 02:10 PM

Got some in a little vial to take to show and tell with Alan...

Damn. I have to wear clothes to The Press Room...

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 04:18 PM

Do you have a digital camera? That is the easiest way to identify bugs. And since they're up there you may have a small white pest that doesn't look completely familiar. Post it on facebook and I'll take a look.

Most of those bugs with sucking mouth parts embedded in plants are kill simply by hitting them with the pressure or by putting a soapy mix on them.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 04:54 PM

It's more effective for her to take the bugs to an entomologist for identification, although it does involve bug capture, confinement and transportation.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 05:06 PM

You'd be surprised at the amount of bug ID one can do with clear digital photos. I've been doing it for a number of years on the www.dirtdoctor.org site. It does take having a few clues - people write in from all over the US and the English speaking world, knowing where they are writing from, what type of plants are effected, soil type, temperatures, etc. But I'm not an etymologist (though I do have access to several on campus!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 06:37 PM

I used to do some medical entomology, so I know it's not that hard to identify adults with some training and good charts. Larvae aren't so easy.

I'm typing with an ice cube in a paper towel on my thumb, and it's not easy. I don't think think this is all that rare of an occurrence. You ever Look at something and think "I should put that away/disarm that/move it because I could get hurt." You try, and get hurt. I moved a mouse trap and intended to disarm it, and it bit me. It caught the skin/cuticle at the base of my thumb nail. If it had hit me full on, I'm pretty sure it would have broken my thumb and killed my nail, but I only had a hold of the sides. I'm not entirely sure I didn't hurt it by hitting the stone of the fireplace when I jumped.

Anyway: ow.

It's cooled down to 90.9F, which WUnderground tells me feels more like 105F. I'm fighting with little broun ants and mousetraps, and the last time I tried mowing the lawn, I gave up before I cut the grass in between the rows, so I have a lawn tattoo. If I knew I was gonna give up, I should have cone a crop circle/lawn maze. Too hot to give a shit.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 08:36 PM

Jeri, it hurts to imagine that!

I was going to mow the lawn this evening, but we're back to our normal temperatures here. Funny thing: a few minutes ago I stepped out the side door and over on the wrought iron bench (with cushions) there was a sudden flurry of activity as a couple of the native lizards raced off of it, and a couple of others nearby on pots or rock walls all charged into hiding. I seem to have broken up a meeting of some sort.

I'll mow in the morning when it's cooler but for now it's head to the store for lemons and make a big batch of babaghanouj. Mmmmm! I roasted the eggplants a couple of days ago and they're cut up and ready to go.

Tonight I'm cleaning up the kitchen and I'm finishing some work for work. Three little newsletters need to be sent out, after I subscribe all of the new marketing staff to them. As I hand work over in stages I realize I am going to have more of a life (!) - when you're a one-person department and no one is paying attention to how much work you're doing to get the job done, it is satisfying to hand it all over to other people whose eyes bug out just a little at the volume. The new job is more academically challenging, has plenty of responsibility and uses technical skills that are similar, but it will not eat into my free time the way the other job did. And that is an EXCELLENT thing!

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 09:32 PM

Oh, Jeri, I can commiserate. Last night while manually juicing a couple limes, I (I couldn't do this if I tried) stabbed my left thumb with my right thumbnail. It removed a small flap of skin with the skin still attached to the thumb by the 4th side. Hurts way more than it has any business hurting.

Alan, alas, didn't put in an appearance at the Press Room because he had a gig later (despite the fact that his bandmates did).

My digital camera seriously sucks at closeups and these bugs are tiny. I've got about a half dozen of them in a vial. Maybe tomorrow morning I'll attempt some photos before I head to the Portsmouth Farmers' Market. (After which I'll come home, have a bit of time available then load up Tom into the car and turn around and head to Portsmouth again -- about 25 miles -- to the monthly Press Room sea music sing. Maybe Alan will be at that session...

You couldn't tell the AC was on at the Press Room...until you went outside. AC was nice in the car on the way home. House felt cool when we walked inside. Now I'm sitting here starkers in front of the fan and sweating.

Linn

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 02:38 AM

Linn, just do a Google image search on different bug names.

Mealy bugs

Lady bug larvae

Scale

Aphids

Spider mites (not white, but destructive if your plants are under stress)

And this oh-so-scientific one:
small white fuzzy bugs on plants

If you see something that looks likely, follow the link to the page and see what it says. Do some more searching on that bug and see if you get any closer, or move on the the next likely photo or search term. At this point in time, an image search with key words is the best way to crowd-source bug ID.

See if this link takes you to the first image search form page.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 11:52 AM

Got an email from Alan -- says they're probably nymphs of fulgorids (planthoppers). Piercing-sucking mouthparts. But they're not significant pests, so he says I should not be concerned.

I'll probably see him at the Press Room sea music singaround today and will show him the bugs. (Adults, which I found yesterday.)

This heatwave is supposed to break tonight and we'll have a short less hot less humid respite before the next one kicks in.

Just made an appointment to have the furnace get it's seasonal dusting and cleaning. AND he'll show me how to change the filters. Now I need to find a chimney sweep. Haven't burned wood for two seasons, but I'd like it attended to and Tom can no longer see to do it. The brushes are around somewhere... (After the weatherization program a couple years ago, everything in the cellar that was on the top is now on the bottom and everything on the bottom is now on the top.)

Power went out last night around 12:20. Just came back on about 11-ish. It was a hot, restless night and I've got to take a quick nap before this afternoon's session at The Press Room.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 11:56 AM

That kind of self-inflicted finger-nail wound always hurts. It seems to peel back the flap right at the level of the nerves in the finger. And what to do with the flap, until the skin actually dies? Press it back into place and put on a bandaid, but then bump it on everything you do.

Dishes running (I run the dish washer every 2-4 weeks just to keep it running and stinky water from building up inside it - I usually wash dishes in the sink and drain them in the dishwasher.)

New dog bedding is in place in the garage, but they need more loft than they have right now, so I will visit the Goodwill and find some cotton bedding. I have a couple of dacron-filled pillows I'm going to toss because if I gave them to the dogs they would tear them up and spread that fibrefill everywhere. Though if I had a project to recycle them to, I would do it.

I'm wearing a pair of size 12 pants for working around the yard today. They're a bit snug, but not too tight to wear. And my next goal is to have these hanging off of me because they're too large. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 01:19 PM

There doesn't seem to be a flap, more of a squished into area, but there's a good chance the flap had sealed shut. Last night, I put some Neosporin on it and a band aid. I usually don't like band aids, but this set-up seems to heal things faster. I'd mostly forgotten about it until I was in the shower.

Linn, I'm pretty sure I fixed the power. I went to McD's for coffee & an egg McMuffin, and when I got home, the power came on. The coffee didn't help. The fans had just started cooling the room enough so I'd stop dripping with sweat, and the power cut off. I got up and turned 'em all off and slept a little. Then the cell phone started beeping once in a while to let me know it needed to be re-charged. I thought something rude at it and turned it off. Went back to sleep... or didn't.

I have SO MUCH to do, but I still don't give a shit.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 01:32 PM

Oh, geez, even I, when sleep deprived at least, throw in extraneous apostrophes in "its"...sorry if I've offended anyone's sensibilities (including my own). Yes, I know better.

So, Jeri, why didn't it work when I went to McDonalds (for coffee so Tom wouldn't perish)? And called you? I, too, tried to nap. Didn't work. Sabine (as she wanted at 3:00 this morning) desperately needed petting. Active petting. Not just an arm thrown over her. And every time I moved, she "erfed" or "umphed" or squeaked.

You got a flap? I've definitely got a flap. There's got to be some explanation as to why the most insignificant of injuries hurt the most and are constantly whacked against stuff that doesn't normally come within reach of one's body.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 02:23 PM

Oh, whoops. SRS was talking about you're stated flap, not my non-flap. (Apostrophe mis-inserted in sympathy.)

I think the power-fixing thing worked because I'm me. We all have our own special skills. I restore power and attract ants. You have deadly fingernails and can make cats talk.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 05:37 PM

They both hurt, flap or bruise and dull-edged cut, so both of you be careful.

I remember life in New York City with no air conditioning. I had a huge window-mount fan my cousin in Connecticut gave me, one that used to be in her previous house attic and it had absolutely no safey screens but could it suck air through an apartment! It was hurricane force if you used the highest setting.

For a while this afternoon I was assigning people to lists and shifting things around on my work web pages. I'm going to add names to the ownership of some listserv accounts next week (I sent announcements on those lists today after subscribing all of the new folks to them.) I waited four years to get a job audit and an accurate job title and a pay raise of about $20,000 to reflect the responsibility (I compared notes with others on campus doing the same job). There are moments when this job shift really galls me - some staff were offered $20,000 raises with their new jobs. Not me. Now that all of that marketing responsibility is off my plate, when will I get a raise? If ever.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 08:45 PM

Lovely session this afternoon and Tom and I weren't the only sleep-deprived ones there. Alan confirmed the little white critters and told me not to fret. I don't have to do anything, they won't damage the plants.

Good thing. I don't think I can deal with One. More. Thing.

Time for supper.

Linn

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 13 - 09:07 PM

I mowed the front and part of the back before the rain started. Again. Not a lot, but the oddness of this weather pattern continues to cause consternation in some circles. I hope it has filled the area lakes so the drought is less of a problem.

Puttering around the house tonight. I'll see if I can make progress on a clearing few stacks that have been ignored for a while. And I need to add more to the Goodwill bag.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 13 - 05:44 PM

More paperwork than I planned this weekend, but it is mostly out of the way now. This afternoon I weeded in the garden and will put in the fall tomatoes soon (I purchased the bedding plants a few days ago).

Some of the retro plates and bowls I picked up on eBay are now living in the new vintage cabinet I got in June. I'm going to move more of that and see if I can't clear off table tops and counters in the kitchen. I don't know if I've seen them all cleared in years, but I do have room to store some of this stuff now.

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Jul 13 - 08:19 PM

Please forgive me if I already posted some of this:
Oh, yeah, it is the weekend. For a little while yet. R managed to get down for the cafe on Friday but went back to the city yesterday aft because of all the stuff that needed to be done - which is so overwhelming that he put it off until today, missing the beautiful weather that has replaced that dreadful heat.

I went to the city Thurs after treating myself to the cafe in St. I. Good soup and fine music. I spent the rest of the eve sorting out the laundry we had taken to the city. R had done some but could not work the antique dryer. So I dried what was washed and loaded everything in my car and brought it to the country to do on our wonderful "new" machine.   It holds lots more! Clean laundry goes in clear garbage bags, dirty in green ones. Fri and Sat were too windy for outdoor drying so I have been doing wash most of today, a perfect drying day.

Phase one of the window covering is a partial success. An outdoor covering is definitely more effective than indoor. The window glass is cool to the touch. So I purchased more materials - doing plain white on the rest. Seriously de-cluttered my bank account. It will reflect more heat and offer more light. But R does not care for the hanging down covering and would like awnings. I will work on that tomorrow morning - if the girls don't wake me up at 1:30 and 3:30 tonight! I see this project as de-cluttering the interior heat and saving on air conditioning/electric.

The girls (raccoons) came to the BR door talking to me at 1:30 am. Darn, I thought I was off duty after feeding them at 9 pm! So I gave them the bum's rush out the back door. At 3:30, having made their way around this building to "their hole", they wanted mom. The food was there but I got dressed and sat with them and tummy-tickled until they seemed to be through eating. I did not give them more grapes. NO treats if you wake me in the middle of MY night! Then I told them enough - go! And I went back to bed, undisturbed until morning! YAY!

We HAVE to get this place tightened up! I am afraid if I go away overnight, havoc will happen. R and I spent most of Sat morning considering and making improvements to the K design I did on Friday. R went off with the design, both of us satisfied, and, any year now, this Ikea K will happen. BUT I made it VERY CLEAR, I want a wood floor and the walls finished FIRST. Never mind this, "we can just put the cabinets in place" nonsense. Do that and who knows what year we will get the rest completed! I took him out back and showed him the huge pile of flooring sitting out there. Just let Bruno do it! The concrete floors are not level. I don't care how level the floor is as long as I am not living with the constant stress of - if I drop something it is history.

How much of the building is habitable? Define habitable! I am sitting in a room with two window walls - a 10x10 "solarium" with drapes on the windows, a patio door with SCREEN! Two months ago it housed a defunct furnace and once the concrete floor is cleaned and painted - black for a heat sink in cool weather, the walls and ceiling are done properly (holes in both right now and dirt falls out), and a shelf/step put in place for the plants and to hide the foundation wall which is 8 inches higher than the floor, I will consider it habitable and I will put down throw rugs. For now, it contains a comfortable folding chair, futon in frame (huge!) as sofa/bed, a floor lamp, a wooden bench and a wooden chair - the latter two as the only places to put things. The old chimney is still taking up an 18x18 inch space in the corner - a heat sink? OK, it is moderately habitable. At least the roof does not leak water, just dirt. I stuffed newspaper in the hole, then taped cardboard over it.

Sat, we also talked about what else will be happening - bathroom with skylight - after all, there is already a huge hole in the roof! BR, small movie theatre, library, bigger LR than originally planned... Most of it a surprise to me. But then, what year?

Well, I have managed not to injure myself and I am beginning to recover my energy after the move and the heat. We are to have decent weather for the next week. Supposed to go down to 50 tonight!

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 13 - 11:19 PM

Five tomato bedding plants put in the garden, two more to go. I left a couple of the spring plants in place to see if they produce any more fruit in the fall. I'll place the other two small ones tomorrow after work.

Still assembling files. I need to have them for tomorrow in case an appointment is available that soon. I'm asking to have my salary bumped to the point it should have been before this reorganization.

Wish me luck!

SRS

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: maeve
Date: 22 Jul 13 - 01:18 PM

Our friend Katlaughing has died. There's a thread upstairs for her friends and admirers.

Subject: RE: Summer Declutter & Fitness - JULY '13
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jul 13 - 04:02 PM

I read this a few hours ago and just couldn't bring myself to post it here.

My heart aches for someone I never met in person yet still felt her heart and soul.

*Tears and sadness*

Michelle