Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 13 - 05:05 PM

The Attic Dorm is no more. Dismantled and ready to load.

←◇→

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 08:07 PM

Hardi just hauled the last 2 big dnstrs containers out onto the ramp. Yippee! Still lots to do in loading prep but TBTG I can get back to my own laundry now. Clean nighties YAY and the LR looks almost cleanable now.

!&!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 08:04 PM

Here is the next thread - early 2014.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 07:31 PM

I've been all over the house today. Up in the attic to take down the electric antenna receiver (it doesn't pick up as well inside the attic because it has a radiant barrier) but it's so cold out that I simply put it up over the side door on a little roof for now. Given a warm day I'll move it to the front of the house up under the eaves.

I emptied three two-shelf cupboards in the living room, they're part of a cabinetry area of open shelves up top and enclosed cupboards below. Nice oak. I put all of the contents on the dining room table and am slowly moving bits to other logical storage areas. And putting some of it for the Goodwill or garage sale. I'm thinking of putting my DVDs in that cupboard or finding something else that will fill it more efficiently than the odd decorative things I had in there till now. I'm looking for things that can go in the eBay or Goodwill area.

It's one of those almost freezing drizzly evenings, supposed to end up in the mid-20s overnight. I'm so tired of the freezing - this part of Texas usually has milder winters.

SRS

Subject: PY Farm Life
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 04:54 PM

FurnaceAngel Todd has got the heat on sufficient to protect the crazy maze of vulnerable old pipes for this 3-fam historic house by NOT waiting for the vendor with the little failed motor to open tomorrow-- no... HE went home (on his own time) to tear one out of an old boiler on his property and put it on here "to hold us." Such are the people here-- AMAZING. TBTG he hadn't decluttered his property any sooner!

LR/DR now declutted of wrapped furniture which is now on the fr porch ready when MenzCrew comes-- God's perfect timing AGAIN!

~▲☆↑★↑☆▲~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 04:13 PM

Today has turned into another pajama day, but I guess I've earned it.

Called a couple friends, wrote some emails, zested some grapefruit peels and dried it in the oven (and then jarred it), sorted some papers, consolidated some boxes, petted cats, read, got some dishes into the dishwasher and cleaned up the counter, and I just mixed up some pickled herring with dilled sour cream... Oh, and I cut up a box to fit in the trash. Thought about writing some thank you notes, but didn't get any further than finding some blank notes.

Thought about a nap, but never got around to it -- knee pain woke me up several times overnight and woke me this morning.

Didn't get anything done outside...but anything that needed to be done could wait until tomorrow. Didn't put my contacts in and never got dressed.

Nice. Restful but not totally useless.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 03:16 PM

Oh my yes loaded with alt heat. We came that way. ;-)   

~♥~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 02:50 PM

It certainly is a craptastic day to have the furnace be down! It's raining/snowing/icing...ICK. We had a delivery to do around noon over your way Susan and the roads surely aren't great...passable but not great.

Susan, do you have alternative heat? A fireplace? Woodstove or electric heater maybe? Kerosene heater? Electric blanket?

Crappy weather like this means we are in for the rest of the day. Jeremiah and I just finished putting together a giant floor puzzle with all kinds of vehicles. I have a pork roast with sauerkraut in the crock pot and just made a large pan of hard boiled eggs to peel and keep handy for on the go snacks for an upcoming busy week. I still have dishes to do (they are never ending) and the second load of laundry is going. I did spend some time (a few hours) in my sewing room either yesterday or the day before...felt wonderful and I made some serious progress. One of my classmates recently had a baby boy and I am passing along lot of Jeremiah's baby toys that he clearly has outgrown. When it was yard sale time last summer, he would occasionally still play with some of those toys and I just couldn't bring myself to get rid of them. The things that have been well loved and a little past their prime are going to the Salvation Army in 2 more days....we have started a large pile of goodies to GO GO GO!

I love having Pete home for his extended Christmas break...I think Jeremiah and I are going to miss him quite a bit when schedules go back to normal.

The Christmas tree is still up and decorated as is the nativity....both are going to stay up for a while longer as we all love them so much. :)

I think the coffee is done brewing...time for another cup and a good book. :)

Have a great day everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 12:40 PM

Susan, stay bundled up - I heard a chilly forecast for your part of the country in the next couple of days!

The Home Depot box isn't large enough, next stop U-Haul for their large moving box. I picked up some of the cornstarch packing peanuts to add to all of the other stuff I'll have to use to pad and stabilize this chandelier. The lighter the packing stuff the better.

Another cold front moving through today but it is supposed to be better by Tuesday. This hasn't been a typical winter in North Texas, were we occasionally get a few warm sunny days and then it cools. It has mostly been just cool. On cool days it is more difficult to motivate myself to get out in the garden, which is crying out for attention - weeding for new crops, and digging up the front bed to where I plant to transplant asparagus.

My Sunday morning organic gardening radio program had a regular guest who speaks about alternative health topics. Some of those folks are from LaLa Land, but she's pretty well grounded in the science of this. Turns out the grape seed oil I looked all over for (I get it at a Middle Eastern grocery) has high Omega 6 and isn't so healthy, it might be contributing to the dermatitis I described that I'm still combating. Also, we've spoken in these threads about vitamin D, and today I asked her what is a good typical dose? She said 4,000 to 5,000 a day. I've heard of vitamin D toxicity, so I looked it up. The toxic level is way above what she is recommending. (A side note, I read yesterday that a variety of the Blue Buffalo dog food has been found to have way too much D and is causing the symptoms described in the article. Changing to another food was all it took to help the dogs get back to normal.)

I'll up the vitamin D, add back the borage oil (GLA) and switch from grape seed to something else (she names macadamia oil - that has to be expensive - but if I put it in the Misto and use it just to spritz before frying that shouldn't use too much too fast. The rest of the time I use olive oil.)

I'm going to start the next thread a little ahead of the new year so people can post any year-end summaries or list resolutions they'd like to keep track of. I have gotten out of the habit of resolutions myself, that seems to be the fastest way to NOT do what you resolved. But I think instead I can look back on the last year and list some things that have improved, and that I'll continue working on.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 11:16 AM

My end of packing for Jan. 3 bug-out almost done. Furnace is down so warm work is sure helpful today! I am nicely ahead if sked for the MenzCrew's available help date! Prayers and support via FB have been steady, strong, and so encouragingly helpful, especially as thyroid levels have rollercoastered.

Hardi is minding the house for this trip but plans to do a second quick trip with me in Feb.

♥♡♥

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 10:11 AM

Well, here I am, still waiting. We had our nice chicken dinner, phase II, about 9, after R came in thoroughly covered with dust/dirt/sawdust. Watched Tom, Dick and Harry on TV, kind of a good low budget movie. Then an hour of quiet before the 11 pm news. When I heard snoring, I firmly insisted on bed!

This morning - snow removal sirens so we both hustled. I drove round and round looking for a parking space. R lucked out and found one very close so after a quick brekkie, he walked down and got my car and pulled hi truck out do he could put my car in and off to work. He will phone when (if?) he gets to the point of taking a truck (a basically unknown vehicle which, I understand, could break down anywhere/anytime) with trailer to the mill. I am to follow behind - just in case. My totally favourite thing to do!   

Like the Arkansas Hard Luck song, I just hang around waiting to see what in heck is going to happen next. At least he got a better tire on the regular truck on Sat morning. He could greatly de-clutter our lives by keeping his vehicles in proper running order.

Now I am trying to think of useful things to do that won't matter if I have to stop in the middle. First an email to a dear old friend whom I finally found on FB - by going through all the friends of my fav general store. She responded with a request for my email address. So glad to re-connect!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 11:55 PM

Nice day, got my running around finished. I couldn't find the size box I needed at the Container Store, but found it for much le$$ at Home Depot. I think this will fit, I'll try putting the chandelier into it tomorrow then finally finish the listing.

I took two bags of newspaper to the Humane Society (for cages and bedding) and dropped a bag and a box at Goodwill. I finally picked up my glasses. The optician suggested waiting till morning and putting them on when I wake up after some hours of not looking through the previous pair. I'll do that.

I've been watching a movie but took a break to come and turn off the computer and brew a cup of tea. I'm thinking I may not watch the entire thing, but will head to bed to read a little. It won't get very cool tonight so the dogs can stay out in the garage like usual. They've been in a lot with the very cold nights we've had.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 07:48 PM

Today has been a waiting day. We agreed yesterday to go to the country today but when morning came, R had things to do first. Then load a truck with machinery to take to mill. I am still waiting. Except I will flatly refuse to leave before morning. The weather is OK, on the cusp of freezing, but to get down there in the dark, with knee high snow unplowed, no operating toilet. FORGET IT!!!! Sure miss the cabin.

The power was off for a couple hours this afternoon. Very unusual. It was suddenly so nice and quiet! But started cooling quickly. Thought of all those without still!.

I was able to talk on the cell phone and had wonderful conversations with two adult sons of friends in Ontario, visiting home for the holidays. So nice to talk with Tom whom I have known since he was two and now he is father of 3! And older bro Joe also with 3 kids. I have been missing this family greatly. The sort of friends I could drop in on on my way home, even if it were dinner time. And I knew the three kids better than my grandkids because I saw them all the time. Now I miss them even more but a six hour drive away...

Then talked with a friend down near the mill for near an hour. Then watched the end of Sound of Music. Such a beautiful voice Julie Andrews had, rather like the young girl I heard the other night. And the rest of this day = read, eat, computer because I could not start doing anything not knowing when we would be leaving. Now I fell stultified. Ick!

We had half of our nice chicken dinner last night, hopefully the rest tonight. I made brownies yesterday also. Found a recipe on line but not as good as Esther's. I'll try a deviation in a few days. I also signed up for a long distance provider (YAK) for the house phone so I can talk to more people; the cell only has 100 anytime minutes. Also did online banking - de-cluttered one account by paying on credit cards. Will do more when other money comes in after 1st.

The only good thing about no longer having the cabin is that the rent I no longer pay is going to pay off credit cards; I could not manage both the rent and the bills and R has not been able to help. So it is nice to see the balances going down - being de-cluttered!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 03:08 PM

I've had some nice long conversations with friends and family this week - something I need to keep up. In a call last night my cousin asked for copies of the photos I took at her daughter's wedding in August, because she wasn't happy with the photos taken by a photographer hired by the bride. I posted a few to facebook that were more what she wanted. I was using a small Nikon coolpix but got about 50 shots she might like, a good overall look at the event. They're in a folder in my Dropbox account and I shared a link. It's nice when my hobby (obsession - I have a camera in my hand much of the time, it seems) works for family.

I haven't weighed myself, but my clothes still fit so I haven't gained too much weight over the holiday. Today is a modified fasting day so I ate a smallish late lunch and I have some ripe fruit so I might eat a pear later this evening. I have only done a couple of fasting days a week instead of alternate days, it's easier this time of year with all of the events and meals.

Out to run errands, and maybe finally pick up my glasses! I have stuff to load in the truck to take to the Goodwill and I have a bag of working but old xmas lights that I'll take over to the city recycle center swap area on Monday. I haven't been to the recycle center for a while because it is only for Fort Worth residents proper, but if I go in the morning maybe they won't be too busy. I have to use a copy of my ex's water bill to get past the entry gate.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 08:41 AM

Woke up yesterday in pain and it continued, despite pain meds, through the day and night. My right knee. I think I slept on it wrong...

Put a brace on (which I seldom use) fairly early so I wouldn't inadvertently twist it the wrong way and make it worse.

But I didn't get a lot done as a result -- did get the deck shovelled off and the car cleared of ice and snow, but that HAD to be done if I intended to get to the Press Room session...and I did. It was tempting to stay home and baby the knee, but I knew it would probably be a quietish session and my voice would probably be needed. (I think the gavel was needed, too, but I didn't bring it. Amazing how loud it was even though the pub itself had fewer people than usual and it was a smallish session, too.)

I just apologized to everyone (Facebook and email) for being out of sorts.

I'm going to take it easy today and maybe make phone calls instead of schlepping stuff up and down stairs, moving stuff, etc.

Right now going to find something in the freezer to defrost and declutter for supper.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 01:16 PM

Social and news media switch so quickly from christmas to resolutions for the new year, all while touting deep discount sales and looks back at the previous year. Gardens are a better investment of time and money than so many of the activities and pursuits promoted in the news now.

It has been cold here in North Texas for weeks, though today is supposed to get up to about 58^o. I'll walk the dogs and may get out and pull some of the dead stuff out of the gardens. It's time for potatoes, onions, leeks. The broccoli isn't very happy out there, I'll see if I can do something to perk it up. The chard took the ice pretty hard but is still alive. Cilantro has weathered the ice, as has oregano and the woody rosemary and bay leaf. A complex garden has more to offer than just fair weather crops.

Indoors I'm sorting through stuff to go to the Goodwill. I'll make a last run to finish up this year of donations - household items that I have too much of and don't want to hold onto for a garage sale. I've found a lot of things I forgot about in the process, like restaurant take-home containers that I meant to use to send home leftovers after big family meals. Maybe this year. I have some empty cupboards now that I need to use efficiently (store things that are 1) worth keeping and that 2) I'll remember where I put them.

I haven't lost any weight this month, probably gained a couple of pounds. I'm not beating myself up, I've only done a few days of fasting. Instead, I'll keep meals moderate when possible and get back to the routine in January and hope to hit by target by spring. Losing 45-50 pounds over the course of a year is a project that is its own reward in so many ways.

Right now, today, it's the holiday break, and I think I'll take a nap.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 11:05 AM

I can sure relate to Maeve's comment about the quiet of not having electric! When I lived in the bush, the only sound was the almost imperceptible purr of the propane frig. I treasure silence and get so little. The cabin was quiet most of the time except for the frig. The mill might be eventually - in warm weather but right now the heater in the LR sounds like an airplane taking off. R may be able to replace it with a quieter one and someday a wood stove!

I got my act together yesterday to roast a chicken and veggies. Also prepared brussel sprouts to roast in a casserole with lid - for about 30 min after R got home. As I took the chicken out of the oven -about 3:30 - I remembered we had been invited to dinner! I ate some chicken and put the whole pan in the frig after it cooled. Hopefully today we can have dinner. We won't go to the country 'til Sat morning. No music at the cafe tonight.

Then I read and computered, and tried to phone R to find out what time was dinner. Finally reached him at 6. He was in the midst of.... Not wanting to lose my good parking spot, I walked the 7 blocks to Peter's and had time to converse with a few people, known and previously unknown, before dinner. R & bro actually arrived by 7; they have been known to be 4 hours late for dinners. That is why I walked!

This morning we woke to the siren of snow removal and R dashed to move his truck while I made cran/apple porridge with blanched almond slivers. After brekkie, he dashed off to move truck from soon to be illegal parked and off to work. TV news tells us hundreds of vehicles are towed daily for snow removal. He had to pump up the tire first so needs to go get tire fixed today - NO excuses!

I sorted out paper this morning, looking for something on which to print an article on "worst words of 2013" for writers' group. I seem to have taken all the plain white paper to the country but I ended up finding some plain paper and sorted out a vast assortment - scrap paper for lists and notes to self, OK for computer paper, notebook paper - two packets to get rid of!- and all is sorted and placed.

Now I need a piece of paper to make a list of things to bring back to city - plain white paper, scale to weigh self, .... I am just not motivated to send much time at the mill. The toilet problem needs to be solved.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 08:55 AM

Since we did not put up our Christmas decorations until a few days before Christmas, we are leaving them up until probably the first week or 2 in January.

We have been getting seed catalogs for about a month and love looking through them! It's time for planning and day dreaming about the next garden. Also, some catalogs run out of seed early (Baker's Heirloom) so it's best to order now AND many cold friendly types of plants are best started inside during January...so seed catalogs now makes perfect sense. :)

I have a busy day ahead. Time to make breakfast!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: maeve
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 06:54 AM

Thanks for the good wishes.

Maggie, a pellet stove requires electricity, so we didn't even consider that. Ours is an excellent, efficient wood stove with heating shelves that swing out, revealing a perfect made-for-cooking surface. That's how we cooked when we first moved in since the wiring hadn't been done.

I prefer having no electricity. Since we already have the wood stove going during the day, and we already haul water anyway, when the power is out the only important difference is the quiet... at least until neighbors start up their generators.

John- We have been getting seed catalogs for a couple of months. I'm sure you know many farmers and home gardeners spend a lot of time planning (and dreaming) the next garden. For our farm, we also tend to buy certain seeds in bulk, so even if we don't order much when money is tight we usually have a couple of years worth of seed on hand and some to share with neighbors. Only short-lived seeds need be bought fresh each year- and most seeds we buy locally- FEDCO Seeds & Johnny's most of the time.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 12:52 AM

While it's hard to maintain a schedule and do proper planning when the Christmas decorations pop up in the stores before Halloween is over, a word about planning for the next season might be in order.

I was looking, today, for an item I had little hope of finding, and when one of the helpful employees tried - and couldn't find - the thing I wanted, I commented that I really expected it would be more commonly stocked during spring/summer gardening season and wasn't too surprised that they didn't have it in stock now.

His reply was:

"WE SHOULD BE GETTING THEM (my item) OUT IN A WEEK OR TWO. WE'VE ALREADY STARTED GETTING OUR SEEDS FOR SPRING PLANTING, AND WE'LL START PUTTING SOME OF THAT STUFF OUT SOON."

(Our high temp today was about 34F (1.1C) but we expect to be back in the low 20s (F) tomorrow. And January ain't here yet even.)

I need to start nagging LiK (the original black thumb) to get started picking what she wants to kill this spring.

Is anyone getting the seed catalogs already?

John

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 13 - 07:47 PM

That is good news, maeve, that the power is on! I hope you have an efficient wood or pellet stove to keep the house warm and for cooking. I blocked off my drafty fireplace and my television is in front of it. Yesterday morning when we were sitting there so I brought up NetFlix and we streamed a video of a burning fireplace. It looked pretty good, considering the TV is only a foot or so in front of the actual fireplace. I had my own music CDs playing and the streaming program had music, so I muted the television. Every so often someone would laugh and point at the closed caption of "[crackling]" or "[popping]" showing on the screen. :)

I moved some things around before dinner last night and made note that I am storing some table place mats that I haven't used in years. I think that is this evening's project, culling placemats and vinyl tablecloths that are from the days when small children ate at the table. Michelle, does Jeremiah use any plastic placemats? My kids had a lot of Sesame Street characters under their plates. (These are old and kind of cracked up, so I won't offer to send them! I'm sure you can find them in any grocery or toy store for a couple of bucks each.)

Making a list of errands to run after the new year. I called a place I wanted to stop at to drop off an item for repair but they're away till Jan. 2. Trying to take advantage of the slow season, but some things have come to a stop. The saga of my eyeglasses continues, they're still not ready. The Rx was wrong so needing replacement and when the new lens came in today and the optician was taking the wrong lens off of the frame the bridge piece broke. Ordered new from other store, maybe ready tomorrow.

I steamed some broccoli for my backyard pack for part of their dinner. They're okay with raw, but they really love cooked. They'll be in overnight because it's still down below freezing and their garage gets a little chilly. That's why my house was looking so good this morning, I had to be sure everything was up and they wouldn't get into food or opened gifts after I went to bed.

Not much to taking down decorations, it's just the mantle and some lights in the yard now. Not a flashy year, but the mantle looks as elegant as ever with holiday lights, cut crystal, and a few glass tree ornaments in some of the crystal bowls.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Dec 13 - 10:10 AM

Maeve got the best Christmas present!!

It was debatable whether to go to the mill/country or stay in the city. The toilet/water situation at the mill caused us to opt for the city. We had a "quiet" day. Our best Christmas present was R happily spending most of the day - after we got up at 10:30 and had a nice brekkie - putting insulation in the non-functional windows in LR and BR. We did not even open the front door -COLD out there!



I trimmed the pots thrown on Monday - a nice bit of work. Staying upstairs helped keep me out of the way of the dust/particulate being generated. When I came down I put on my small mask. Still, coughed a part of night, and now. Need to get this new stuff out of my system.

Also did a bit of re-arranging of the antique artifacts in the LR so the exercycle is less invasive and I actually used it for a few minutes last night.

We had a light supper about 5 and I caught up computer stuff/ Then we watched some TV - movie about the horses of McBride (true and amazing story), Miracle on 34th, the news on CBC (Canadian BC) and an OK music program. A very young girl - looked about 12 - sang Silent Night with utter perfection and a crystal clear voice -Awesome!!! Have no idea who she was but she was the show stopper for me. The "Tenors" were merely good - except for Justin Bieber who should not have been there.

I set my phone on alarm and slept through it "about 10 times". R let me sleep so he dashed off to a 9 am meeting without brekkie. I am concerned that we are sleeping "too much". Bed at 12 and not getting up 'til 10:30 twice in the last week. Hibernation! 7 F this morning but rising today. House is warmer thanks to R's work yesterday. He so enjoyed doing the job that it was nice to watch him happily working away - like an elf in Santa's workshop.

Now I am up and started a load of laundry and the distiller, activated credit card and am sitting here in a bit of a stupor drinking warm water with apple cider vinegar in hopes I will feel like doing more. I suppose a hot bath is needed but R may want to go look for a new TV later, though I expect he will get caught up in work. We'll see.

I suggested we wait 'til people sell their old ones on Craigslist, having gotten new ones in the Boxing day sales or for Christmas. I would like one we can hook the TV into so we have a larger screen and can watch movies from the computer, in fact just about anything we want to see is available on line.

That was our Christmas and a happy one it was.   Now it is time for another cuppa and move the laundry to the dryer --OOPS! forgot to turn off the heater and WOW - did not blow the circuit! YAY!!

Cloudy and light snow falling! We miss the cabin SO much. It was cosy and warm and had all the amenities. It was so beautiful to watch the snow fall there. We would surely have gone there for Christmas but then we would not have a warmer city house!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: maeve
Date: 25 Dec 13 - 04:33 PM

Power has been restored- only 3 days.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Dec 13 - 11:11 PM

The tree has been decorated, Christmas jammies have been put on, 3 stories about the birth of Jesus have been read, cookies and milk are out for Santa, the presents are all wrapped and I'm about ready for bed. What a wonderful day it has been! Photos of our Christmas Eve have been posted on FB if anyone is interested!

Merry Christmas Friends!

XOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 13 - 09:27 PM

I finished making and delivered the annual filling for Puerto Rican empanadillas to my ex's house this evening. He and the kids were chowing down on their traditional Chinese and Italian takeout, so I left as soon as it was delivered. Our timing was a bit off this year and when the kids arrived earlier to say hello and pick up a couple of things I didn't have it ready. They'll be back here late tonight (so I have to wrap fast!) I'm working on more cookies now, after I choose the next movie to watch. Not all holiday flicks this year, just movies I like.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 13 - 11:58 AM

Michelle, our holiday is bifurcated. The kids spend xmas eve with their father, they have since the divorce in 1999. It took them a little while to work out their routine, but I think it involves Chinese or Italian takeout and hanging out late. I used to stay up until after he brought them home to set up the Santa effect after they went to bed, but they have come in later each year and I can't handle that late a night, so I set up and go to bed.

We have breakfast on xmas morning, a favorite, usually bacon and buttermilk pancakes, hot tea, whatever. Tomorrow our dinner is a pot roast - I quizzed everyone and that was their preference.

This afternoon I'll make a Puerto Rican dish, a filling for meat pies called "empanadillas." I'll use chicken this year, cubed, and simmered with sofrito (onions, green peppers, garlic) and tomatoes, cilantro, add olives and capers at the end. Usually it goes in pastry and is fried in a shallow pan of oil, but my ex prefers just the filling and eats it over rice. I make a few in pastry for the rest of us.

In the background is music (a local station plays a great selection of holiday oddities collected years ago by a favorite late public radio host) or old holiday movies.

I loved the holidays when the kids were little, but they're still good now that they're big - they help out more, and the conversation and humor is something I look forward to. I'm going to teach the kids how to make this pot roast, taking advantage of a teachable moment.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Dec 13 - 05:05 AM

First things first, I lost 5.2 pounds this week!!! :)

Today I am wrapping gifts (since I never did get anything wrapped) and making goodies for our Christmas gathering. I am in charge of the shrimp and cocktail sauce, spinach dip and bread (making homemade), garlic ring bologna, 2 kinds of cheese balls and fruit dip. There will also be a fruit tray, a cheese tray, sandwich fixings, veggies, crackers, breads and rolls and maybe some cookies. All finger foods and no big sit down dinner which was at my request. For us, Christmas will include a 3 year old and a 91 year old....neither who are interested in the big traditional sit down dinner so I suggested just having things to nibble on. It's much less work for those of us who are cooking as well....no need to overheat the house with the oven, no huge mountains of dishes to do...just a nice time to sit and relax with the people I love most.

How about you? How will you celebrate? Do you make a special meal or have any special family traditions?

Jeremiah will be given one present tonight which will be a box with a new set of Christmas jammies, a movie (Cars for him) and a little snack to go with his popcorn as we settle in by the fire and Christmas tree.

I am sooo looking forward to tomorrow and watching Jeremiah.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Much Love and Happiness to you all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 13 - 02:08 AM

I had ripe bananas so I have three small loaves of banana bread and I also made a loaf of regular yeast bread. Tomorrow will be cookie day, it just didn't happen today. I pushed the cleaning further into the house (for some reason I started in my bedroom, which is nice for me, but doesn't make it look better for guests.) I've swept and vacuumed further now and several throw rugs are in the washer. I'll mop tomorrow before I put them back down. The ice last week contributed to the (now dry) mud I'm finishing clearing this week.

Wrapping is left to do. I may pick up my glasses tomorrow if they are ready, but I don't have any other plans for going out. Every trip is expensive so I need to stay home.

Two movies watched this evening while I worked, more for tomorrow. Tomorrow is a fasting day, and I'll try to stay to it (even when I'm making cookies.) I'd really like to get through the holidays without gaining any weight, just keeping it where it is.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 09:15 PM

Happiness is successfully throwing 7 larger bowls. One flopped. And some other small items. A good afternoon. Dishes and laundry, email and FB caught up, food ready for supper. Watching a Christmas movie about saving the library from developers. The house is warm enough. Good day.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 06:57 PM

Bugout is Jan. 3.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 05:22 PM

The turkeys are always a delight, whether they're in my yard, in the road, or foraging in a neighbor's yard. The first time I saw one was back in the late '80s, I think, on Ash Swamp Road in Newmarket, NH. 2004 was the first year we had our own "resident" family...mama, papa, and ten chilluns. Every morning at 7 they would walk in front of our house on their way up the hill to our neighbor's field. Then every night at 6 p.m. they would "fly" (turkeys do not so much fly as they do crash thud) down into our trees, each one landing separately and on different branches. (I think they're aiming impaired as well...) With every landing leaves and feathers would go flying. I have quite a collection.

Picked up a few necessities at the grocery store...such as tirimisu cake for tomorrow night. It's Jeri's fault. If she had gone to Toronto instead of coming over to share my port, Stilton, aged Gouda and other interesting cheeses, and paté, I wouldn't have bothered with dessert...or, probably even the brandy alexanders (Tom's and my traditional Christmas morning present opening tipple) I intend to make. When I got to the tree place at the Circle around 1:30...despite the Open sign, it was padlocked and closed. Maybe the guy was taking a lunch break. Whatever. I didn't have time to wait around. So I went over to the hardware store -- all the trees, wreaths, etc. were half off -- but I just got a bunch of boughs. Will find some ribbon and hang it up in front of a window in the living room or at the foot of the stairs. I wasn't planning on actually decorating a tree if I got one anyway. But I might go back tomorrow and buy a 50% off kissing ball...and maybe a bunch of juniper, too.

When I got home I declared it too late and too dark to go down cellar to shut off the water to the laundry room so I can change the filter...(that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). Mañana... (The laundry's not going anyplace and I still have clean underwear...;-) But I got the playlist posted for Saturday's Press Room sea music and seasonal song sing.

This morning while I was air drying my hair, I sorted a pile of papers (and threw out a bunch) in an attempt to beat my bedroom into submission so I can have a handyman come in and fix the bookcase so I can get the books back into that instead of taking up so much floor space. (And maybe my archival binders will fit on the bottom shelf and on the floor behind the TV...I can hope. Memories of enough floor to walk on in the bedroom are fast fading...)

Think I'll go tack up the Christmas cards around the cellar door and put the sympathy cards in a basket. And maybe throw something festive over the box of Tom's medical stuff that I haven't yet found homes for. And then it will be time for dinner.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Claire M
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 02:06 PM

Good to hear CPAP is working OK.
1st Xmas when I haven't been @ home – settled in well, although flatmates will never be best mates. I thought it might be better now staff have left & it is. Well, to me anyway. I think their negative feelings were causing us problems, they used to say things like I was/am the only person they got sense out of, & all everyone ever wanted – including me – was hoisting. I didn't like this, & ♥ily wished they'd leave.

The Consort just said he'd no home to go to. Sorted out gargantuan folder full of crystal info. Hopefully getting Steeleye's latest for Xmas.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 01:33 PM

Great news, Michelle! A good Christmas gift.
Glad Linn is safely at home. Wild turkeys! used to be so shy they were rarely seen but when I was living in SE PA, my cross the street neighbour had them grazing under the bird feeders! Still, I would find them a treat to see in the (country) yard.

The weather, and R's work - I did not go to cafe Friday night. Not really wanting to spend the night in that building with the distant toilet and no running water. On Saturday - R went out looking for snow tires only to announce that he already had them on the truck! I guess that is why he was having "no trouble" getting around!

Then, rather late, we started to the cafe but I was driving my car and a few hundred yards on the highway convinced me this was a very bad idea. We spent a quiet Saturday and Sunday in the city. And absolutely nothing got done. A few phone calls and time on computer and reading. A nice stir fry for supper and buckwheat cakes for breakfast this morning, topped with stewed apples, almond chips and grated cheddar. Then R shoveled out both vehicles and the front steps.

I have started the distiller and will put some black beans to cook, then, she says hopefully, go to the upstairs studio and see what I can make.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 11:38 AM

Ice over everything here, Maggie, and more to come. Chickens all tucked inside their cozy coop, swearing at the ice as only chickens can swear.

Joyful days to all.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 11:32 AM

CPAP test was a smashing success!!!! Oxygen levels which had been in the low 80s while I slept are now in the upper 90s! YAY!!! No wonder I feel SO MUCH BETTER!!!! HOORAY!!!

I'm off to do some last minute stocking stuffer fun or maybe to find myself a treat for plowing through something kinda tough and doing a good job of it! :) Either way, it's gonna be a GREAT day!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 11:26 AM

It froze hard, but it is sunny and clear today - that's an emotional boost for a day in the darkest time of year.

Diving into more clearing up. I have to take down and pack that chandelier - it has been photographed, now I need to pack it for shipping and put my macrame basket up (it has lights up and down the knotted cords). That's often our only cone-shaped faux tree spot in the house and I have a few small gifts to put in the basket.

I hope everyone is able to move around without ice and snow impeding your progress. There's always a lot of running that needs doing prior to the holidays.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 12:40 AM

Zucchini bread is in the oven. Cleaning has been underway but is not finished, so now that the bread is in and the prep stuff clean I'll shift back to cleaning and laundry and working on the kids' rooms. I moved a computer from my sewing room this afternoon and put it back in the other bedroom (from my daughter's room to my son's). I've about cleared off the bed in the sewing room, and I'll change the linens on both beds so they're fresh on Tuesday night. They spend the evening with their dad then come over to my house very late (when they were little I'd wait and set out gifts after they went to bed. Now I can't stay up that late so I set it up and they come in whenever.) I fix breakfast and then we do gifts. And I have a pot roast for xmas dinner (I offered turkey but they prefer the roast. And I'll teach both kids how to make it while I'm at it.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 12:26 PM

The inflated dog population was temporary, only for about four hours. Each of mine came in to greet the two (largest) who came down. Susie decided to leave the two smaller ones at home and could put them in a back bedroom if needed. My three each came in briefly to greet the visitors. Zeke was happy, Cinnamon was ecstatic, Poppy I held onto so she didn't start barking in anyone's face.

Heavy cold rain today, and I'm at work. It's strange in the library with so few people. A steady trickle of work that neither of us is particularly accustomed to.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 12:09 PM

MAN! I feel like a woman! (Shania Twain)

An date-sensitive opportunity for help unloading furniture in Ohio coincides with a practical need to get down there ASAP and I started with a list and have moved on to weighing the relative merits and costs of driving it all, shipping some, renting a larger trailer, taking less, etc.

But for a kickstart I am repeating what worked so well for me in the recent yard sale prep-- using trash barrels as packing bins, lined with a fresh bag. They will be rainproof on the trailer; I can manage them alone; we need barrels in Ohio... DUH! So today I got the extra shower curtain down and packed, along with a hanging pocketty thing that hangs in the shower, cuz I've known I'll need THOSE for months!!! FINALLY I can pack and start getting there!

There is no icebox in the new house and I may not be able to afford a new one right off, so I cleaned out the office mini-fridge (all office tasks are on hold this year), and readied it for Hardi to bring down, and I packed a bunch of small appliances and a mini-set of flatware into the breadbox I want to take. A chair I am taking is ready to come down also. A tall but tiny side table, I brought down myself. That mini-fridge (if it still works by then) will eventually go into the garage for the workout drinks Hardi will want in the weight room out there. The small appliances will be in a yard sale down there someday,along with anything else deemed unneeded later.

The dog is upset by all this (thinks we're leaving again for weeks, without him), so I will let him see me pack a few of his things in these barrels too.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 11:56 AM

We've got drippy, melty weather.

My ride home from the airport (and guardian of my car while I was gone -- her husband is the shoveler outer) is a project manager with a utility company. She said her linemen are on standby from this morning (Saturday) at 6 a.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. in case the temps drop and we end up with a coating of ice.

Looked out the window about an hour ago and there were five wild turkeys having a confab in the driveway just behind my car. They finally agreed on strategy and started through the snow on the bank. A few minutes later they were joined by three more who took the shortcut up the bank. Then two more stragglers joined the parade. One crossed the stone wall and headed in the same direction as the other nine plowing through snow and brush towards the woods.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 08:20 AM

Snow, ice pellets and sleet all weekend in Ottawa; fortunately, we are not going anywhere until Monday, when we embark on the eight-hour journey to Windsor for Christmas. That said, I am not looking forward to taking the kittens to the vet today for their booster shots just at the hour Environment Canada has picked for the onset of the next wave of sleet.

Seven dogs, Maggie? Just feeding them all will be quite the operation.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Dec 13 - 06:13 PM

After going up to just above freezing yesterday, we are in for snow and freezing rain for the next few days with a low of minus 3 on Christmas eve. I am staying in the city until the roads clear! Esp since R's attempt to install the incinolet ended with it not working. Until it is functional... Phooey!

Today, hurray! Felt normal for me and managed to finish the LR so it is almost civilized looking. Also attacked the electric problem, re-arranging and changing the extension cords with careful consideration of how much load was going on each circuit. I was able to add a light in a dark corner and plug in the printer and, even, use it for the first time since Spring. Was delighted that it worked!

Tried to figure out how to make a special calendar on Excel but no success yet.

Whoo! It just sounded as though the sidewalk plow was coming up the steps! Which reminds me that, once again, R has taken the new snow shovel. It will be needed here and to dig out my car - again.

So yesterday I managed to get through most of the day on apple juice, with a small meal in the late eve. Today I would like to eat everything in sight. Restraint is in order.

9 cm of snow today and continuing through the night. Keep warm, everyone! And a safe trip home for Linn!!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 13 - 03:18 PM

The eyeglasses are back with the optician, and a doctor redid the prescription. I wore them yesterday and along with a huge headache the right eye Rx was all wrong. It was like I was cross-eyed when I wore them and the bifocal was set for about six inches in front of my face. I don't know what the first doctor was thinking! I might get them back on Tuesday next week.

The last box for my donation of playbills is being donated today. I need to list the items then take the box up to Special Collections. Last year I didn't have enough deductions to have any savings from my donation (I couldn't top the standard deduction), but this year I can combine last year and this, so hopefully I'll get something back as a refund, or at least not pay taxes. We've lost the kids as deductions on our taxes, now that my son has earned a lot working last summer and will have to file his own taxes. Just in case I'll do the FAFSA form one last time, but he graduates in spring 2014.

Cold weather is coming through again, but I don't think it will freeze till mid-week (just in time for people to drive down for xmas.) Everyone stay warm and safe as you wrap up your preparations for the holidays that you celebrate this time of year!

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 09:42 PM

Those cats sounds like fun. Maybe Jeri should have taken a nap on Linn's couch to give the cats a chance to come over and walk all over her. :)

Hectic day, busy weekend ahead, I did a little shopping this evening and got Susie two cookbooks at Half Price books. Didn't even wrap 'em. She has been moaning about not having her cookbooks (her house burned down four years ago taking all of her cookbooks along with everything else. The thing she misses most are the books.) She has a party coming up and various things she wants to do, so I got her a classic red and white Better Homes and Gardens tabbed one (I found a new copy of a 10 year old version with three-ring binder and tabs. I don't like the comb binding on the newer ones.) And one by Craig Claiborne, because everyone needs one of those kinds of cookbooks to go to for special occasions. She's thrilled, and as I left she was finishing making a double batch of the cranberry nut bread that I gave her the recipe for. Her dogs are coming down to my house tomorrow night because she is having 30 people in and four dogs underfoot just won't do. Should be interesting with seven dogs here at my house.

I picked up my eyeglasses this morning, they are not right. Talk about a major headache! The bifocal is set as if I read with a book six inches in front of my nose, and the right lens seems to have no correction for distance at all. I've never had to go back so many times for one pair of glasses!

This is one of those evenings when I need to kick back and let go of the stress, but I still have stuff to do. Maybe Sunday. I am working overtime on Saturday - so looking forward to this rare opportunity to have a bigger paycheck because they typically never pay overtime. And the only way to get overtime is to work the full 40-hour week beforehand; if you take sick or vacation during that week there is just straight time for extra work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 06:02 PM

Linn: Drew has done a great job plowing your driveway and shoveling off the porch. At least I'm assuming it's been him doing the porch.
The mail is on the basket, or it was when I left this afternoon.
Still no sign of Sabine other than the water being drunk. I figure after the first day, she hears it's me and thinks "Oh crap, it's her. Don't need to come out until mom gets home." I almost didn't make it out the door today. I don't know if Rufus is going to let you make the session.

Do give me a call when you get home. (Although I'll see you on Saturday if you can't be arsed, or if you're attached to cats.)

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 04:01 PM

Delegate! I did not feel any better after the hot bath, of course, so I phoned Vanessa in the country and asked her to find a brown sugar softener maple leaf - on that shelf - and wrap it and take it to the library for my secret Santa since I was clearly not going to drive 40 miles. I also told her she can load and fire the kiln before Christmas regardless of how little is in it. She is making gifts! She told me her dad, with homeopathic training, is interested in my problem and would talk with me on the phone about it. I certainly am interested in talking with him. One never knows where another answer might lie.

I did do FB and read emails and returned two responses to a potter in NYS re kafuffle with an arrogant, over-bearing... male (on a clay forum) who considers my opinion "a personal attack". He wants a response and I just do not have the energy. For those who cannot hear.... She assured me I was not alone. I decided to almost just walk away but for his demand, so I posted on the thread:
"But I am not perfect in my way of putting things
because I had the divine simplicity
of being only what I appear to be."
Fernando Pessoa

And added: "I need my energy to make pots and live life."

I shall ignore this creature in future.

Now, I feel almost enough energy to go to the country but it is late and a silly trip of almost 3 hours for a 2 hour event. I messaged my regrets.

Maybe I can walk to the library before it closes.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 12:45 PM

Weight I stable, hovering just under 150 pounds. I haven't weighed that little since 1984.

The house is a mess. In the study, there's office confetti all over the floor (Edmund turned his briefcase upside-down) and piles of unfiled papers on every level surface. In the dining room, there's Christmas wrapping stuff all over the table and unwrapped presents stacked on the sideboard. The kitchen is a maelstrom of cats and dirty dishes. The bedrooms are full of muddle. I have yet to finish either the Christmas shopping or the Christmas baking.

On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia -- or anywhere else that isn't my responsibility to maintain in a civilized condition.

My current objective is to get through the rest of the Christmas preparations without forgetting anything major or breaking anything at all. It would be nice if I could clean the house, but if I don't the world will continue to revolve on its axis.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 10:31 AM

Avoided coughing all night with vit C "lozenges" but still to tired to do much. shoulder pain seems to be responding to that good apple juice - could be the pectin effect. There is powdered pectin in the country which I will pick up on today's trip - hopefully. There may be a limit to how much apple juice is good for system!

Only came here to share this piece from the Clay buddies site. Someone entered a plea for help and this exc de-cluttering response appeared. apparently some creative minds ARE tidy.

Jennifer Domal: My mother says I was organized when I was born but really, I think I just learned from her. Yes, my spice rack is alphabetized. But I don't get freaked out by the havoc the varmints wreak by toys on the floor and stuff.

1. Be ruthless. So what that people gave you glazes? Throw away, donate or sell the glazes that you do not use. Consolidate whenever possible.

2. The phrase is Recycle/REDUCE/Reuse: Eliminate things from your small space that you just do not use on a daily or weekly basis. Your creativity will be that much better by having space. Reduce is the strongest and most forgotten part of the phrase but the most helpful for having a good living space.

3. Shelves are good. Cabinets with doors are better. Doors mean no dust can get on your goods and it's easier to wipe down a cabinet door than shelves. A cabinet door is also a great place to attach hooks to hang test tiles, tools, inspiration pictures, reminders, etc. especially in small spaces. They aren't any more expensive than shelves an if you watch freecycle, craigslist or home improvement stores you can sometimes get them for free when people are redoing their homes.

4. Get in the habit of putting stuff away. Your area needs to be cleaned anyway and it's easier and safer when everything is wet. Give yourself some reward every time whether it's a cookie, a 15 minute nap or a beer. {"wet" is important for clay and glaze materials re airborne particulate!}

5. Throw stuff away! I know I said it twice but it's that important. Throw stuff away that is not necessary for your space. Yes, I save lots of things and have lots of bits and pieces. But I don't have junk laying around blocking my ability to work. Another person can come into my studio and easily find the flow, not trip, bump their head or need to look for anything. Common items are accessible on the counters. Less common in cabinets above the workspace. Trash can is nearby. I've seen studios that don't have one. What?

6. Don't think of it as organization. I don't. I think of it as making my creativity flow more smoothly and more efficiently. What is currently stopping me from getting my idea out as quickly as I want it to? Oh, I have to do x to get to y and z is in the way. Fix it. Streamline. Remove the extra steps. I realized that I was always looking for drawing paper, tracing paper and charcoal pencils in addition to regular pencils so I have a cabinet dedicated to drawing supplies. Newsprint and paper are in there also for paper stencils. Much simpler, much easier and has led to so many fun ideas.

7. When you are in a rut working, start cleaning up your work area. It's exhilarating. I keep my sketchbook handy because the cleaning always manages to kick my brain into overdrive. You'll find things you forgot about, things you used to hate, ideas you had started and hated and now you like (or not). It's a valuable use of studio time. Then give yourself your reward. I like cookies so gingersnaps for me.

I hope that helps. My husband has ADHD with anxiety and has trouble with all of these. He has trouble throwing things away especially and it actually increases his anxiety because then he can't find stuff. When I go in and reduce, he feels calmer. Well, until he realizes I threw stuff out but then he gets over it.
*          *          *

I do not want to go to the country! I want to go back to bed. Maybe later... Maybe hot bath right now. yeah.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 07:07 AM

Cat games! The "sheltered" litter box is for Her Shyness, Sabine, but Rufus usually likes to patronize both equally.

Sabine likes to hang out under my bed or in any number of secluded cat caves...and I think she's found an entry into the bottom drawer of the dresser in the kitchen.

I'm really missing having both of them curled up with me when I'm sleeping -- Rufus towards my feet or sleeping on my hip, and Sabine in my face, stomping across my head, nose nuzzling and tickling my face with her whiskers because she thinks I should be petting her...at 3 a.m....

Thanks for keeping them company, Jeri, as well as food, water and litter box detail.

I take it Drew got the driveway plowed and cleared after the snow...

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 01:01 AM

Jeri, that sounds like a great pizza for conquering a headache! I love them with lots of veggies and cheeses (I sometimes get them without tomato sauce, just a few slices of tomato and the other toppings.)

There was an interesting short video on facebook about cats and their owners, compared with babies and their mothers and dogs with their owners. It seemed to conclude that we may be fonder of our cats than they are of us.

I heard from Erin (Morgan's mom) today. He likes beading still, and Kat was teaching him crochet and he loves it. Plus other art things. I'll get a box in the mail in a day or two. I have some stuff here already, but will add to it.

Michelle, I agree totally about the not forcing a kid to sit on Santa's lap. I wish someone could convince the parents who do it, despite a screaming child, and end up with a photo of their miserable child on Santa's lap. One hopes they look at that later and wonder "what was I thinking?"

SRS