Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 08:25 PM

House closing Monday 10AM, long distance.

~S~

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 07:09 PM

Me too!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 07:01 PM

I hope he's young and healthy enough to heal well and fast!

Definitely sending healing energy, prayers, white light and anything else I can think of.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 06:19 PM

A good friend of mine who has had more than his share of crap, broke his ankle this week while retrieving a ball for a neighbor's dog. Some of the details are sad, some frightening and some semi-hilarious but the long and short of it is he needs all the positive energy we can spare. Prayers, candles, good wishes, please send them CPC's way.
Thanks,
SINS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 06:12 PM

The thermometer doesn't read THAT cold but the real feel of the air with the dampness and wind combined have made for a VERY COLD day here. I had other plans for today but they weren't meant to be so I've been home playing my fiddle, keeping the fires stoked, doing dishes, laundry, picking up, etc. I'll start dinner soon. I feel like soup and grilled cheese or a baked potato but my diet suggests that I need to add some protein so maybe I'll go an entirely different route and make salmon, a baked potato and veggie....I just want something HOT and filling. Hummmm. We shall see.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 09:59 PM

Lots of walking today and YOGA!!!

Michelle who is typing with a very snuggly, cuddly kitty in her arms.

HAPPINESS!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 09:40 PM

DP,

Watch out, Susan! Sounds as though the vacation home could become cluttered with stuff you already have!

Au contraire-- in downsizing from a 3 family home into two one-family homes, we'll be pitching excess and keeping the best.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 08:53 PM

Nine year old stack of papers - sounds like one for the shredder! I hope you sleep comfortably. I was tossing and turning last night, not quite sure what the cause. I think just being no longer acclimated to a cold climate makes me feel it more. Safe travels on your trip to Milwaukee. I'm sure you'll find lots of warm hugs from friends and family when you get there.

Now that we're out and about after several days of ice I'm figuring out which errands need to be run soonest. A prescription called in during the middle of the ice needed a little time so they could get in and compound it. I also still have to order my new glasses.

Sad accident during the ice - there is a long bridge over a lake north of Dallas, and a 21-year-old was crossing it at 4am on Friday morning and her truck skidded and flipped off of the bridge. Death by drowning trapped in the truck in a lake at night - that is something out of a nightmare.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 06:53 PM

We've had snow, then freezing rain, and then today, while I was out doing errands, it started to snow again.

No real accumulation, though. I'd anticipated it taking awhile to clear the car this morning so I could take the trash up to the road for collection, but it evidently didn't rain (and freeze) that much on top of just enough snow to make the windows and windshields fairly easy to clean off.

Chipped the ice off the steps when I came back from those errands, but didn't have time to put some sand on the deck before Jeri arrived. (She's taking care of the cats, picking up the mail and generally keeping an eye on the house while I'm in Milwaukee.) We'll see how difficult it will be tomorrow morning to clear the snow off and the ice underneath...if I need to sand or not.

Remembered after I got home the other stuff I'd needed to get today before my trip to Milwaukee. Also didn't figure out today which carry on I'm using and start packing (I'm traveling VERY light).

Yesterday was productive -- the electrician came and fixed or did all the little stuff that Tom hasn't been able to do for the past four years or so (outside light, replaced non-functional rheostats with switches, replaced several outlets and put in two new outlets in the kitchen -- they'd had wires since the house was built in 1977, but never finished). And then I got to clean a few surfaces that hadn't seen light of day in years...sometimes decades. (And discovered under the kitchen dresser a pile of papers from Tom's 2004 heart surgery that need to be shredded -- and a few archived.)

Talked to an old friend on Sunday to tell him of Tom's passing -- he lost his wife a couple years ago. That reminded me to rejoin the Maine Old Cemeteries Association and start going to meeting again. That was something I'd introduced Tom to -- it got so he could spot old cemeteries better than I could. Always enjoyed driving all over Maine for the meetings, but then travel got too complicated for Tom. Maybe now, too, I'll have time to hone my slate cutting skills...

I think it's going to be another early night -- tonight with pain killers, probably, as the lidocaine patch did absolutely nothing last night; knee pain woke me often. That's probably weather-related, too, although my previously broken arm isn't bothering me.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 06:42 PM

The tyranny of "spell check" - wrong words spelled correctly. I think I got most of what you were trying to say, Mary, but I hesitate to try to make any corrections for fear of changing what you were trying to say!

I got to work today, but there were still a lot of really messy bridges, and they will probably stay icy for another couple of days. On the way I picked up dog food - Zeke has been eating the regular dog food and scratching up a storm. He is clearly allergic to one of the grains in that formula, so I got his regular (no corn or wheat) mix today.

I learned today that since I am in a "new job" and the HR folks can't review a job evaluation to know that I meet the minimum skills involved, I will remain listed as an "administrative assistant 1" (that I never ever was) and at the same pay level until next summer when they can do the evaluation. This really sucks. They did it to three of us who were tucked in down here because they couldn't fit us anyplace else when they gave our jobs to others, more favored in the eyes of the dean.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 06:31 PM

Watch out, Susan! Sounds as though the vacation home could become cluttered with stuff you already have!

Our TV has no sound tonight so looking on Craigslist for another one.

Did numerous loads of laundry today. Sorted out the back of the laundry "room" and a tall cupboard in the LR. Nothing extraneous but better organized. Made veggie chili and cornbread. Walked to the grocery (3 blocks) for green peppers. "Only getting peppers so may as well walk." Came home with a chicken to roast and sage. That was enough to carry. 50 minute conversation with daughter of friend with Parkinson's who has been in hospital a week now. Gives the family a rest but they are hoping she will be home by the weekend.

Never made it up to the potter's wheel!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: mg
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 09:41 PM

Going to be logs of typos on my blackberry tablet. Ice and very cold here..some snow.. Roken pipes ago work..hope not the same at home in my little uninsilated unheated cabin..left water dripping for days..starting to warm up. Hoping to rapidly pay down very high visa bill..cit out Internet and going back to very basic cell phone. Will take bus to work and walk home and probably park car for six months and pay mini.also I surance. Rental house that renters damaged now so,do for price of land. I did xeed in lieix of trust and it went back to bank. I don't feel guilty because I brought them full offer a few years ago. And they turned it down because buyers did. Other have same income for 2 years because he had just retired from government..so they lost quite a bit..their fault..estate market live on is on market so I might have to move. But I can do that easily..down to so few possessions..packed up Pendleton blazers and silk blouses and good briefcase and shipped to dress from success..other fleece things to rosebud reservation in sought Dakota. It is so great to vet fid of eve not nice stuff. Should global through papers next but smart me does all paperwork at work to keep it out of my house. ,title attic in my car in. Cut up old futon and through down stairs and now room for. You exercise machine. Was,king hl.even four minutes,es each niht unless ice. Cold does not bother me.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 08:15 PM

DP, one of the neat things about this is that we can totally furnish it from items already on hand and/or in the camper. For example, the Mudcat Dorm will furnish the bedrooms and an office. The camper's kitchen includes all needed appliances, pots and pans, adishes, and spice rack contents. We have enough extra chairs and side tables for the living room. And so forth!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 07:44 PM

WOW! Congrats, Susan!

SRS: Seems like just yesterday you were still mowing and picking!

Winter is setting in with a vengeance. Forecasting 1-5 F at night starting Weds night. Not sure I left enough heat at the mill when I left today! It was snowing very lightly - just enough to make life miserable if it froze so I left in the early afternoon and arrived in the city safely. But more snow here. I will go down on Thurs and hope things are OK 'til then - clay and plants. OR ask Vanessa to turn up heat...

Friday night about 10:15, I got a rescue call from R. Flat tire about 30 minutes up the highway. Enough gas in car for about 20 miles; stopped at a friend to see if he had any lawnmower gas. No. But we called another on en route and he put enough in that I would make it OK. It was 18 miles up and enough gas left to get back to mill. Super at midnight, again.

Saturday started, after obtaining a full tank of gas, with a futile search for a tire. In the country people only dive BIG trucks with big tires, not little city trucks! About 10:30, someone suggested there might be a spare, "You might crawl under the truck and see if you have a spare." So ... there was! It took about 80 minutes to get the wrecked tire off and spare, pumped up with in truck compressor, on. COLD out there! Back to mill about 1:30, cold and tired.

R finished installing the Incinolet but---- does not work and we needs someone with more knowledge. Oh well. Vegged out after that. I tried to make sure I was ready for the Christmas Market. Ended up with no bags. Only needed one and the neighbouring vendor provided it.

We left at 7:30, in two vehicles, to get to Market. Were the second ones there but the janitor was cleaning - with MR CLEAN so we were unable to go into the building until it aired out. Fortunately R talked him into using just water for the second go round!

It was a fun day. Tremendous numbers of people attended and I even sold a few pots! A person who has been looking at my mugs for almost two years and giving me a treatise on wht type mug she wants and why, actually found I had finally made "her" mug! Nice shape; I shall have to make more!

R just hung out and talked with people. He really needed a break. Home by 5 and that was the end of my usefulness. He read until bedtime. So did I but mine was about 7:30 and his about 10:30! Pots are still in the car. Will take them to my friends some time this week, then retire them to the mill until the February Market.

So back to the city and a hot bath and quiet eve with my computer and a book and some TV.

And a good way to keep one's life uncluttered is to always have plenty of gas in the tank!

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 06:38 PM

We got word from our realtor today that the financing for our vacation house in southern Ohio has been APPROVED and we will be getting a package next week to sign here for the long-distance closing!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 11:46 AM

I have a letter I need to write, one of those that shouldn't be ignored. As I think about writing that, I'm drawn toward dusting and sweeping. Yeah, it isn't a fun letter to write. (Requesting a refund for work that wasn't done correctly and cost way too much as a consequence.)

It's above freezing today but it is overcast and grim, and it will be very muddy once the ice clears. I think this is the worst stage after the cold weather, the chemistry of recently frozen dirt is probably fascinating to scientists (they probably research soil under glaciers, not dirt on dogs wet feet, but it is the yard research that interests me more today.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 12:58 AM

Work is closed again tomorrow (Monday). The ice just keeps on keeping on. Overnight we have a freezing fog advisory in effect.

The dogs are in for the night, and I'm working on some mending now. I moved some of the stray boxes out of the sunroom earlier and it looks much better. A load of laundry is in, and the faucets are again on a slow drip in a couple of rooms where pipes are near the outer walls.

Susie and her grandson Eric drove down this afternoon. She was going to drive to Home Depot for a couple of things but I had the materials they needed so I was able to send them back home. I hated to see her out in the "cobblestone ice" that is featured on our streets this few days.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 13 - 02:34 PM

I haven't heard a half-dozen cars go past the house today. The newspaper has posted photos online of "cobblestone ice" on area freeways. Just finished a hot midday soak in the tub, ready to put in a load of laundry and do something other than fiddle around on the computer.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 13 - 12:41 AM

I realized this evening I hadn't done anything with my green tomatoes and they were still looking good (those that hadn't turned red). I made a small batch of green tomato relish and the jars are now out of the hot water bath and cooling (with that wonderful lid pop). Bread on top of the freezer is probably about ready to put into the bread box and keep up high. Good ol' Zeke. If you leave him an opportunity, he'll help himself to baked goods, etc.

It has been below freezing all day, and we have a freezing fog advisory until 9am tomorrow morning. This weather is the gift that keeps on giving! Monday is going to be a doozy - Sunday won't warm up enough to melt all of this ice, and Monday has more freezing rain predicted.

Time to head to bed to read. The dogs are all tucked in warm.

SRS