Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 11:01 PM

I heard some pretty interesting dog stories from a co-worker today. It seems she rescued a couple of beagles from the middle of the road on her way home at lunch time to care for another rescue dog. She has found homes for a couple and the beagles were taken somewhere so perhaps their owners can be found. No broken ankles, but a car full of dog vomit.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 12:43 PM

I may be taking my buddy to the doctor tomorrow. If he vomits in my car I will toss him and his crutches out!


not really.He made need a wheelchair but it will have to be VERY narrow to mange in his studio apartment.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 02:29 PM

The futon is listed on Craig's List. You can relist an item every two days, so my goal is to relist this again on Saturday morning. People heading into the weekend searching can find the listing, and then putting it up again on Saturday puts it back up at the top of the list. Fingers crossed someone wants this, or I may call the Salvation Army again. Or still have it in six months for my daughter. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 03:49 PM

Mary, too bad he didn't need a narrow wheelchair earlier -- I just donated Tom's (which was quite narrow for Tom to negotiate our small house) a couple weeks ago.

Linn

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

Had hoped to get the house a bit more picked up before I left for Milwaukee for my mother's funeral, but I'm sure Jeri (who has lived here before) can cope...And she'll help reassure the cats that I am, indeed, coming back.

Got the wireless router set up yesterday and a few minor computer aggravations resolved. Justin (tech) was fascinated by our post-and-beam kit house as he and his wife live in a log kit house. We both share the problems with rough cut beams and cobwebs.

I'm as packed as I ever will be -- traveling very light. Have to pick up a travel size of smell stopper and maybe some Airbornes since I'll be thrown into dry recycled air with a bunch of people.

My new and (otherwise) very comfortable shoes will be left at home -- too much cushy bounce in the heal area which is very fatiguing on my knees. I just learned I need a solid insole. Flat, too. No heel at all, not even 1/8 inch or my knees suffer. Disappointed in the shoes, but I'll live.

And the insurance snafu has, we (the funeral home and I) hope, gotten resolved so the funeral home will be paid and I should have a check by the time I return to New Hampshire. Haven't yet set a date or planned Tom's memorial after the first of the year.

One foot in front of the other...

Linn

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Dec 13 - 11:50 AM

I have rough cut beams in my living room, and the cobweb problem is made worse by how hard it is to reach a beam that is 13.5 feet up.

Today is that icky realization that the splash and drip and puddles and all after the ice is going to make the house a muddy zone for a while. The mud has a special viscosity after it has been frozen, and it sticks to dogs' feet and shoes and such.

This weekend is the big push to finish stuff to mail. Also, since it isn't as cold out now the dogs can stay out and I can bake cookies (I've been making bread and cooling it on top of the freezer to keep Zeke away from it, but I can't easily cool cookies up there.) I need to decorate the mantle and tomorrow I will get out in the yard with some spare fuzes and see if I can get the lights on the pine tree up and running again.

One of the parties on my phone family plan is ready to port out, so when we meet for lunch today we'll walk over to AT&T and get it started. This is a friend who was having a hard time a few years ago when his partner was ill (and lost his insurance) and the phone kept getting turned off if the bill wasn't paid. I could add him to my cell phone plan for $10 a month and that way he always had a phone - grownups need a phone. He eventually let the house phone go away entirely, and like so many of us, uses only a cell phone. Things have improved a lot and since most of our contracts are up on my plan, it means there is no penalty for porting out to a new company. One phone (my daughter's) has to wait till April. My son will be doing this later in the month when he's home from school. This is a rite of passage for all of us - it means my kids are pretty much on their own now, but it also means I've done my job and they are able to support this most basic of modern everyday needs. And decluttering my phone plan of three phones means my bill will go down by about $150 a month.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Dec 13 - 05:56 PM

Never rains without pouring. One friend's crisis is under control. THen an email arrives. A man who has been exceedingly kind to my family for many years, a talented artist always willing to share his knowledge, has been arrested. The charges are ugly and he has admitted to them. Say a prayer for Seth.
Times like this you know who your friends are.
SINS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 11:30 AM

Yikes, Mary. How awful.

A few years ago, a work colleague was arrested for an offence so scurrilous that he was held on remand, without bail, for nearly a year before trial. His office buddy, the guy in the cubicle next to me, was put in the impossible situation of taking care of the accused's bank account, rent payments and other continuing responsibilities while also having to do much of the accused's work as well as his own. The only thing I could do to help was get a decent defence counsel on the case. I will never forget those tense phone conversations from the desk next door. Oh yeah, and the guy was convicted ..

Seth's friends need prayers, too.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 01:03 PM

Let's hope no one can top the neighbor two doors up. Her ex husband had a young girlfriend who had a friend of hers move in with them. When he discovered that the pair were lesbian lovers he murdered one of them and stuffed her into a barrel out on the porch. He's still in prison (and I never met him, just heard the story from the neighbor who lives in between us.)

Glasses are ordered, they should be ready by Tuesday. I went over early this morning because the optometrist is opposite a mall, and the traffic will be horrid later today. I was going to go up to a high-end grocery store for some cheeses but decided to stick with the Boars Head in the nearby Kroger. Again, the parking lot and drive to that store (in a busy high-end shopping area) would be horrible. Maybe I'll get up there on a weekday morning (perhaps Tuesday, after I pick up my glasses.)

Lots to do in the house today, laundry, dishes, more baking. The dogs are in the house so it won't be cookies unless I can manage an out-of-dog-reach cooling area. Maybe another batch of breads. I have to dust the whole house and put up my mantle ornaments, and perhaps move some furniture. The futon is relisted - I suppose it wouldn't be a true Craig's List experience without the obligatory scammer attempting to buy it with a cashier's check and an extra amount over the price - he's on a trip right now, he assures me, or he'd come by and pick it up right away. This offer came via three text screens on my phone. I texted back "Fuck you." I think he will understand that as "no" spelled out the long way.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 01:27 PM

Thanks ladies. I feel better already.
He has friends who will help him but can't imagine he will do well in jail.
One day at a time.
M

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 03:54 PM

All dishes and pots and pans are clean! Four loads of laundry are finished and now it's on to the shower curtain and maybe I'll do the beds later. :)

It's a snowy, snowy day and I am happy to say that we are all inside enjoying a lovely fire and each other's company. :)

I have a big pot of homemade French onion soup simmering on the stove...it smells divine in here!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 08:25 PM

House closing Monday 10AM, long distance.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: GUEST, Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Dec 13 - 09:29 AM

Arrived safely (but exhausted) in Milwaukee after a 12 hour odyssey. Details on the Jane's Rainbow thread.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 13 - 04:26 PM

Good luck with the closing, Susan. Glad you arrived intact, Linn!

Sunny here finally after a couple of weeks of cold and enforced darkness. I've been in the yard throwing a toy for Zeke to fetch. Laundry is finished, and for now I'm preparing boxes to ship tomorrow. While I work I'm going through some of the recorded programs (I have a television receiver in my computer and can use Windows Media Center like a DVR).

I think I need to make a list. I have a lot to do and need to prioritize it. Next week is our full week before the holiday break, and I will be working overtime in Saturday for time and a half. It won't amount to a lot after taxes, but every little bit helps. I'm packing the chandelier prisms (yes, the one I've been talking about for ever, it seems). I'll put it on eBay soon and that will be a nice sum if it sells for my asking price.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 13 - 06:25 PM

Whew! I went up to Susie's to help her move a table in the garage - only to find that it meant pretty much cleaning up the whole garage! It was a good workout and a snoot-full of dust. But it was an hour well-spent and now she has a clear surface in the garage to move gingerbread houses to to keep from tempting the dogs in the kitchen. Now I need to do some furniture moving at my house, since I'm all dusty and such. Why do it later and have two sets of dusty clothes to launder? I do love the way the house looks when furniture is moved.

Pumpkin bread tonight, and finish getting boxes ready to mail.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Dec 13 - 08:01 PM

SRS...I love how it looks when it's all done too. I am still working on the living room...c'mon over...no point in getting dirty AGAIN! ;)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Dec 13 - 11:41 PM

Just the word "dust" is scary to me! I have to be terrifically careful not to disturb any unless I am immediately leaving the area/house! My cough is still doing well. But I am also. It has become so chronic, I only notice it when it gets really bad - when something is in the air that really aggravates it. I am finding the new mask helpful and putting it on as soon as I realize there is a problem does help.

Encouraged by a visit from a mom and daughter on WEds eve to pick up a vase I made for the Mom to give the daughter. I enjoyed their visit (city) even though the house is a disaster, and will invite them back over the Christmas break so the child can watch me pot and play with some clay herself.

This encouraged me to take a run at making the kitchen a little better so I spent most of Thursday on that with some success. Only R and I know it looks better! Oh well. It feels better. Now I am eyeing the LR, trying to figure out some way of improving it. Have not found one yet.

Friday I went to a coffee house in an obscure - to me - part of the city. Had to stop twice at stores to ask as I could not see the street signs. COLD night! But my friends who were playing appreciated my effort. And I definitely appreciated hearing them.

Too cold upstairs to pot the last few days. Drove to country and back on Sat so R could winterize before things froze. It was just in the nick of time. I just read and tried to keep warm while he worked, then drove us home again. Reading and keeping warm is about all I am doing in the city. I had hoped to go to a dance party last night but it was so cold I gave up the thought of going anywhere. I have put a pillow in a cardboard box and the heating pad on that so my feet are not blocks of ice all day.

Last night's snow precluded attending the potluck at Quaker meeting. R got his truck moved this eve as it would have been illegal in the am. He had trouble finding my car but cleared the snow from one door so I was able to go fetch the books I had left in it. I have a lovely pic of the pile of snow that is my car! R was working on computer most of day so I am getting it while he went to fetch some papers. Hope he can find parking when he gets back! The joy of winter in the north. Tomorrow we may have to extricate my car so I can get some groceries. NEED salad and fresh veggies!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 13 - 09:34 AM

The printer stopped working, I thought the cartridge was finally empty, but when I replaced it the new one doesn't trigger the thing to start printing. I have to take my boxes to work to print the labels to mail them and I'll fight with this again later. It's a knock-off variety so it may be it wasn't a perfect fit, but I've always had good luck with them in the past.

Warmer this week, rain and colder next weekend. This is when I need to finish any outside work (I still have to pull out some of last summer's dead plants and throw them into the compost, and get ready for potatoes.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 13 - 08:26 PM

I think I opened every door and slot on the printer, I filled it with paper, and because the entire computer and printer setup was turned off for a few hours, I think they did the appropriate machine handshake and all is once again well. The green light is on.

My packages have been mailed and now I have cards to design and have printed in the next couple of days. Susie finished the painting - not what I was expecting, but I can work with it.

I have a letter to write and then I think I'll read for a while. I saw part two of The Hobbit with some coworkers today (a nice tradition this supervisor has - she takes her staff out to see a movie for a holiday treat.) There's a lot in there that Tolkien never put on paper, and I want to see it on the printed page since it has been many years since I last read it (out loud, to my children).

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Dec 13 - 11:45 PM

Total delight - coming back from 3 hours of shopping to find "my" parking place available - the one closest to the house so I did not have to go around the block and park in the bus zone to offload the groceries.

First stop was Home Depot to figure out a way to stop the cold coming through the chipboard over the 3 windows. I bought that plastic but wanted actual bats of insulation - then the plastic. R will need to pick up in the truck. My car is full of pots. Then tons of groceries to replenish the city cupboards - where I managed to find more space!

Have been working on the LR with some success. Made room for the Norfolk Island Pine which will be our Christmas tree (Home Depot also). I managed to reorganize shelves in book case to hold R always growing piles of papers that were cluttering the to of the beautiful buffet. Cleared the exercycle so it is usable. Removed vast quantities of dust with damp cloth. Cleared centre of desk top in hopes of using the inner space only accessible by lifting lid. Still have a chunk of the room that needs ???? is needy! I ran out of steam. But two/thirds looks better!

Sorted through recipes, on newly organized shelf(!), before shopping and picked a few to try out, Even turfed out some recipes but was amazed to find "Marcia's Choc cake, circa 1971, on a card; could not throw it out! So many good recipes! And some have memories attached.

Still too cold upstairs to pot so tomorrow a good day to make a couple soups and new batch of chili. Cooking helps heat the house!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 12:51 PM

Spent an absolutely miserable night, many trips to the loo. Something I ate went through wrong or I have a bug. I am okay after a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and will keep eating the rest of the day very light. I ate a Chipotle burrito at noon yesterday, and usually if it is food poisoning activity it hits within four to six hours. This hit me around 10pm. I also ate a bowl of ice cream in the early evening. I don't see any culprit ingredients on the package, though "artificial flavors" could be just about anything. This is just the mental calisthenics, wondering if it was food-borne or a bug. This is my late night at work. I've had the morning to putter around and decide that I am still in the land of the living.

I stepped on the scale this morning. I've managed to keep my weight at the same level this far into the holidays. I think fasting two days a week is going to maintain this weight, and when I resume alternate day fasting I'll lose the rest. The last 10 to 15 pounds will probably be the hardest.

I'm headed out in a couple of minutes. We have another staff meeting today in the library. These have become grim reminders of how nice it used to be there.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 04:37 PM

Closing went great. We did it at the bank that has held the IRA I inherited from my late mom, since that was the source for the down payment (50% of purchase price). The exec who assisted us with that quarterbacked her team so that their home loan officer supervisor looked thru all the paperwork and explained stuff, while letting us know it all looked normal and well prepared. Their notary sat in while we signed and initialed every page, and then the bank wired the money to the title agent handling it all in Ohio. Then all the signed paperwork went into the provided UPS box and away it went.

We got word that the seller had signed today and that the funds were being disbursed.

The seller has moved and today I transferred all the utilities that can be arranged by phone (electric and gas). The water has to be arranged by mail with proof of ownership (which I have as a PDF scan), and it's a load off my mind that if there is a glitch on the heat being put in our name, at least the water will be off.

Present plans are for me to drive a load of furniture down and arrange for some repairs the inspection had told us would be needed, and then Hardi will join me to oversee the work/decor and drive back with me. We have not set a date for that, yet. Soon!

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 06:16 PM

Wonderful to hear S's property purchase moving along!!

Not so wonderful that SRS is unwell. When my innards are upset I do apple cider vinegar in warm water, as per Dr. - whatever his name was that wrote Vermont Folk Medicine in - the 50's? Works for me. I took a bottle to Mexico with me on each trip. Use it whenever, here at home.

Today, hot bath first thing, then two loads of laundry, changed the bed and need to redo it before I can get back in! Put beans to cook but have not been inspired to complete the chili - yet. Maybe between the news and Big Bang. Long talk with friend in PA using Skype - which worked well today. Upstairs was warm enough for bath and to pot but the later is not happening today.

R has not been home since yesterday morning. Says he slept on office floor. No wonder the condition of the house... Called to tell me he is still alive and has eaten.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 09:55 PM

Dorothy, tell us more about your cider vinegar in water trick? What is it supposed to do?

This is my late day at the library and it was filled with meetings, but I was able to get out for a little while and speak to someone in the department where I've turned in an application. The job won't close till next week, but our conversation went very well. We've run into each other many times over the years and just needed to each place a name with the face.

I ate a couple of cookies this evening (the campus is shut down now that classes ended - I had access to a vending machine only.) So far so good, but I'll leave any more eating until I get home later today. It is quiet here now. I'll work overtime on the weekend for time and a half, something they rarely offer but they're short staffed during the university holiday and I can use the cash. The think about overtime is that you only get it if you worked a full week already. If I were to take sick leave today, I wouldn't be able to get time and a half on Saturday.

Congratulations on the house, Susan! It'll be nice to start setting up your own place. I wonder how things are in WI (is that the correct postal code?) for Linn? I'll have to check the Jane's Rainbow thread, or facebook. Liz, I noticed on facebook that you're finding good homes for some of the cats. Those families are going to have so much fun now they have kitties to share the holidays with! I hope you're feeling better now. Michelle, our human dynamo, has been moving furniture and celebrating birthdays and probably doing lots of laundry if it is still snowy and Jeremiah spends any time in it. I always had multiples of hats and mittens in the house when the kids were little. The smell of wet wool goes with the season.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 12:25 PM

Hump day in the last week before the holiday break. Lovely weather today and the yard is finally drying out a bit. I've been picking up some of the snack type foods I'd like to use for entertaining and I hope to have a few friends in during the break, but that is contingent upon making time to vacuum and mop, and it would be nice if I could get rid of that futon.

Weight is stable right now - I'm not trying to lose weight, just to maintain this level until we get past the New Year. Considering the chaos that visited my lower GI the other night, I was leery about eating anything yesterday and inadvertently had two fasting days in a row.

I think I have enough baked goods now for the co-worker gifts in my department (I made a bunch of loaves of quick breads and they're in the freezer). In the past I've donated to Heifer International or the Humane Society in the name of the group, but this year I don't have the cash for it.

I haven't decorated the house yet, but I'll start on the weekend so it looks good when the kids are here. A few basics like the mantle and some garland and the lighted macrame basket where we put all of the little gifts. I don't always get a tree - with the dogs in the house more that might be interesting, though it isn't as fraught with difficulties as I expect it is at Liz's house with all of her cats! When I was in high school and we had three cats and a large dog we used to set up the tree in the corner of the living room then run picture hanging wire guys to each of the cafe curtain rods on windows nearby to hold up the tree against the animal onslaught. More than once someone plucked a cat from the middle of the tree.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Claire M
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 03:12 PM

Hiya,

I've a CPAP. Been on it for couple of yrs. Couldn't go w/o it now; not s'posed to anyway. I always worry it's not working. Ditched full face mask when I was asked if i'd tried to eat it in the night; it had obviously slipped/not been on right in 1st place =/= not wearing it.

Wrote some chants/blessings for lady who took me to Moonhenge. Overhaul on Fri w/ staff leaving – thankfully not her --, who are mostly that type of carer I've never really liked; you know the sort; great @ painting nails – which is important – but no understanding/patience – you need both. Still, I could have a *lot worse*. I could write a book re those I've had.

Hope the Wintersmith brings me all I want for Xmas, as a card I got said – including the cd about him & replacements for lost cds. T. I – family are same way -- don't care if gifts I get are £1 if they're something I truly like. Just sad my Consort will be spending it w/ a bunch of people he doesn't really like, who don't really like him either.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 03:23 PM

The CPAP is going better an I think it would be great if I could kick this stupid cold...can't cough and wear the mask at the same time. It's fine for when I'm awake and I can move it enough to cough and put it back on but apparently when I'm asleep and cough I get irritated and throw it. LOL

Today I cut enough fabric for 2 quilts...one is a baby quilt the other is a tumbler quilt using 2.5inch tumblers....LOTS of cutting for that one but should be pretty when I get it all pieced together!

Today Jeremiah goes to see Santa....he is SO excited which makes ME SO EXCITED!!! Last year he didn't want anything to do with Santa....he was quite afraid of him...here's hoping that he doesn't get scared when they are face to face!!

:) Michelle who LOVES being a Mommy!!!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 03:29 PM

With Santa visits, it is always wise to let the child decide when they're ready. If he balks at the last minute after waiting in a line, no big deal. Santa will be there again next year. I wouldn't mind having a photo of my grown-up kids visiting Santa. :)

Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris. Hilarious, and not for small children.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 05:15 PM

Dorothy, have you ever seen these? Yarn bowls.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 06:45 PM

Jeremiah did GREAT with Santa! He walked right up to him, climbed in his lap and carried on a decent conversation. He answered Santa's questions...What is your name? How old are you? Have you been a good boy? What would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas? :)

For Christmas, Jeremiah told him he would like (in this order):

Veggies
A Dodge
Tires
And a snowman.

:) Photos on Facebook (in about 10 minutes)

Michelle

PS. I would NEVER push Jeremiah to go to someone he didn't want to...that's just mean.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 08:52 PM

SRS: yarn bowls! yes. Lots of different ones. The "in thing". Not making any.
       Apple cider vinegar - I have forgotten except that it works for me. Settles the innards, balances the system. believed to prevent and heal food poisoning. Gave the book away. I just googled Vermont Folk Medicine and it came up, top of page. Dr. Jarvis. Whenever The gut does not feel quite right, I put some ACV in a mug of water - warm or cool and drink it repeatedly until life gets better. Something convoluted about maintaining an acid balance, that the last thing we need is ant-acids because indigestion is too much alkali. Anyhow, works for me. Some people just drink it daily or with each meal - maybe with some honey in it, just to keep bodies happy. I only use as much ACV as I can tolerate!

Cough came back last night. Very little sleep. Back on Pau d'Arco. No idea what has triggered it this time. Clean sheets? Washed with same detergent as always?

Made new batch of chili today and an interesting zuke/tomato stuff to go over rice, added some cooked beans for protein. Mid-east thing with "arab spices" I mixed up a while back. Finished chili and the phone rang asking for a pottery showing at a friend's home so I drove up and Hannah carried umpteen boxes of pots up the spiral metal stairs. They sorted out a dozen pots, re-packed and carried them down again! Now I can off load them when I get to the mill tomorrow. Their request is "make more BIG bowls" and showed me ones --I made years ago! OK. Next on the list, start making big bowls again. And finish tea pots. But not tomorrow.

Tomorrow is, weather permitting, back to mill to water plants, check heat, whatever else needful, go to writer's group Christmas party where, with any luck, one of the teens can help me figure out how to get pics from phone to computer.

R came home, first time since Monday am, and went into shock when he saw that I had cleared the surfaces of his papers. IT looks so much better! Fed him chili and hot apple juice and now he is asleep on the sofa. Said he has to go back to work....

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Dec 13 - 09:58 PM

One of those days...

Shoveled last night's snow off porch and removed it from car. Went over to Bat Goddess's to tend to her cats. Fed & watered them, and cleaned one litter box. It doesn't seem like they're using the other one. Sabine has been in hiding since Monday, but somebody has been drinking her water, and I don't think it's Rufus. Played with Rufie--hey Linn, that boingy mouse thing is VERY well made! THEN I drove to my mammogram appointment and the "check engine" light came on.

Had the m-gram, drove home, but stopped at the garage, where they re-set the light and told me it wasn't anything serious, but to come back if it lights up again. At some point during this garage visit, I thought maybe it's was fate's way of telling me I should get a pizza, and realized I hadn't eaten all day (which explained the headache and the anxiety. So ordered a "Mediterranean" pizza (it has black olives, spinach, tomatoes, feta cheese, and giant hunks of fresh garlic) and came home. Ate half of pizza (it was a small one), took pills for head, and also ate the baklava I got when I got the pizza. Sat back to relax while the food and meds kicked in, then my power went out. It only lasted 5 minutes, thank goodness.

Still, it was one of those days.

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

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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.