More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Oct 15 - 02:08 PM

OH:

Typical house-closing stuff since early AM, but with an hour of Awesome Squad, and enjoying my son and DIL the last few days. A few last items just about my scale remain to complete, before noon departure tomorrow. The best was that the 20% acetic acid vinegar arrived in time to mix a batch for AS to use, and for them to take home to use here in my absence... they took home all the potted annuals, for their moms and a grounded AS member.

Many thanks to SRS for the herbicide recipe.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Oct 15 - 10:41 AM

Halloween - the night to turn off the lights, bring these dogs in so they're not scared by the activity out in front of the house (if there is any - it may keep raining until tomorrow), and work some more on the comforter. I'm still trying to find the right yarn to tie it with that won't unravel or untie once it is washed. I have a comforter here that I was given by someone I've lost touch with or I'd ask her what kind of yarn she used.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Oct 15 - 06:25 PM

I don't always scroll back to see what the earlier answers were, and yes, we have talked about this before. I think getting a read on this dog is what is needed. Age, breed?

There is a leak next to the sliding glass door in my front room. I think I figured it out, but I kept an eye on it today to be sure. We lucked out with just rain, not the sideways wind (or tornadoes like hit to the south of us).

There was little bit of rebellion here today. It felt wonderful.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Oct 15 - 05:02 PM

City:

Stress abounds!
Today is the day after the Celebration of the Life of...A lengthy event in an over heated Cathedral. R understood the speakers and gave me precis of the tributes. I had an opp to tell the widow how much I have appreciated conversations with HER; she said, "it matters." and I responded, "yes, very much!". (She always assumed I wanted to talk with Roger and passed me on before I had a chance to say anything. I only got to talk with her if he were not at home, or if I were at their home. This has been bothering me for about 30 years!)

Helped with food prep in the am, then went to home an saw the pots/bowls Hannah likes best - a total surprise! She has quite a pile of "Dorothy bowls"! Rode back to church with a son's long time partner, my first opp to visit with her, ever. R arrived on time! We had a long and disturbing talk with a long time friend at the reception. I am looking at doing some attempted damage control via email. R totally missed the wonderful slide show - his back was to it and he did not notice when he went for more food!

I felt like another surrogate family member, realizing only after this event just how connected we have been over the 47 years and still are, more so it seems - children and, even, grandchildren. I hope they are not being hit by this aftermath but suspect it may be so. They have each other and I am not comfortable phoning to see how they are. Maybe tomorrow. Esp worried about widow. She held up very well throughout and is probably exhausted- which may be a good thing. She may let go of life - faced with the Parkinson's plus the loss of her husband of 62 years.

I expected a come down in the aftermath and so it has come to pass. Doing nothing today other than periodic tears and deep breaths and gasps of pain. Did feed the Robin x2 and started unloading the dryer. deleted emails, spent an hour and a half trying to sort out Bell bill/change of address and more. Finally, after two times on "Chat" and an attempt to reach by phone, I sent a VERY annoyed email with my questions and concerns. OK, so I did something today - added another level to my stress.

Instead of driving down to the mill and then to the grand opening of Gigzz, I asked R to try to go on time and I shall go with him. I want to be there but it seems so trivial in the face of our loss. I simply do not have the energy/motivation to pull together what needs to go to mill plus drive there.

We realized at BF today, that without Roger, without the Yellow Door, we would never have met each other or a number of other people who are important to us now.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 02:08 PM

We have decluttered a large amount of drama from our life...it happened with a lengthy, soul searching conversation and we ended up on the same page. :) I love when that happens and it is exactly what makes us a perfect match. :) It involved a little bit of legal paperwork and BAM.....end of drama.

It doesn't matter what other people think, we have done what is best for our family. <3

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 01:35 PM

Sarcasm alert on:

No, I'm a complete idiot who doesn't have a clue and seeks advice wit out having to request it or even describe what I'm confused about.


End sarcasm alert.


Did I ask for help from someone who has no idea of the situation I'm working within or the strategies I'm already using?

The dog is at doggy daycare today enjoying a break from stress in the familiar kennel environment-- instead of car-barfing while I spend the day taking bestie to distant airport, participating offsite in 3 hours of booked teleconferences, and visiting her kennel of origin for further info and direction from folks who know the dog, me, the training objectives they assigned, the environment she's in here, the resources available in PA.... oh and help is arriving here at 10pm tonight to implement the guidance gained from consulting those professionals.

Please pass the salt; I'll need a LOT more than a mere grain! ;-)

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 09:50 AM

Are you walking her? That will be her job. You're in charge, so everything you do during the day tells her so, from the feeding to the control of activity. Do you have a contained area where you can let her out the door unaccompanied at night for a few minutes? It sounds like she was trying to tell you something. Good luck!

Invariably as I have things listed in eBay that aren't going anywhere I wonder what the next step is - donate, or find a use? I was beginning to think about one item I might be able to use - and invariably, it sold overnight! Must do this more often.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 03:19 AM

... so when I awoke to visit the loo, there she was wanting attention. I tried to pretend I hadn't seen her and went back to bed, since she's usually quite crashed out all night. What coukd she hurt?

An hour later, not being able to fall asleep, I returned to the loo, passing the back bedroom I'd left open. Which now had a strangely light swath across the carpet. Neighbor's light filtering in thru window....? No.... a cherished and highly useful neck pillow's superfine Styrofoam stuffing beads.... all.over.the.worst.rug.to.vacuum.EVER. About 2' × 4' of emptied pillow particles. White, on dark carpeting. Poop on top of item just washed for the 3rd time in two days that she'd peed into. Dog crashed out innocently in LR.

I leave Sunday for PA, where the larger and stronger crate is. I hope she's still alive by then!!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 03:06 AM

OH:

It's been a busy, intense, and tiring several days with my houseguest and Newbie has reacted accordingly.... finding new ways to break out of her corner and chew things up

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 06:22 PM

City:
Do NO holiday shopping; have not for years. Give things to folks if I find something I think they will like, when I see them next. Do not want to clutter people's lives with unwanted objects. Saved up a bunch of stuff I thought the gds might like and had them take turns choosing when they came to visit. Nothing was left over although I assured them that would be OK. We do have similar tastes!

Appalled at the quantity of stuff in thrift shops, even in rural areas. Thankful they exist! This am I realized I had better find something to wear to the service tomorrow. The one decent outfit here - ---- So I had not worn this lovely dress in over ten years. And, now that I recall, Connie took it in a bit then! NO WAY this blimp was going to wear it. Yeah, I got into it but ...I have no idea what I weigh; the scale is at Beaver; the last weigh in was 160. The last time I wore that dress I had lost 35 pounds in 4 months and kept it off! - Was about 135 or 40. Even if I let it out, I would still look like a blimp.

Went to a nice thrift shop and managed to find navy dress pants, gray-blue cowl neck long sleeve sweater and a lovely wool shawl in shades of gray and more. YAY! The shawl will help hide the blimpishness. ALso Christmas lights for under the K sink at Beaver to provide heat when I am not there; because if a couple go out, there are still more but if one regular light bulb goes out... And two wonderful turtles because I like turtles and they can go in corners of the house at Beaver in winter and out in the yard in the spring. And two beautiful sheets. Under $30 total.

THEN I went to a supermarket and got a bunch of organic chicken - a whole one and 8 individual breasts at 30% off; may do the chicken tonight but the rest is in freezer, along with nice piece of salmon. Other stuff was mainly 30 or 50% off so I "saved" $68. Spent $144. none of the reduced stuff would I have purchased at regular price but delighted that this store has good chicken and often good things marked down - some nice cheeses also today.So less de-clutter of the wallet and better quality food on the table.

De-cluttered computer of excess emails, checked out outdoor containers for Beaver - to store pottery and tables between shows - right in front of house where it is accessible even when the snow is deep! Need to determine whether to buy one or have Blair construct one. Could do it myself if I could regain my guts for using circular saw. Is my mind in tune with my aging body and has decided said body cannot do certain things safely?? I simply cannot bring myself to do some things that used to be "NO problem". I once cut every piece of wood for a 24 by 24 two story cabin and now... The spirit remembers but the mind refuses. I could get upset or accept... Mostly I accept.

When I get back to Beaver - in a few days - I shall have to give serious consideration to the excess weight.

Not exactly looking forward to the memorial service but hope it will be a turning point and time to let go and move on. The last few days have been better. Pocket full of tissues a good idea.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 09:26 AM

I've started my holiday shopping. It is fairly modest these days because the kids are grown and either have limited space and/or have the ability to buy the things they need. I give consumables, small practical things, and make it more about the holiday meal. So, the shelf in my closet is starting to accumulate a few things that will be decluttered in late December.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Oct 15 - 12:45 PM

It's been a busy morning around here, breakfast and lunches made/packed, swept the upstairs hallway, a load of laundry done, another waiting to go in the dryer, a double sink full of dishes done, fridge cleaned out, I made a large kettle of potato corn chowder, red beans and rice and meatballs with gravy that will be warmed up in the oven later to go with egg noodles and greenie beanies. :) I have a 6 month check up on Friday with my gyn/onc....I haven't ever waited 6 months for a check up so the butterflies are starting to stir. Cooking keeps me busy and ensures that I won't have to cook a thing on Friday when I get home. The check up is mildly painful but I think it's more my nerves that exhaust me...I always come home ready to sleep. Anyway....on the list for later today is more sweeping and I hope to clean out the inside freezer...there are some things in there that are freezer burn and I'd like the space! Since the other freezers are in the mud room....which is loaded with canning supplies and such...I'd like to get out a week's worth of food at a time and keep in the kitchen freezer so I don't have to navigate the land of jars and large canning pots/pressure cookers, etc. One day I hope to have hooks from the ceiling to hang those big pots as they take up SO MUCH SPACE!

I'm also going to take Jeremiah out for a spin in the new/borrowed car later today....I'm digging on the stick shift! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Oct 15 - 11:06 AM

Mill:
Gearing up to o to pot! But a peek in here, after going thru emails and some FB - mainly to check for messages. Internet intermittent this am. I have gone and turned up heat in studio and turned last night's pots so they can dry for trimming. cleaned up a corner of the LR and made a new spot for modem - hoping for better reception. Last night I put in out side the front door but then cannot close the door tightly and it is COLD. Frosty morning!

Woke up feeling better today than in a while! Want to get stuff done then go back to city and rest up tomorrow for the service on Thursday and helping H with the food.

Want the pots dry enough to travel to Beaver (current plan. I really want to go home and I can do more there to make up a kiln load, which I do not yet have. But, OOPS! (This thread is such a good reminder) I could glaze and do a glaze firing tonight. Then I have to come back on way to Beaver to pick up the glazed pots. Arghhh! Whole new plan.

Better get to it.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 10:59 PM

Remarks aren't always meant for just one recipient - that's the beauty of these threads, with probably more lurkers than participants. The vacuum advice won't go to waste. :)

Before a recent trip I let the produce level in the fridge dwindle, and since I've been back I've had some from the garden, but I finally made a stop at my favorite Fiesta grocery and picked up at least a half dozen bags of fruits and vegetables. I give some to the dogs to supplement their dry food, but most of it is for me. The smell of baked sweet potato is in the air now. I steamed some cauliflower to have it ready to warm and eat, and since I have a few smallish tomatoes from the garden right now I had a BLT for dinner.

This autumn I've done a better job of getting myself to bed early enough to get at least 8 hours of sleep before my alarm goes off. Getting plenty of sleep has lots of health benefits and the price is right - compared to many other stay-healthy programs. I have the amber glasses here (like Alice recommended) but haven't had to use them often. Another thing I like is a cup of chamomile tea in the evening (Linn, I have a parcel of loose tea that I'll get mailed to you one of these days).

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 09:22 PM

Mill:
Cut a 10 kg loaf of clay into 6 chinks and managed to throw 4 of them into bowls - messed up two. Then came back and put together a light supper of soup - from yesterday's pot full and toast and cheese. Internet finally decided to work - I put the modem outside on the doorstep! - so I have been on here for a couple hours - deleting emails, and checking out posts on friend's obit guest book. Maybe I can find what I wrote last week - that started the water falling. Staying over here again tonight in hopes of getting more pots finished tomorrow.

I have been triaging things to take t Beaver, packed up dishes to go and ... will take boxes of stuff out to car tomorrow.

I have ALWAYS driven a stick shift car - except for the one I got at a good price from a friend's brother years ago. It was a great car. However, I picked it up with a passenger and as I tried driving this strange car - the passenger noted, very kindly, "You only need ONE foot for this car." I got used to it but was glad to get a stick shift for my next old car.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 06:44 PM

I walked miles more than usual today and my body is complaining. My mom and I took Jeremiah to a place called Iron Kettle Farm in Candor, NY. We went on a hay ride and walked all over the place checking out the displays of pumpkin people made into nursery rhyme characters/cartoon characters. We have gone every year since Jeremiah was a baby. They have farm animals to feed (some different ones than we have at home) and just general fun stuff. It is the first year that Jeremiah has really been into it....he is all tuckered out too. We also stopped at a junk/fun shop on the way home...another hour or so of walking around.

Mom had a little bit of a health issue while we were out...she's ok...really wish she'd get to the doctor....but we decided it would be best if I did the driving for the rest of the day. I drove maybe 100 miles...not much but I am without my glasses right now which makes for some tired eyes. Upon getting back to this area, I drove to where I had left my borrowed car, which is standard and I just learned how to drive yesterday...and made it home just fine. I think I really like driving a stick shift...it's FUN! :)   Photos to be uploaded shortly after I tuck my sweet little man into bed.

It's been a day well lived but man....my body is NOT happy.

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 03:44 PM

Mill:
Again no internet for awhile. Difficult as there were a couple important things needed doing so I am quickly using it while it lasts. Important things first.

I finally had the energy to go make pots; turned up heat and need to get back over there. Not much of value as the low energy level has had be baffled. Finally ingested some choc bits and-- Voila! So off I go to see what I can accomplish before energy fails..

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 09:42 AM

Our paid PA helper brought his own vac last time; seemed very lightweight. Question is do I really need one of my own there and/or how often to pay for him to use his own. Not my sole decision-- PA budget is shared budget. NOT A PROBLEM I PRESENTLY NEED HELP SOLVING, nuff said please. I am very good about asking for help I actually need.

OH:

Rec day with Leslie. Doggy walk/scooter this AM. Light lunch with friend Ruby at Olive Garden. Aftn nap for me, doggy playtime for Leslie. Evening plan: cheese grits, salad, hog wings... and conversation.

Projected 3000 step day.

Leslie departing Thurs AM. Son and DIL arriving Thurs bedtime to finish out my stay here. Lvg for PA a week from ydy.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 10:20 AM

Last year I switched to a bagless vacuum, which means I use it more often. Bags aren't particularly expensive, but they are tedious to change. And this one (a Shark) is lightweight and fits into more places than the old Hoover.

The house smells wonderful after making bread last night and this evening I'll roast a chicken to use for meals during the week. The A/C is still on (so not running at all right now) but the quality of light and the length of the days are telling my brain that cooking season is just around the corner.

Digging eBay items out of the closets and from areas where they got stashed during the summer. And it is approaching beading season. I miss the conversations I used to have with Katlaughing about beaded projects, materials, and findings. She was a wealth of information on those art projects.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 05:11 AM

mg, of course I'm thinking THAT. It's the $ end I need to work out, thanks, vs the obvious boon to my activity level doing it myself would be. In PA. HERE is not an issue.... I'm leaving in a week. Smh.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 09:41 PM

Mill:
As it nears bedtime: R never made it. Maybe tomorrow. I have had a quiet do almost nothing day. No energy. Visit at resto with G. Good conversation anyway. I ate broccoli with salsa and grated cheese - at home. Green tea. Lettuce with salsa and grated cheese. two small choc muffins. Coughing constantly. Checked for foods that help, foods that hurt - cheese, choc, dairy, wheat. But gee whiz.... Try harder tomorrow. Print out list in large print, maybe.

Paid a couple bills on line and phoned to validate new credit card. Maybe tomorrow I can copy stuff for citizenship. Been on FB for hours but too tired for anything else; shared some good stuff, read some good stuff. Tribute to our friend, at the Yellow Door last night. Now I shall open the bed and read 'til sleep arrives. She says, hopefully.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: mg
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 06:13 PM

what if you got one of the kids to vacuum....in exchange for tutoring, help with college applications or whatever.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 04:14 PM

OK. .. vacuuming done, small rugs shaken out. I'm at 2500 very sore steps but in schedule.

The NKC gave themselves a new business name today; it was a short and easy, fun project. There are 4 total; today it was the core pair plus a third 6th-grader. After the garage work they piled into the LR and found the mini-toys all the adult visitor have missed (perched on top of picture frames). Played with these on the floor while we conducted a meeting so I could make them a flyer. "Oh yeah we could use at least ten of those!" Name? AWESOME SQUAD, how cool is that! We discussed also that they'd keep an eye on the bulbs and rest of the garden.... would have done it as a free neighborly thing but oh no, I assured them, you get paid for that. I want pictures? No problem. We discussed all the services their flyer should offer. "Housecleaning?" "NO HOARDERS!" That TV program plus one old neighborhood lady have them totally terrified. "No," I said, "I'll put 'light housecleaning. You're free to take a job or decline it. This is just to get people calling you." "We can go look at a place first, and say no thanks?" Babies. I can teach them polite ways to say no thanks.

So I just have the dusting left to do. That vacuum HURTS to run! Ought be a powerchair that sucks up dirt.

My back will never get better. Lot to think about.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 12:52 PM

Mill:
Last post lost in loss of signal. I am quickly using computer when the signal comes through - sporadic! Rather like my energy level. De-cluttered emails and attended to remainder in one of the on times. Still trying to find energy to pot so Broccoli is cooking and green tea steeping. A one to two hour coughing spell in the night left me bereft of energy this am. Need to look harder at the why - when signal is on! In the meantime, took a homeopathic pill as have not done so in quite a while.

Congrats on weight loss !

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 12:21 PM

Down 2.6 pounds this week! Hooray!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 11:51 AM

OH:

Whew! LR/K now picked up, vac ready, throws distributed.... back BR decluttered (guest chair), all NKC project materials out on front step headed twds garage, spare jackets gathere'd (she's traveling light).... and I'm at 1500 steps (not the usual 1000 step morning).

Nice man campaigning took as many CC flyers for February as he left for candidates. Promises used campaign signage dropped off at my mailbox, Yay, for future CC yard signage. Gay man calling me honey-- hopefully another new local friend.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 10:39 AM

OH note to self:

AlwaysALWAYSalways do back vac first!!!

Because that pretty-pretty rug in the back BR is a bitch unless vac'ed backing up or sideways-- never towards the closet-- and the vac job around the dryer fluff, doorway hazards, etc to the L into the LR is actually one mf of a job best NOT done tired. (And so worth it!)

The LR once picked up is a snap (chair covers washing). The K is another pesky-thing zone. These two halves of the total vac job are still painful to my back-- no wonder I avoid them!

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 09:25 AM

OH:

Topped out at 3000 steps ydy, after picking up dog poop.

Neighbor Portia and I went a couple of county lines out yesterday, to lunch with a friend, where I was delighted surprised by new GF options and counter knowledge at Panera. Newbie's crate was great sideways, and she tolerated the longish drive very well.

We stopped at one point, using FB to coordinate, to drop a birthday CD off to a new friend hereabouts. Nice parking lot chat about her hopes to relocate to OR (drat!). Nice talk about music therapy (her work) and long range CC plans.

During the drive, i decluttered so e relationship issues with happy result. Once home, Portia's hubby was kind enough to reinforce the dog corner with his superior tools. He went too fast for my superior plan-- I can disassemble, add a brace, reassemble. Newbie liked her new quarters.

Bob also eyeballed a few items about the house's idiosyncrasies-- their home started with an identical (prefab) floor plan. Their numerous reno's mean that Bob knows what's inside our walls. The net result confirmed my plan to move a closet wall to fit a particular cabinet next to the stackable washer/dryer; that hutch offers HUGE, tall and beautiful storage but is 1" too wide for the opening. I had hoped I'd figured out how to get that inch very easily-- Bob agrees. One more thing off my worry list-- that hutch MUST go there. My sister built it. It will become a built-in. Great getting to know Bob better.

Today the NKC get an easy, short project unpacking garden chatchkes. There's time to vac the back bedroom before, and the LR/K after. Kitchen/bath cleaning done except tub vinegar tonight. That leaves a quick swiffering for tmrw AM, and picking up Leslie!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Oct 15 - 10:48 PM

Pouring rain here for a couple of more days so it looks like I'll turn my hand to indoor pursuits. One of them will be making pickled okra (so I'll be out picking with an umbrella if necessary).

I have some computer software to fiddle with and a new content management system to learn to help a friend with his new web site. And some hand work on a comforter. The thing that will make a difference for the holidays (coming fast) is to get some diverse listings up on eBay. There is plenty to keep me busy, and the eBay items are definitely declutter.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Oct 15 - 09:53 PM

Mill:

A good morning getting ready. Realized R was coming so cleared out the frig of food needing to be et and brought it along. Stopped to look for my friends who had moved but still cannot recognize what Ruth described. I knew I was on the right road. AHA! I went to the nice garage I have been patronizing and asked if they knew. Yep! Gave me an address but no one home. Darn! I did not have the nerve to ask for the phone number; I would not want my number given to just anyone...

Stopped to visit Geri and we went to lunch. Finally got to the mill and sat in the nice warm sun room reading while waiting for the studio to warm; started falling asleep and went to lie down on sofa and then it was almost 6 pm. I really did not feel up to anything; Turned the heat back down in the studio and covered the drying pots with a wet towel and plastic.

Computer signal is sporadic. R still not here. Wanted popcorn so went to grocery. No popcorn fit to eat (chemicals), bought some veggies and came back and cooked some egg noodles and had it with spaghetti sauce and grated emmental - comfort food. I feel comforted.

Now it is too late for me to start work. But I did drop off a little at the thrift shop and put another pile in the car for tomorrow, the living space is fairly sorted, I warmed water and washed hair. Now, phone R and computer and read until he arrives or go to bed if he is stuck in city.

Subject: Comparatice Space: Mansfield, PA vs Camp Ridgebury
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Oct 15 - 11:26 AM

As I have written before, for some time now my instincts have been telling me that I have actually been occupying and trying to maintain a 3-family home in PA-- because it did, at one time, serve as a 3-family dwelling.

This week I did the math, after finding an old Zillow-type, buried 2004 listing of the property's particulars. At that point, the landlord's family must have restructured who owns what on the total farm acreage-- with one house for each son. (I'm pretty sure which of the 4 sons got 'our' house; my favorite! He's just finishing medical school; his uncle had managed that house, in the past, also from his own medical career downstate.)

The MudDorm would constitute a 6th bedroom if the stairway were re-positioned to make a legal bedroom (Like it had before the fire.) With it, the home's total living space is 4,144 square feet. That dorm sits over what would be either the 5th bedroom in a 1-fam dwelling, or the 3-fam configuration's 3rd living room (if the bath in that section got finished being plumbed in).

OK, so that's the PA rental.

Camp Ridgebury, Ohio is 1008 square feet, with an additional 576 possible with garage being finished and connected via a very tight planned breezeway, for a total of 1590 square feet. This creates a music/weight room with garden tool storage in the garage. (Adjoining the garage there is also room for a weathertight scooter/garden shed.

At present CR is furnished mostly from the MudDorm's former contents (I swapped in the better double bed we had in the main house that Dick and Susan used to use during their visits, til they retired to a senior housing complex and reduced their travel range somewhat. I used it for surgery recovery myself. Due to the bad bathroom adjoining I was never able to rent that room. Now I don't care to; the income it could have generated is now covered by SS.)

Its current purpose is to serve as a comfortable work camp, home for the Liberation Library I draw upon when I am in town here to do that work, and host to music events and neighborhood fellowship.

It is at least twice the size of the trailer we had thought would be our retirement dwelling, thanks to Mom's legacy and low real estate values/interest rates at the tine she passed.

The pop-up camper I'd have happily lived in, on a more rural property in the area as long as we were able, was about 200 square feet of indoor space plus another 160 square feet of screened/canopied space-- the equivalent of a large, 360 square foot Tiny House.

We spent entire summers in the MudDorm, which was 256 square feet (plus using the house shower), until we realized that the main house wiring was OK for AC.

~S~

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 23 Oct 15 - 09:58 AM

I frequently buy cleaning products at the Dollar General, but have found the store knockoff brands don't do much on the buildup in the shower. The name brands have more of whatever. Right now I'm using an Arm and Hammer soap scum with Oxy product - "no scrub" around here means "less" scrubbing. I spray it on the dry wall, getting as much light coverage so it won't automatically run off, then leave for a few minutes. I'll spray again to moisten it, then use one of those white or green non-abrasion pan scrubbers (Scotch makes some, and there are knockoff varieties). The last time I did the big scrub I determined I'd try to avoid it again, so I have an old towel hanging on the rack near the shower and when I turn off the water I immediately give the entire three walls where they are wet a once over. Big swooping motions, it doesn't take more than 30 seconds. The towel dries until the next shower. This seems to be working. I also pull up the mat and drop it in a heap on the tub floor, not letting it sit there and mildew in place. I do still have to scrub the tub, and I use BonAmi to avoid scratching the tub surface.

When we lived in Kentucky where the water runs red after a rain storm I discovered LimeAway. That works on sinks and such. The dry crystal cleaners like SaniFlush worked to keep the loo from turning a permanent dark red. Your mileage may vary, according to the minerals in your water. I was considering a move to New Mexico and learned that most of the homes there have a whole-house water softening system put in to deal with the strong mineral taste in the water and the buildup on sinks and such. There is something about adding salt to the tank periodically, but the water isn't actually salty? I never figured out the chemistry of how those worked.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Oct 15 - 09:06 AM

I'm pretty suRe The Works is a powerful (toxic), finish-eater as well.

OH:

Crate loaded early (dark!!!)... for a road trip this aftn. That led to sweeping dog closet with new janitorial dustpan on a handle-- $17 Lowe's treasure. That led to eyeballing the divider in there that keeps dogs from chewing the 110 and 220... plan in place to frame it in and still leave it removable for opposably-thumbed peeps. Yay!!! Had planned on 1 2x4 tmrw, now 2!

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Oct 15 - 09:42 PM

City:

Never went to the mill. Never did much of anything. Did watch TV most of aft - stuff I do not normally watch - mindless. Bed is half remade! Supper of soup and R is having left over salmon - 1/4 cup tamari, 1/4 t each of ginger and cinnamon. Good. Was supposed to have a t lemon juice but I had none.

I avoid bleach due to hypersensitivity to chlorine. The water softener idea - we are not supposed to ingest it so is it worth while? Some water is so bad the laundry does not come clean! That is worth some sort of system! I wonder what a full house distillation system might cost. I have had 3 dentists who had them for their entire offices drinking water. Beaver needs something to sort out the sediment. Not hard water, or maybe it is! But there is an amount of stuff that seems like what would be in river water with lots of organic material in it. I use it for washing dishes and body but not totally comfortable with it.

Interesting program on The Nature of Things re vitamins - to take or not. Inconclusive but informative.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST,LQF
Date: 22 Oct 15 - 04:37 PM

Bleach does nothing for the hard water stains we have. The Works does a great job on the toilet and I know they make one for the shower but it's so strong and I don't like the smell of it. Everything is plenty clean as far as being sanitary.....it's just that the light rust spots on the walls of the shower bug me. It's not all over the shower walls, just a few places.

Today's walk to the bus stop was dificult as the wind was blowing in my face. While I was waiting for the bus, a neighbor stopped by to talk. He divorced last year and has been a bit of a hermit, it was good to see him.

Also...just about the time I said we were down to one vehicle, two different friends offered me a vehicle....one car and one mini van! I will be getting the car on Saturday. M friend will be in Florida for a month so she won't needit and is insistent that I take it!! She knows how sick my nana is and wants me to be able to get to her if need be. I am overwhelmed at the kindness of them both. I did not ask either person to borrow a car....both offered freely. I am truly blessed with some amazing friends (and I don't mean just because of this....it's just one heck of a reminder!)

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Oct 15 - 12:14 PM

Barkeeper's Friend will get it-- long hard scrub job-- but remove the finish over time (abrasive plus bleach). CLR now comes in a spray, but is liquid and runs off making clean streaks. Hardi has been using something else while I've been in Ohio. I'll find out what it is. He also reports that new buildup is slowed by squeegeeing the walls dry each time.

It's important to remember that bleach sanitizes and whitens but does not actually remove anything adhered to the finish; a paid helper worked on ours recently, then Hardi did more. I'm hoping to do one last round, then use Armor-All to get a new finish, and then keep up with it using CLR..... I'm sure those vinyl surrounds, in rural PA's water, have a short life and that when we move, landlord will replace ours. The ultimate solution is water-softener/filter the minerals. Me, the darkening is not so important as long as it's disinfected often. In Ohio it's different minerals/colors, and when we're fulltime here (or sooner), we'll add a softener for sure.

OH:

Puttering around getting the floors cleared aND stuff stowed for vacuuming tonite/tmrw AM. I balanced my checkbook. I reclaimed a barrel that had held rock and packed it with items coming back to PA (to go in trailer). The huge dog bed Faulkner needs has been relegated to the back bedroom for a few days; its cover is in the wash. I added a removable cover to a cushion Newbie's been using. I brought in trash/recycling bins, moved some flars and took pix, had breakfast with zinc, played with dogs.... am at about 1000 steps on the day so far.

I'm finding that I can now incorporate the dogs' cycle of in/out/fud/boredom in my daily routine. I'm glad to have some practice time left, here.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Oct 15 - 12:02 PM

City:

Waiting for a load to finish in the washer as it seems to be unbalanced. I forgot to close the lid so it did not finish the cycle while I was computering... Then to the mill.

Brown water - Vinegar? baking soda? Those are all I use, that I can remember. We had a brown tub at the cabin and frequent attention worked best. At the mill, I only get a bucket full at a time. When the bucket is empty, I can wipe out the brown with a cloth - in the theory that at least the bucket has that much less the next time.

Amazon: I have a hate affair with anything that seems to be a monopoly! I cannot believe that Amazon is the only listing for these outlets. SO, I shall have to brave Amazon.ca. Anything that has to come across the border can be a problem. When my dil mailed me my printer in 09, they wanted almost $30 for it. I told them I could buy another printer for that; they gave me my printer! It is Russian roulette. I shall have to do this when my brain is feeling good. Right now, it is very up and down. I keep forgetting to validate the new credit card. No, I do not feel up to it right now.

Hannah and I consulted on food for the reception after service. I phoned a country caterer for amounts and H is calling caterers for prices. We would like to do it ourselves; her bro wants a caterer. I did all the food for R's father's. A week from today. I just took time out to find the obit and post on FB with my personal comment. I could write a book - but I did not.

Now I do not have the energy to go to the mill. It's a rainy day and the pots will not get too dry. I shall weep for a while, maybe watch TV. Get a movie from the library? Listen to some music? Eat chocolate...

The laundry is in the dryer.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Oct 15 - 10:56 AM

So...after having a miserable stomach bug for the last 4 days, I am finally feeling better! YAY!

I've been busy with household stuff....dishes, laundry, scrubbed the bathroom floor on my hands and knees (oh boy does she shine) and did some heavy scrubbing in the shower. We have hard water that leaves a rusty residue that has been difficult to manage. I know Susan has had issues with that at her place in PA...anyone have suggestions for something that actually works in the shower without fumes that make you want to throw up? I have found that Comet works but only if you wet the tub first, liberally sprinkle the powder and let it sit and then do some serious scrubbing. I do ok with the tub floor and sides of the tub but the shower walls are where I am having trouble. Thankfully, it's not as bad on the walls of the shower but still..EW. I'd like to get it OFF.

I've have been walking quite a bit more than usual as we are down to one vehicle at the moment. This means I have to walk to Jeremiah's bus stop to pick him up. It's not a long walk..maybe a half a mile on way but to get him, it's a half mile up the mountain. Whew. I can do it but I have to stop twice on the way up. I can do it in 8 minutes if I push it (found that out the day the truck wouldn't start for me to get him so I had to really book it to meet the bus on time) but I leave early, giving myself 20 minutes or so...that gets me to the top with about 10 minutes to sit in the sunshine (thank you Lord for the recent nice weather) and I either meditate/pray or read. It's very beautiful up there and quiet. I park myself either right at the bus stop or across the street at an old cemetery and wait. So...extra walking and a workout for my legs for sure! I don't mind as long as it's not raining or snowing. Hopefully the vehicle situation will be resolved soon so I will have something if the weather is bad. I might just continue walking to meet the bus as I enjoy walking home with my little man. I am curious just how much walking I am doing and may invest in a pedometer sometime soon. I used to have one......no idea where it went.

Today both sides of the sink were full of dishes, some on the counter...not to mention the pots on the stove....they are now all clean except for the soup pot that is soaking. I have one load of laundry ready to come out of the dryer, one to go in and am headed to Jeremiah's room to vacuum, dust and do some general picking up. If energy allows, I am going to decorate his room for Halloween...a nice surprise for when he gets home from school...nothing scary...some purple lights, window clings, some friendly looking bats and 2 silly 3 foot paper creatures to hang on the wall. :)

Have a great day everyone!

Michelle

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Oct 15 - 11:09 PM

Dorothy, you should be able to order those from the US Amazon if you don't seem them on the Canadian Amazon, and if it doesn't work, let me know and I'll order them and send them to you.

Baking filet of salmon: Oven at 325^o, a few pats of butter on the flesh, a light sprinkle of garlic powder, a grind of pepper, and put it in for about 30 minutes. One of nature's perfect foods.

Rain finally in the forecast for the next three days. I've turned off my sprinkler system (it only waters the veggie garden, not the rest of the very large yard). I'm picking okra every day now and eggplant every couple of days, as with cucumbers. There will be some produce activity for a while, even if it hasn't been a spectacular year. Once it cools off and does start to rain more I turn to the indoor activities.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Oct 15 - 09:49 PM

City:

"I remember your talking about sending in citizenship papers a while ago. I hope you have a file so you don't need to reproduce the work to send it again?" WHO, ME!???? If I do, I have no idea where I put it. It is over a year since the last time.

Outlets are just what I am looking for!! Thank you. Now to find in Canada.

Delivered 5 pigeons, bought two frozen choc mousse cakes, went to mill, had lunch. Trying to convince myself that I could get some pottery done, I said to self, "Just one hour..." So, having warmed up studio, I prepared some clay and kept myself going until I had used the 19 small balls - about 1.5 hours. YAY! Sorted out some soup plates and little plates to take to Beaver; this does not diminish the overall number but will help me not feel like buying more! It is so easy with all those thrift shops. Also found some fabric for Christmas show display - just white as red or green would clash with my glazes. Then back to city.

Baked a filet of salmon after consulting google for a recipe - simple and yummy. Watched Big Bang. R came home hungry. I grated some little potatoes and (oops!) stir fried them with some snap peas. Nice meal but he still had ice cream. Watched Dragon's Den. Now I am here and he is reading about mining and geology. Still no sign of a trip to Montana.

Dishes were done but, of course, now there are a few more. In the am.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Oct 15 - 06:38 PM

Thermocube may solve a big one for us in PA, thanks!

OH:

Lots of puttering today. The only achievement worth noting was putting a 10' (yes really) USB charging cord in the one area of this house that lacked full fone function. The outlet is nowhere near the chair but a 3-tap WAS. Rather than daisy-chain off that, I used a cord I'd bought 'just because' and once again confirmed that Bob IS my uncle!

Prep for houseguest (Arr Sunday) continues amid AR administration stuff.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Oct 15 - 10:29 PM

I have a couple of those. One seems to be discontinued but it looks like Amazon still has a few for sale.

I also had one of these, but it seemed to have gotten a little hot and had a brown melted spot, so I tossed it. I'll probably get another because it did work well. Cold Weather Thermo Cube.

(Interesting - I just found an opposite one - that turns on in hot weather and turns off when the AC cools to a certain point - Warm Weather Thermo Cube.)

I remember your talking about sending in citizenship papers a while ago. I hope you have a file so you don't need to reproduce the work to send it again?

It sounds like a time for memories and stories. Autumn seems like a time for that anyway, so perhaps you're feeling this loss all the more because of the season. I wish you well, and hope your stories are able to help others.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Oct 15 - 03:25 PM

City:

"I have a special thermostatic electric plug cube that turns on when the temperature reaches a low of about 39 and turns off again when it reaches nearly 50." I NEED something like this! Please! What is it??

The city: I am here when not at the mill or Beaver. It is R's primary abode. I am here now, waiting for the memorial service on 29th, then I will go back to Beaver. I also drive to the mill when I hope to have the energy to pot as that is where the studio is. From Montreal, it is 5 hours to Beaver/Bancroft and a bit over an hour to the Mill. At Beaver, I am at home and have friends; at the mill I have a couple friends; in the city, only this special family as everyone else from the YD community has moved elsewhere.

I came down from Beaver to be supportive of family of my friend. Phoned dghtr this am and she is in midst of writing obit; will email it to me for my input. Told her of phone call from friend this am. Jonathan just got home from England. It was he who connected me with the Yellow Door in 1968. I met him at Quaker mtng when I first arrived in Quebec; he found me a temp place to stay and a job - at the Door!   A nice Jewish boy, about 18, in the seeking mode had stumbled onto the Door/SCM in McGill and Roger. "I would not be the rabbi I am today if it were not for Roger." Roger, an Anglican priest, has been his role model as a rabbi. I passed this on to Hannah; Jon will be calling her. He is one of my very top fav people.

I just emailed her to ask if they might have a book at the service for people to write in, or bring pre-written thoughts to place into a book.

Talking with Jonathan threw me back into heavy sorrow. I was about to leave for the mill when he phoned. Now, I shall go get my tires changed (summer to winter) about 1 pm and have arranged to pick up pigeons from the SPCA to take down to a rehabber near the mill tomorrow. Right now, I am wrecked.

The drape got hung. The temp went up outside and inside, thankfully. I spent most of eve computering until after 9 when the polls closed out west and we watched the election until it was clear who won. Then we could go to bed in a more hopeful, to us, Canada. A great relief.

Need to look for more documentation for citizenship application. I have lived here since 1967 except for the 20 years I was back in the USA. Only the period from Aug 2008 to Aug 2012 has any validity to the bureaucracy. I am sure I already sent them this lot once.... Very stressful.

Subject: Carpentering
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Oct 15 - 02:28 PM

My late Mom must be cackling in delight at my little Carpenter project (her maiden name) just completed. I jerry-rigged a couple of chunks of pine already the right size... to pass as a tiny nightstand where I only have 4" of space beside the guest bed. It's now on its way to the garage, to be painted with the Neighborhood Kid Crew Saturday-- for my HS bestie's Sunday arrival.

At Carpenter Camp, cabin-guests were expected to pick up a saw and a chunk of wood if something needed a fix....and half the cost of this eventual-retirement house was paid via Mom's legacy. So I like to think she's somewhere watching her middle daughter get more like her, the grayer my hair gets!

Mom was very creative with her own little projects, and would always be as tickled with herself as I am right now... (Example: the large funnel attached to a chunk of garden hose, by the fridge, with the hose going to another funnel in the basement, where she insisted on doing ALL the laundry? "Hey, MOM?")

We kids came to call this kind of Mom's projects a 'make-do.' Our judgmental opinions would weigh whether a particular fix counted as either a 'good effort' (aka Fail), a 'fabrication' (useful, unique, clever), or an entry in the 'Make Do Hall of Shame.' I think we'd agree this one is in the middle category. (It is at least NOT a clear winner for 2015.)

A wide board at the base slips into a narrow, open section of the bed frame to prevent racking. The top is actually right at the custom bed's unique bedside height.

I have no idea which essential(s) Leslie HAS to have there, but that's her call, and I can show her to the tool dept., if she wants to improve it with a hook under the top!

~S~

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 20 Oct 15 - 10:21 AM

I need to uninstall and reinstall a new program (on a 30-day trial - it tried to take over file types I don't want to give it). I didn't let it take over so WinPatrol is zapping it.

Time to see about leveling the greenhouse structure (a PVC pre-fab construction) before the rains come. And see about using it AS a greenhouse again this year. If I do get this in shape I foresee some decluttering in the house as a few plants make the move outside. Which will work as long as I remember to go water everything regularly! I have a special thermostatic electric plug cube that turns on when the temperature reaches a low of about 39 and turns off again when it reaches nearly 50. An oil heater is plugged into it for the season. Once leveled I'll also clean out the greenhouse and probably recycle some of the extra stuff I'll never get around to using (old plastic pop bottle cases that also hold four-inch pots, a lot of those extra four-inch pots, etc.)

There are a couple of parcels here waiting to be mailed, perhaps by the end of the week.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Oct 15 - 10:05 PM

Darn. I zapped my own message.

I think the 3 vs 4 lobes on the bell peppers is a myth. I never use dryer sheets for anything, and I fry a lot of meats. Beef, pork, chicken, plus things like sausage (with mixed contents). Julia Child made tender omelets by adding about 1 teaspoon of water per omelet (I think she usually used 2 eggs per).

Dorothy, I thought the new Beaver house was because you were leaving the mill location? Is that still the case? And how much time do you spend in town at the big old house (Montreal?).

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Oct 15 - 07:10 PM

Stay warm, DP!!!

OH:

Found out where to get property/line info.

Found out son is coming the last 2 days of this trip. OMG that solves a couple of huge problems. I'll leave the day after he leaves.

Today I used the scooter to put away two heavy chairs from the front yard, leaving only the few lightweight ones in the patio which I'll use when he comes. Then we can put them away too.

I also took a scooterful of things out there that didn't really need to be in the house. I like how I have that garage so well organized. A heavy piece to make it even better can move Sat with the NKC.

I scored $50 worth of garden chatchkes yesterday at Goodwill, concluding that I must be planning a lot of garden. My plan is to unpack them all Sat with the NKC (onto the heavy shelf they can move), and ask each kid (and my houseguest, son, and DIL) to choose one, each, to place in the garden.

Friend Portia and I will place the beautiful 12" stone angel, at the foot of the daffodil garden to balance the wishing well at the head. I have a nice stand she can perch on/in-- it unfolds into a black, iron, oval cage with a center plate to hold a plant or whatever.

~Susan

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Oct 15 - 04:33 PM

City:

Those household tips are fascinating to me. Some I will save - getting rid of this or that bugs! Dryer sheets are toxic - to me! Amazed that people still fry hamburger; I understood frying anything is on the do not do list. I admit to still doing bacon on rare occasions but usually broil, usually in toaster oven. Ah, well!

We finished the bread pudding and it was so yummy, I am wondering which bread to sacrifice for a new, not so large, batch.

I managed to get R to bring me a bucket of hot water, at the mill last night, so I could do the pile of dishes. YAY! He worked until 10:30 last night and the machine is clear enough to be moved when he has a helper. The whole huge area - maybe 50 by 100 feet or more - is organized, with a huge clear area, all swept! I insisted he go wash while I made him a late snack. (we had chicken dinner for lunch) He has "Pig Pen" beat all to hollow!

Left mill this am after a nice BF and the dishes washed. Came back to 48F house. Went to the library to get warm but was falling asleep so took out 3 books and came back to 52F house. Went to bed for a while.

Got up and noted that I need to DO Something about the situation. Went upstairs to look for a fabric for the laundry room doorway - no point in heating that area. Took down an elegant tablecloth that I was using for an elegant drape and brought it down to wash. Watered plants and I think I turned on the heat up there. Too bad there is no decent heat down here. And not enough outlets capable of carrying a cube heater without tripping a breaker. SO wishing I were at Beaver with the wood stove!!!

Finally mended that quilt and put it on bed. NEED it! Have dealt with emails. Go put that drape in dryer...

Subject: Household tips
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Oct 15 - 11:01 AM

Household tips going around Facebook:

1. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

2. Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

3. Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

4. Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

5. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

6. For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

7. Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

8. Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

9. Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

10. Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

11. Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

12. Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

13. Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.

14. Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

15. No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

16. Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

17. Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

18. Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... guess what! ... static is gone.

19. Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out. (Or spray the measuring cup or spoon with Pam before using)

20. Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

21. Re-opening envelopes
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

22. Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

23. Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

24. Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

25. Dryer Filter
Even if you are very diligent about cleaning the lint filter in your dryer it still may be causing you a problem. If you use dryer sheets a waxy build up could be accumulating on the filter causing your dryer to over heat. The solution to this is to clean your filter with with a toothbrush and hot soapy water every 6 months.

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Oct 15 - 09:13 AM

Yes I know. I got right on it.

I finally figured out how to transfer a satellite view of our property to tracing paper, to sketch gardening plans. It occurs to me though that when the subdivision was planned, some gummint office must have had the original, pre-development equivalent. Which city or county office do I start with? (Hearing issues complicate just phoning thru the bureaucracies to know where to walk in to request a copy.)

~Susan