Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 08:38 PM

I seem to be ready (mostly) to set up my yard sale. Been keeping a trash bin lined with a plastic bag next to the front door so as I come across things to put in the sale, I plop 'em in. Hardi is even putting stuff in there. When a bag is full it goes out to the front porch where soon Hardi will put it all on the little cargo trailer and haul it back by the camper I'll use as the Counting House. That bin by the door has been a great help!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 11:25 PM

I've been busy with my quilting. Today I got together with friends and we all made barn quilts (kind of like a hex sign but a chosen quilt block instead). I wish I could post photos here to share but since that's not an option, you can see all the photos on Facebook. Send me a friend invite if you want to see and aren't already on my Friends list!

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 08:32 AM

Tom saw his vascular doc yesterday -- the one that wants to do a very, very risky procedure to stent Tom's left leg and, perhaps, do a bypass from the right. He had conferred with Tom's cardiologist last week, and, since Dr. Cunningham (cardiologist) is a very conservative and cautious man (which I much admire in a cardiologist!) and our appointment with him was labelled "no hurry", I figured Dr. C had nixed the idea...and he had. There is also no immediate risk to doing absolutely nothing (while making sure the wounds don't become infected, of course).

I think Tom is very relieved that he's not facing serious surgery. Come to think of it, so am I. None of us are getting out of this world alive, but I really don't want to see Tom's exit hastened.

I need to do more research on non-surgical things that can help (I don't actually believe the vascular doc that massage or nutrition is useless). And there are a couple other doctors whose brains I'd like to pick. We talk to Dr. C on the 17th if not sooner.

Got myself a present yesterday -- I'd stopped at the local herbalist's for goldenseal to rinse my mouth (tongue still irritated from the broken molar) and splurged and got some perfume oils -- rose (which I'd actually gone in for), amber (which I was almost out of) and SANDALWOOD (which I haven't had for years and years; I LOVE sandalwood!). And when I got home, my "Instant Audience" from Archie McPhee was in the mailbox. Sometimes ya just gotta carry your own cheering audience or rimshot with ya...

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 01:07 PM

The dripping faucet out front has been replaced, an old gate valve (that used a washer that was mangled by corroded insides) gone and a ball valve installed. There is another old spigot in the back yard and I learned how to take it apart to replace the washer if it needs one. The back yard spigot is in better shape, it may be a bit newer.

My arm aches a bit from the flu shot, but I'm glad I got it - it seems like many of my co-workers are coming down with bugs. I suspect it is related to the stress of job changes and moves. I picked up some zinc lozenges to use if I come into contact with colds. They do really work, if you suck on a few in the earliest hours of feeling like you're catching a cold.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 02:11 PM

Stilly, I swear by echinacea taken year 'round (but with week-long breaks every few months so it works effectively). Also garlic supplements.

Oh, and while you're at it, margaritas for the lime juice and vitamin C! (Or bloody marys with lots of horseradish, for that matter.)

But you're spot on -- stress is the reason immune systems fail and you pick up every bug that comes down the pike.

Really hope you can find a job where you're not only appreciated but paid accordingly.

The water shut offs in our bathroom had the old-fashioned valves and one was corroded entirely so it couldn't be closed and the other wasn't really working well, either. Replaced with ball valves last spring when the bathtub faucets were replaced. Great improvement all around and now one less thing to worry about.

Every little bit helps.

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 04:00 PM

Well....I've been having some medical issues and today I finally called the doctor and got myself for an appointment. *Grumble Mutter Mutter* There are 3 things going on but most concerning is some increasing pain in my lower right abdomen that has been going on for a few days...not sure what that's about but the pain is pretty intense and the frequency is jumping.

So today I just took it easy. I didn't do anything other than make a crock pot full of chili. I was a lounge lizard....took a shower and sat in my recliner ALL DAY. ALL DAY.

I've been kinda tired lately too so a day at home, alone was a good time to rest.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 05:33 PM

Decluttering.... let's see...

I'm on a whole new nutrition program that has me slaving away in a kitchen I love, but 2 large crockpots are now out of my huge hutch, which we have to use as spillover produce space. We ate or discarded all the leftover produce on hand over the last several days

I decluttered and re-organized my digital photo pre-op and post-op files today, using Dropbox, and printed a set of them as smalls to pull out when I need to refer to the reality of what I went through-- WITH a loving arm around me, not by myself-- cuz they fotos is ICK!!! Four cameras, two computers' worth, ICK!!!

We made some progress on reclaiming the Sailboats bedroom which is my midnite nap space; it gets to be a warehouse of unused stuff all too easily.... I set a spare pair of glasses in there for late-night reading, that had been gathering dust in the LR.

After a great declut of the pent-up surgical emotions yesterday, I slept like a baby and have been multitasking all day. TBTG I seem to be catching on to how to have two different and warring routines in each 7-day week (a 3 sked and a 4 sked).....

I have been able to fit aquatic PT back into the week AND do errands those days, most days... some days not so much.

This week I decluttered a number of post-op hygiene routines and products from my bathroom, that had gotten way too easy (crutchy).

I decluttered a bunch of "urgent" papers from the visor of the van, and brought in various coats and stuff that were clogging up the van. I recharged the scooter battery so we can hopefully get in at least one more rail-trail expedition with bike and scooter-- the earlier sunset makes these hard to squeeze in.

~S~

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 10:07 PM

I've been going through the Lynda training sessions for various programs we use at work (Microsoft's SharePoint is our relatively new Intranet for the university) and Dreamweaver, but I've also been doing the training for Windows 8, that is on my new laptop.

Susie and I went out for dinner, nothing fancy, but nice to get out and talk. She will probably have the new dogs next week (my co-worker's mother said Friday will probably work). Turns out the largest dog that was spoken for is now in flux - who knows, maybe I'll end up with an extra. That's an awful lot of dogs. A friend is going to see about some friends of hers who live on property that would be perfect for the dog - if that doesn't go through, then we'll see.

It's supposed to be cool and possibly rainy this weekend. It should be very nice for getting work done around the house.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 10:09 AM

Oh and more decluts. ... my flannel travel towels got to be way huge. Two of them (in one pattern I LOVE) were used and labeled at the nursing home and are thus now remibders of deep upset. So I re-purposed them. One got way small to be lightweight for aquatic PT use. The other got way small for use in later years when the upsets have healed, and the piece I tore off that one went into the bag that goes to counseling sessions.

~S~

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 01:29 PM

Lovely cooler and overcast day. Computer troubleshooting (getting a connection between Win 7 and Win 8 computers should be easier than this.)

Into the sun room to work this morning.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 02:42 PM

I went to a 10 mile yard sale today and had a blast! I picked up an old Kenmore sewing machine and cabinet for $20.00 (WOO HOOO!), a rack for hanging fabric strips, a hinged 3 part frame, 4 tops for Jeremiah, a pair of barely worn, heavy duty hiking shoes for Jeremiah, a Sit and Spin, a box of 25 Highlight magazines, 2 smallish cookie jars (one winter/one Christmas) that will be cute for my coffee accessories, 2 books for mama, 2 games for the wee one (Whack A Mole and a matching game with cars which he will LOVE), a giant tin of Tinker Toys and a little lawnmower that blows bubbles. I also bought bottle of water and a cinnamon roll which I split with my friend. I spent under $35.00 and am thrilled with all our goodies...none of which we NEEDED except for the clothes and hiking boots...not too bad for a day out of FUN and shopping. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 02:46 PM

Today I decluttered the stuff I use for the 3-season kazoo band I'm in. One re-usable grocery bag per season, to hold skirt, hat, a few rhythm instruments, and decor. There is room in my SuperCloset for all three. The current season's costume hangs in the laundry area, freshly fluffed, on the back of the door up to the old MudDorm attic.

In doing this I came across a folding stool I used to need, to set my gig stuff on in front of me, which I no longer need to use in that way. It is a great portable footrest that can travel in the van.

In this process I also reclaimed a bibbed apron I'd used for this group, because we now have matching aprons. It's bright gold-yellow and came from my mom's estate. For the band, I had removed the neck loop and was using it folded to just a waist arpon. So now, I've pinned on a bright-pink strap that is thick and not itchy. I'll get some cheap matching ribbon to extend the waist ties, and scotchguard the whole thing to make it nearly waterproof. Till I can afford that stuff, I can wash it and then dry it with extra dryer sheets which tends to inhibit absorbability. I'll probably add patches, etc. to personalize it further. I might not have chosen this color, but my kitchen IS blue, white, and yellow!

~S~

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 03:06 PM

Counting coups is the last best part of this kind of garage sale. Congratulations on all of those finds!

Working my way through new tasks after quitting on the computer. I'll figure out how to make the network open up at some point. Laundry is in, ant carcasses near the back door vacuumed. I've seen them outside in lines, but didn't do anything about them; they seem to have moved into the chimney. I sprayed an organic pesticide called spinosad mixed with water around the base of the fireplace several times yesterday and the message seems to have gotten back to the rest of them to stay out of the house.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 06:26 PM

The biggest de-cluttering here is the brand new air cleaner hard at work in the almost completely enclosed living space. Purchasing it was as painless as spending a large amount of money can be. The wonderful customer service at the Ottawa retailer was a sweetheart. Wow! They do exist! IT was meant to arrive on Monday when we would be here but I was assured tat if they tried to deliver on Friday, they would return on Monday. My potting friend happened to be here and being a dear intelligent woman, signed for it and emailed me to inform.

I am low energy today and only managed a trip to the library, where I wore a respirator to avoid toxins. Also unpacked the "Christmas present" and set it up to do its job. Lungs are still de-cluttering, sometimes with lengthy coughing fits, but less and less.

Three days in the city with my friend, of 40 years, with Parkinson's has left me drained emotionally and physically. Need to spend time googling it. However, the reason I was there was so the husband could attend a major conference on Parkinson's. He came home with good info. A very private person, she does not have close friends coming to visit. Days are LONG! I will try to visit a couple times a month or more, as possible. Tai chi was recommended; I could try to fit it in to attend with her if possible. Also LOTS of exercise and good posture.

In the pottery, work is at a screeching halt. It is the next project for R and Bruno, who will be back on Monday. I am hoping for a working studio by the end of the week. Hoping!

Did not get the laundry done and it is to start raining tomorrow through Weds. Oh well.

Linn's posts about putting things in a designated space: I keep trying that with R - "SO I CAN FIND THINGS!" This has been ingrained in me since birth but it seems to be a foreign concept to most people. ...

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 06:30 PM

Linn, your box is probably going in the mail on Monday. It's hefty. I have a care package for my son also, and a bunch of odd-ball pads of paper for a friend who loves these things (I get them from the printer who cuts up leftover paper from print jobs and makes pads) for making lists.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Oct 13 - 10:18 PM

Twelve log cabin squares (10.5 square inches) completed! YAY!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 01:39 AM

Best I could do about sewing today was to stick my head into the sewing room and look fondly at the sewing table.

I did get something done today, I'm sure of it. Some laundry, some paperwork. Some computer work. Dishes. And another load of laundry will go in at bedtime. Linn's box is packed, weighed, measured, ready to go. A couple of other pieces of mail also.

I nearly burned a good pan this evening - water boiled out. I should have set the timer but I let myself get distracted. Zeke came in and got my attention. I don't do that often, but I scare myself back into better practices when something like this happens. I have a new timer, I just have to get used to how it works.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 04:42 AM

is

Lurking in this thread
Learning from your experiences
Longing for the energy
Loving your successes

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 08:50 AM

is

Loving you lurking
Trusting you to takae the best and leave the rest
Praying you enjoy more energy
Looking forwards towards your own successes

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 09:43 AM

Wow! A day where we don't have to go anywhere, no one is coming here, and there is NOTHING that is imperative to be done today!

Tom is up and I guided him to the table and got his coffee, the dishes are running through (and all the hand washing done), and I read a book before I came downstairs.

I have a list of things it would be nice to accomplish today, but I won't fret if I don't get anything else done and maybe just watch "The Lion In Winter" or "The Name of the Rose" which I scored at Goodwill a few weeks ago.

Yesterday I went to the Portsmouth farmers' market to pick up my CSA share from Meadow's Mirth. Had a nice talk about infused vodkas (we shared ideas) with my "bitters lady" and bought a birthday present for someone who shall remain nameless. She gave me a lovely little bouquet of bright yellow orange daisy-like flowers and purply airy sprigs. Then, on the way out I again encouraged the young musician playing low whistle (and guitar) at the top of the stairs to come to the Friday Press Room session.

Hit two yardsales on the way over to a friend's house -- one where everything was free (and I got her a pair of wine glasses and myself...um...books...) and the other (two blocks away) where everything was way overpriced.

And then had a lovely afternoon of dog cuddling and conversation and wine before heading home.

Lovely day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 10:00 AM

Oh thank goodness for empty days!!!!

Laundry is already going here and some other things lined up. Tomorrow looks to be a bit more quiet and then the week is off to the races!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 10:01 AM

is happy to see VT! :)

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 10:07 AM

This weekend sounds great so far! We had rain last night and it's supposed to warm up to the low 80s this afternoon so I see gardening in part of the day. Laundry washed early this morning and is now drying.

We're finally to sweater and long-sleeve weather, and I got out my thermal blanket for the bed last night.

Last night I started going through the book with all of the passwords for accounts set up over the years. Some of those accounts need to go away, they never get used. The remarks are spread out in too many places. Same with some of the old email accounts. That's a big job.

SRS

Subject: Camera Bag as Purse
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 12:42 PM

I'm decluttering my main purse. It holds too much and will not multitask as much as I need it to, so.... sniff..... Bye! (Becomes scooter cargo bag.)

Hardi had a plain, black camera bag with us one day that was a HUGE help to me, so I asked for one to replace my purse. I can always accessorize it to girlie it up; for fall I simply hung a very bright fall-patterned scarf on it, and inside there's room for tech gear I use to record things, unmentionables, Kindle, and a meal.

~S~

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 01:38 PM

Thank you all for welcoming me back. I am inspired by and a tad envious of you all.

Master bedroom is completely clean (including the mold and inch think dust) and somewhat decluttered. I hope I breath easier tonight but all the work andstirring up dust has got me coughing really hard again. :\

Broken shelf in bookcase fixed. New curtains ironed and hung. Freshly washed and ironed linens on bed. Can't wait to crawl in after shower.

I even made dinner this evening. Enchiladas.

I may tackle some ironing this evening too.

Feeling accomplished.

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 01:56 PM

Sounds like a great start, Tam, and you're miles ahead of some of us. Ironing curtains - that is ambitious!

Secret Santa 2013 has been launched. If you have things you want to declutter that are good and interesting and small enough to ship you might want to participate and pass said items along to an appreciative Santee. Just a thought (we need more players, it has gotten a bit slim the last couple of years).

Out to mow the front now that the rain from last night has mostly soaked in. And I can consider putting out the watering system that I purchased last spring and didn't do anything with because of the drip at that faucet. It's a brass 4-spigot fitting with a timer so that different zones can be watered as needed, all from the tap on the house via hoses and not trenching to put in a PVC watering system. I still have a couple of new hoses to put into play also. I could also decide this is too fussy and take it back to Home Depot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 05:03 PM

Hey VT...wanna come tackle our bedroom? Since we spend so little time in there, it is the last room on my list to spend time on. I NEED to spend at least a day in there to sort out clothes that need to go, some that need to be tucked away until later, etc.

I helped with firewood today. Whew. It's a HOT day for that! Today was pretty awesome though...Pete got me a new (old) sewing machine...a Singer 201...a work horse that I can't wait to tinker with. It came with a cabinet too that I want to strip down. Any good recommendations on paint removers that work the best?

The machine itself is GORGEOUS and has been well loved. It clearly has been oiled and greased not so long ago and the scroll work on the face plate is divine! She was born in 1946. :) Most importantly, the bobbin casing is in place and she purrs that lovely little tick that older Singers do...perfection! I can't wait to try her out!

All my sewing machines have names. For this machine, I'm liking Annie but won't know for sure until I spend some more time with her.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Oct 13 - 05:25 PM

Rufus has interspersed his late night and today's activities with pulling flowers out of the vase and dropping them on the floor. (I told him I don't mess with HIS flowers!)

Got 2 bundles of the driveway stakes (plow guides) around the interior of the turnaround...in the rain. (Not heavy; just a steady drip.) Think I'll go back and get another 2-3 bundles and a couple more of the reflector-topped stakes (for then end of the driveway -- my plow guy would LOVE to push snow back into my flower beds).

Laundry just finished and I should put it in the dryer...(gotta think about that; do I want to fold everything and put it away tonight? Nah.)

And, most importantly, I FINISHED putting all of Tom's freelance articles into page protectors. AND I got all of 1994 in a binder in order. AND I indexed them... Now all I have to do is type the index so I can print a couple copies and then -- not tonight! -- pull out all the 2nd copies (making photocopies of a few that don't have dupes) into The Archives. Still, of course, have 1995-1999 to go, but this is one small part of my archival/organizational project more or less completed. Whew. I feel accomplished!

Leftover fried rice for supper tonight. Tom's not excited about it, but, hey, it needs to be eaten up (and it's a really quick fix).

It's been a good day! (Never bothered to put my contacts in.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 01:06 AM

Linn, I'm sending you 25 pounds of binders that should take care of quite a few of the remaining years.

Michelle, how many sewing machines do you have now? (I have two.) I've been tempted to buy others at estate sales, but I don't have room. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 04:00 AM

ugghhh... Paying for the weekend's activities. Lots of pain in hands and feet. Must go to hospital and get bloods done today before RA consultant appointment tomorrow. I have been too ill and the virus in my body would have queered the results. May still, but has to be done.

When I get back I tackle the spare room AKA the Bermuda Triangle. I hope I find a dirigible in there that I can steampunk. :) Got to find my saloon girl dress and see if I can fit into it or make it fit around me for the Bat Conservation masqued ball I will be attending on 19 October. TheSilentOne is going as riverboat gambler.

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 04:53 AM

Michelle that sewing machine sounds like gorgeous. Do you know what kind of paint is on that cabinet? In the UK there is this stuff called polycell which you paste on like cake icing, allow to dry about 6 hours and then scrape it away and the old paint falls off with it. Plan to use this on the decades of layers of gloss paint on our door frames and skirting, before we replace the doors.

Will take about a week we think, so will do in summer and stay in our caravan nights at nearby campsite.

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 09:57 AM

I've used a paint stripper here (it is a very thick liquid, kind of like rubber cement) but it stinks, must be done in the open, and when you scrape it off you have a sticky goo to keep track of. Something like "Jasco" - I'm sure there are products in your local hardware store. That stuff that VT describes sounds nicer. I remember seeing an ad for something like that years ago, but could never find it. It involved a layer of paper, I think.

Lovely cool morning. Didn't sleep well, I think Zeke had an upset tummy from something he ate in the yard. He was drooling and licking a lot, I finally gave him a benedryl after he'd had me up the fourth time in the middle of the night. I'll police the grounds, see what might be back there. This happened to Cinnamon one time when I think she got a sprig of a datura (jimson weed) that was coming up in some dirt that was transplanted from the front yard to the back. I never toss those plants in the compost, I trash them and try to keep the dogs away from them.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 10:04 AM

I have no idea what kind of paint is on the sewing machine cabinet. :/ It looks like someone tried to make it an off white...kinda glossy. ICK.

Maggie, I have 4 sewing machines and will be adding one more to the collection before New Year's if all goes well.   I have a 1953 Singer Featherweight which is what I am currently sewing with (and have been for about a year now), an undated Kenmore...will hunt down the serial number on that machine later today which was purchased at a yard sale for $20.00 and have yet to plug in but all her moving parts work smoothly and the bobbin case is in good working order (and there...many times that crucial piece is missing and you will pay a minimum of $80.00 for an original casing). I know a little of her history and don't really anticipate having many problems other than adding some fresh oil, greasing her gears and giving her a good polish. :) The machine I got yesterday was a gift from Pete and is a 1946 Singer 201, affectionately called "The Workhorse" in the sewing world. She's essentially a Featherweight on steroids. I also have a treadle machine that belonged to my great grandmother. I have not had it out of the cabinetry in many, many years. I imagine I'll be giving her a good once over with oil, grease and polish too at some point. Oh...I do have one other machine. It's a Singer that was given to me by my mom in 1993, purchased at Ames (pre-Walmart store). It's a basic machine that no longer runs. I've had it *fixed* but it still isn't right. My mom got it for me because I was hand sewing curtains for our apartment and I think she felt sorry for me.

As for the last machine that I will be purchasing, that is going to be a Brother Simplicity SB3129. Why another machine? All the antique machines are beautiful and they do run however none of those machines are built to have the feed dogs dropped for quilting (I CAN stitch in the ditch with them or tie quilts but...) This will be a new, up to date machine that I will use for quilting small quilt tops, runners and bags. It runs around $500.00 plus a few attachments. I've done a lot of research to find a machine that will fit my budget and this one looks PERFECT! I had the cash for the machine, finally made the decision as to which machine I wanted and BAM....car died with a bill of $890.00. The sewing machine will just have to wait. It seems that things work out that way quite often. No matter, in the meantime, I have one excellent working machine, two that will need a little elbow grease and a lot of fabric to play with! I'm a happy girl!

We are under a severe storm warning and tornado watch so I hopped in the shower after taking Jeremiah to school, have the laundry going and am now off to do the dishes and some vacuuming before the lightening begins or we lose power. I see that the rain has JUST started. It has been really windy here since last night (a welcome relief from the ICKY HUMIDITY we had yesterday).

Are any of you sewing out there?

Much Love to All!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 11:34 AM

Michelle, I don't think there is a way to hide that targeted cash from other appliances, I know that feeling well, you're all set to make an important purchase and the truck needs tires or the water pump dies, or the dryer dies.

My daughter has a Singer series 15 that she got when she was a teen, and before her it had basically gone unused for decades. My neighbor gave it to me when I noticed it in her front hall. It was destined for a garage sale, but I'd helped her move and assemble some furniture. I had it oiled and new cords put on and it's a workhorse. It's an early rotary machine, no belt. She was given this as a wedding gift but had never learned to sew!

I have an old original White, one my cousin used for years before giving it to me. The probably dates from the 1940s or 50s and is all iron - it weighs a ton. I loved getting this because I didn't have one at the time, my mother, sister and I used a machine at home in Washington and I was living in NYC. I sewed tons of stuff on that, and finally got a "modern" machine with cams later. It isn't a great machine, but it works.

Off to the post office.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 11:49 AM

Maggie - I hope Zeke feels better soon and you find the culprit before it strikes again.

Michelle - You should google images of AllSaints Spitalfields. Old glass shop front stacked with shelves and shevles of old sewing machines.

Well I did not make the start on spare room. Utterly wiped out from trip to GP surgery and hospital and the waiting for buses. Even a little exertion starts me coughing like crazy.

I may make a try tonight because we really need to get to stuff to sort out our masqued ball costumes and masques (yet to be made). I also need to make a holster for Chris to carry the brass opium pipe .

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 07:36 PM

I woke up this morning at 4:30 and gave up on trying to get back to sleep. Read instead until I grabbed a pile of 5x7 photographs that a friend had taken at the 2005 PMFF and sorted (found duplicates to give to the appropriate people), trimmed, and started paging them for The Archives.

I figured I'd fade sometime today but it never happened (unless it's happening right now at 7:20pm...).

After I washed and dried my hair (and worked some more on the photographs and consolidating piles of paper and trying to make some sense out of the yet unfiled stuff) I headed off to the credit union to pay the mortgage and then do some grocery shopping. Brought everything into the house including the wine I bought on Saturday.

Spent a little time at the computer then started cooking. I'd bought what I needed to do a boiled dinner and a meatloaf. Wasn't sure which I'd have tonight, but figured if nothing else, boiled dinner always improves each time it's heated up. So we had the meatloaf tonight. I made mushroom gravy but then decided, instead of making the little new potatoes (boil them, then squash each one and sauté in butter), that I'd mash up some of the boiled dinner veggies and have that with gravy over everything. Tom loved it. And it's enough different (and no cabbage in it yet) that the same vegetables in the boiled dinner tomorrow will be "new".

The other consideration is that it's impossible to make a small boiled dinner for two unless you eat it forever -- which Tom won't go for. When it cools off a bit, I'll freeze 2 cups of the veggie stock tonight. And the next time I make the boiled dinner for supper (Friday, maybe, after the session, or Saturday) I'll turn it into hash and fry it. Tom taught me that years ago. And anything left I'll freeze; it should freeze okay, shouldn't it? Or I'll freeze it as hash.

I need a bigger fridge. I definitely need a bigger freezer!

I didn't buy a rutabega for the boiled dinner -- I had several types of turnips from my CSA share. The little white ones are sooooo nice. Ate one raw while I was cooking.

Gotta go dish up some ice cream for dessert -- with a friend's frozen blackberries that I just thawed. (One more thing OUT of the freezer!)

Oh, those of you on my Facebook feed heard about my wildlife adventures today. First when I was coming home from the store, a young (12-14" shell) snapping turtle had nearly finished crossing the road (I wasn't going to help him) and then two wild turkeys dashed across the road heading in the same direction. (Big Foot probably behind them.) Later at home when I went to take out the kitchen compost, I startled about 21+ turkeys ambling past the deck on their way out to the woods. I love living here!

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Oct 13 - 05:35 AM

Linn as the weather turns cooler, that boiled dinner idea appeals more and more to me. However, my vegetarian husband is not keen on "boiled" veg.

I tend to cook up a collection of root veg with sweet onion, cabbage, celery and peas. Then separate into halves. Half to go with a jar of balti sauce, rice pilaf, naan, for a curry. The other half chicken veg soup for my lunches part of which will be frozen.

I am loving the description of wildlife. I have view of a part dead leylandii with the occasional ring necked dove, wood pigeon perching or random cat climbing through from the fence beneath.

If I manage to keep my job, we will be staying in first floor flat. I am thinking that I should make kitchen and lounge picture windows (which are east facing and quite deep) into mini greenhouse gardens. Herbs in kitchen, ornamental / edible plants in lounge.   

Can't do anything about pets. Chris doesn't like dogs, thinks it is cruel to keep cats indoors, has views about caged birds and aquariums as unnatural and cruel. Sigh. Maybe he will be up for foster caring for cats. I need animals in my life.

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Oct 13 - 08:24 AM

Linn, cooked potatoes don't freeze well.... texture issues. We don't. Easy enuf to nuke one at mealtime and squash it to absorb juices.

~S~

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Oct 13 - 12:20 PM

Okay, I'll bite. What is a "boiled dinner?" It brings to mind something a friend used to eat a lot, made by a German woman who was her home care service person - boiled cabbage and potatoes?

Going for a walk with the dogs in a few minutes, trying to keep up the exercise for all of us.

I've tried a couple of new shampoos lately, one seems to have made my hands break out. I don't think I have any foods that cause the reaction, so I'll cut out the new shampoos and try them one at a time. The mistake was trying both very close together, I can't tell which is the culprit.

I had to run by the eye doctor's last night to pickup up contacts ordered by Moonglow. Next door is a Ross store, and though they don't always have great selection, I found one pair of slacks that I'll use to create a couple of outfits for fall. They were supposedly originally $58 and I got them for $7; whatever, I won't feel bad about setting them aside if I continue to lose the weight and they become too large. That is my goal, but I've been on a plateau for a while, hence the push for more exercise. With the cooler weather exercise is a pleasure, not a sweatbath.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Oct 13 - 05:45 PM

"New England" boiled dinner, Stilly, though I grew up with it in the Midwaste, I mean, Midwest (Milwaukee) in the '50s -- a autumn and winter staple in my mom's kitchen. (And straight out of Betty Crocker.)

It's often made with brisket, but I grew up with the cheaper type of bone-in hams. I discovered some years ago that the PERFECT meat is smoked beef tongue, but I can't smoke one at home, and they're no longer readily available in grocery stores. Yesterday's was made with a small piece of ham and some sweet Italian sausage for Tom. The rest is a profusion of vegetables -- potatoes, rutabegas (or turnip), celery, lots of onions, carrots and cabbage. Cover with water and boil til done. (Meat first, of course, then add the veggies, cabbage last.)

I like to drink the liquid either warm or cold and I put a zip-loc of 2 cups (no cabbage juice, though) in the freezer yesterday.

I like it better than a beef stew. Tom's less enthusiastic about it but he'll put up with it occasionally. He won't eat it as boiled dinner, though, more than twice max, maybe only once. But he showed me about 25 years ago how to make a hash out of the meat and veg solids, then fry it up in for something not so completely different.

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Oct 13 - 10:04 PM

Boiled Dinner? YUM! I married a New Englander....we have boiled dinner often in the winter!

Today I spent time with a good friend from long ago, held/played with/snuggled with twin infants (3 months old), had a productive doctor visit, quiet alone time to take photos on this absolutely stunning fall morning, a few minutes to study before a class, dinner with Jeremiah and my mom and then a great class.

Today was definitely a day well lived!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 12:30 AM

I make stew fairly often, but with beef. I've made corned beef. I don't think it's a stretch to get to the recipe described above, but I never had it in my neck of the woods (Western Washington or North Texas).

My braised beef short ribs were wonderful. I cooked those with onion, carrot, potato, and a bag of frozen tomatoes. Mmmmmm!

This was my late day at work, starting with a rather grim staff meeting where management is still trying to convince a very unhappy staff that this reorganization was meant all for the best.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 09:15 AM

Actually it IS a "stew" of sorts, but with more or less clear juice rather than brown gravy. And big on root vegetables like turnips (rutabegas), carrots and potatoes.

Yesterday was a more or less lost day. I had no energy, felt so heavy I could barely move my arms or legs.

Got what HAD to be done, done -- trash out for pickup, Tom's compression stocking on, him fed and caffeinated.

Then I went upstairs and tried to nap, but was awakened twice by the phone (should have turned the ringer off), once to move up Tom's wound center appointment today by half an hour and the other trying to sell me a new credit card. (THAT one was extremely annoying -- we're on the no-call list, but we get that one or the other robo-call trying to sell us "security" at least every other day -- usually when it interrupts something on the far side of the room.)

About the only thing I really accomplished was finishing a book.

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 12:39 PM

Hump day. Humps of stuff sitting around the office needing attention - I have to get this out of the way so my floor space because I think there might be an extra very large dog here for a while. No point in having papers for all of them to slip on or lie on.

I made a resolution today that I'll spell out more later. Sometimes even though you make a decision you have to see how well it fits and how you adjust before you promote it.

Lovely fall weather and I'll take the dogs out for a walk at lunch. I need to work on the dog stall in the garage, make it longer and a bit wider. I've figured out how, but I need to move things that are up next to it in order to enlarge it. A job for the weekend coming up.

Linn's box is in transit - I saw yesterday that it left Dallas. It's probably on a truck to Chicago or New York or someplace - USPS employees won't be posting their photos with this box like Flat Stanley, but at least they send an email note every so often to say it's on the way.

SRS

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 01:37 PM

Just had my biannual health screening at work. The gout diet paid off with a 48 point drop in my triglycerides. Sugars are good too. Weight is down.

I am not going to pretend that I don't miss steak and even seafood but every time I have even a bit, I end up with a huge red toe. Not worth it.

And the house is getting decluttered a bit at a time. Down to four bins in the sun room from wall to wall clutter.

Now that the getaway crowd is off to other places, life is settling back to normal. Nice.

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: mg
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 05:28 PM

Could Tom be in charge of screening phone calls and getting rid of junk calls?

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 06:59 PM

When we moved here we found out why every pastor's home needs to have some emergency baby stuff on hand. I allocated one large kitchen-type cabinet for stuff, and it was outta sight/outta mind when not needed, plus an oversized portacrib upstairs in the guestroom closet and a huge dresser drawer that can sleep beside our bed.

But I'm downsizing and declutting. So half of that cabinet's worth went in the yardsale bin today-- I kept the books, a floorplay quilt, and one of those baby recliner thingies (a fabric-covered frame to lay a little one in). Because NOW there is also a 24-hr Wally World 10 minutes away and I do know how to diaper a baby in cloth!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 08:27 PM

Some steady progress in a roller coaster sort of way. Periods of coughing incessantly in spite of vit C as a "cough drop" - lots of it! Sun and Mon pretty good, and yesterday I managed to get some things done - laundry washed, hung, dried and folded. Trip to cop shop for fingerprints for citizenship app. Visit to library, with respirator, to get another book. We can only take out one "NEW" book at a time so I finished the exc Tracy Chevalier and returned it so I could take out another - Warshawski this time. Not near the quality of TC but OK. Also to fabric store to look for curtain fabric for the window wall. I was hoping Joe could get me a bunch of the white crinkly cotton but he says not. May have to go to the city stores. Arghhh! or on line?

My wrist is healing very well. Bruno is working on the studio which is going to be quite different. The inner wall, delineating it from whatever use will be next door, is entirely shelves. Twelve feet of 4x8 plywood sheets, boxed with 2x10s with shelves from bottom to top, about 12 inches apart. Two small windows-that-open on west wall; an "L" for kiln, glaze-mixing area will have exhaust fan and 16 feet of shelf walls. Then insulation and something on the west wall; windows and patio door on south wall - where someday I hope to have a deck so I can roll the wheel out there on warm days. The east wall already has door and two big windows-that-do-not-open. At least we can look out at the sky while potting.

Caught up on the dishes today and picked up local newspaper at a friend's. Airing out drawers of chest of d bought at last months auction. Very perfumey smelly. They are almost clear. It will be nice to have clothes in drawers rather than on a book case in the cold, damp storage area. Bedding is now stored in a plastic bin in sunroom, rather than the cold....

I opted to have the studio completed before the kitchen. I have orders to make and lots of pots needing to be trimmed and dried for firing. But just having one "pantry" cupboard in the K where I can put dishes and other stuff is wonderful.

Looking to have some energy to figure out a place to plant the perennials that are still in pots, just to get them through the winter as the place we want them is no where near ready.

The "Incinolet" is going to be installed before too long, close outside the sunroom in the storage area. At least it is out of the box and in a designated space. That will be wonderful! It is getting to be not only a long walk but an increasingly cold one to the distant toilet.

Weather is holding - since the incredible wind storm and rain on Monday! Beautiful sunny days, close to 70 during the day. I could live with this all year round. Where ?

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 08:57 PM

Well, Tom had an appointment at the wound clinic at 12:30, but we ended up spending the afternoon and evening in the ER. All the info is in the new Curmudgeon thread I just started.

Sigh.

Just finished eating something (salad and two ham sandwiches) since I hadn't had anything since breakfast. Had planned on some R&R tonight -- going to see a friend performing at The Press Room. I'm going to give it a miss despite probably needing it more than ever.

Got to go post this at Facebook...

Linn

Subject: RE: Autumn Leaves Decluttered Spaces 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 10:32 PM

Linn, go to bed with a good book but get a full night's sleep. Take care of yourself while you're taking care of Tom.

I hunted around and found a small paint brush (one that the kids would have used with their paints) to finish around the hinges on the cabinet I've been working on. I'll also repaint the top and take the measurements to get a piece of glass to put on top. Without glass the paint will always be marked up.

I took the cover off of one of the two lights of a halogen fixture on the porch - the one that was aimed at the garage was burned out, I thought, but it doesn't come back on with a replacement bulb. The other one points down the driveway, but I prefer having a light pointed at the garage so I've shifted it. These don't last more than a few years.

SRS