Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016

Subject: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST, Don Aslett's Acolyte
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 12:47 PM

The Oct-Dec 2015 thread

Here we are at the beginning of a new year with new lists of things to do and plenty of old lists needing tweaking. I'll provide no summing up of the last year because it is really only yesterday or last week or last month - all positions from which we looked forward. And still do.

Onward!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 02:05 PM

Starting the year with some reading:

From Quartz

I'll admit it: "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" actually changed my life (A breakup story that led to clearing out and decluttering.)

From Don Aslett

Clutter's Last Stand (My favorite text on the subject - he has several titles you might find useful.)

And in case you wondered, there is an OCD aspect that takes things too far.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 07:13 PM

Shopping ahead of this holiday isn't too difficult; last minute shoppers are mostly out getting booze, the grocery and craft stores were quite civilized.

This week I set about hanging some framed art, and matting some art that needing hanging. I'll have to find a new source of large sheets of mat boards, Michaels now keeps the large ones in back for themselves and out front only sells the smaller, thinner sheets in a few colors. Pulling frames (purchased at garage and estate sales for pennies on the dollar) out of one of my hall linen cupboard cabinets means I'll now have room to store something else (but who know what that might be?) in that spot. I have enough wall space for most of what I want to hang, though with the wood panelling in the den, I need to suspend wires from the picture rail (it is easier in some ways, but I need a ladder to reach the rail). This is one of those houses that from the outside is one simple story, but inside looks bigger and has a higher ceiling than one might expect. Not quite a Tardis, though.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 15 - 07:56 PM

Michelle had a great post at the end of the last thread, and I didn't want to move it out of place but I think it is a great message to post early in this thread:

Today I had my port flushed and I was a bit worried as I am about 3 weeks past when it should have been done. Welcome to the joy of a one car family. Initially it wouldn't flush and I have to say I am amazed at how fast panic sits up and roars in my chest....thankfully, the nurse had the needle in at the wrong angle and it was easily fixed. Good flush and great blood return.

When I got home, I found a post on FB from a friend who took herself to the ER on Dec. 14th, 15th and on the 16th she went and had a stroke followed by a heart attack, a life flight, catherization, stent, ventilator and a 10+ day stay in the hospital. They had to use the paddles on her 6 different times. She is 3 years younger than I am and it was a reminder to me how blessed I am and how fragile life is. She and her husband recently divorced so she has been living on her own and now must sell her house and move in with her mother as she has only 30 percent of her heart working and has to wear a cardiac vest for the next 6 months. The vest will detect any events that would need to have a shock to get the heart back in rhythm. She has to get rid of her beloved dogs too. My heart is very heavy for her and after she has a few days to get settled in, I will be going to visit.

So...this situation with my friend has made me look around at the things I have been unhappy with and have decided to make a list (which is now already made) and get on with taking care of the many things that make me crazy around here. I don't want to take care of them but by not taking care of things, I am prolonging my own crankiness about it which isn't good for anyone.

I am the one who runs in the budget in the house and this month we are taking part in a No Spend Challenge. The only money going out will be for bills, medications, medical co-pays, animal feed and a set amount for groceries. Nothing else. It's not like we spend extra on much of anything....except for this last month with all the holiday activities. I am interested to see how we do. :)

I just spent maybe 15 minutes going through a box of paperwork...a very LARGE box where we have been piling mail and got through about a third of it. It still needs to be sub-divided and put into the proper folders but at least the initial sorting has begun and copious amounts of junk mail and old newspapers have been tended to.

We will be celebrating Christmas with my MIL and FIL tomorrow and the following day all Christmas decorations are being packed up with love and tucked away until next year.

Goodnight All,

Michelle

I looked for "No Spend Challenge" and found a lot of articles from earlier in the year. I found a blog about saving a whole lot over about 15 months (not just one month - she feels the longer you can go, the better).

This guy thought a month was probably too short and had some observations about future attempts.

Here are some tips for managing a 30 day no spending challenge.

I think this is an interesting idea, and today I did shop, but only for the thing that were already on my shopping list. I'll read through some of these tips and see if I can make it through as they suggest. As a gardener, my freezer and pantry shelves are loaded with last summer and fall's produce. That's a great starting place. Some eggs, flour, milk, and the rest in the freezer and let's see what happens.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Jan 16 - 12:04 AM

Today was busy...the tree is down, a few things were crossed off the To Do list, I made homemade beef vegetable soup and a large pot of ham and bean soup which will be split up and put in the freezer tomorrow.

About the No Spend Challenge.....yes, I'm sure it is MUCH more beneficial the longer you can do it. For us, it's new and we'll take it one month at a time. :) It's not just about money, it's about using what you have on hand, especially with groceries. I'm not looking at it so much as deprivation but really, as a challenge. :)

I'm off to make up our bed.....fresh polar fleece sheets from the dryer....YUM....SO snuggly!!!

XOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 16 - 03:27 PM

There are a number of leftover items that are being combined into a small pot of beans for lunches next week. Papers accumulated from last year (saved monthly - receipts, bills, statements, etc) are put away and the new year's file set up. Some of my previously identifiable stacks of paper were shuffled over the holidays and now I'm sorting, filing, or shredding what I come across.

After several years of sorting, puttering, buying and selling, I can look around and see a lot more open space through out most of the house. I started with a glut of stuff that came from family estates and have donated and sold a lot of it. After the kids moved out for college I similarly down-sized stuff they aren't using and have said I can dispose of.

Every year we have newcomers to the threads who report their personal progress. Often they were lurking, keeping track of tips and progress in these threads for personal inspiration. On occasion, they took the job on in one big move and completed it in short time. I'm hoping we'll have the same kind of reports this year.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Jan 16 - 04:19 PM

We took the Christmas tree down and are really liking the open space it gives in the living room so it is going to stay that way. I am beginning a new yoga program on Monday and this gives me a lovely open space to stretch and do my yoga. :)

I made ham and bean soup last night but didn't have any until just now. YUM. It's snowing here...and sticking....for the first time this season and I think homemade soup on a day like today is absolutely perfect (with grilled cheese, of course).

I'm down 2.8 pounds this week. That means I was able to take off almost 18 pounds in the trifecta of food holidays and I am most happy with myself! :)

Michelle :)

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Jan 16 - 10:44 PM

Beaver:
First time I have had a signal in about 3 days!

It is not in my nature to be less than kind to the voles, mice, etc. Speaking with a friend yesterday, she said, "They are tame" and told me of a vole who would sit next to her as she, an artist, painted. I am not, however, trying to encourage them and hope that when R finishes the bathroom they will be excluded. My reasoning behind giving them seeds was to get them to go down under the house so they are not inside when the holes are closed.

Amazingly, I just asked R to put down under the stash I found in a box. He insists that, as there are no teeth marks on the choc covered almonds, a human must have put them in that box full of totally non-food stuffs. This is an Alice in wonderland moment! He flatly refuses to put them under the floor, says they are good to eat! I shall have to sneakily disappear them. I may not be mean to voles but I am not eating after them!

A week down and I have a drain back in the K sink. R had to take up part of the floor in the utility room because it was really wonky. Found broken, but not rotten, underpinnings, another day's work. Some of the new water lines are in place. He thought the whole job would take a day or two!

I bring in stove wood and make good meals, And look forward to the house being clear of the chaos of on-going work - and, of course, running water, she says hopefully. I find it hard to think about anything serious in the midst of this mess.

But now that I have a signal, maybe I can manage a couple things.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Jan 16 - 10:46 PM

Beaver:

The vole was out from under the stove briefly today. I have received no assurance that it cannot get in through the hole for the propane line. The utility room seems to be closed tightly now - almost? Google did say they only live 3-6 months. Great! Then I may have a dead vole in the house. OR, it may go back outside if we get warm weather?

R is assuring me he will finish the water before he leaves; he expects to leave for Montreal tomorrow. I assured him it would be OK to only have cold water again and forget installing the washing machine. We'll see. I can continue to use it in the K. It was not the water pressure that made it take so long to fill; the water was not totally turned on under the sink.

There may be a very fine line between "thorough" or "perfectionist", and OCD. He is clearly enjoying the process in spite of pressure to get back to the city.

Meanwhile, I cook meals, delete emails and write a few, do internet, read, and brought in lots of wood today. The temperature is dropping like a rock; expecting -20C tonight. It is already down to 11F/-11C and I can feel it coming through the walls. Keeping the fire hot without overheating the chimney has me bouncing up and down. Finally got it through my thick skull that the stove door needs a new gasket but I will need a warm spell to let the stove go out so I can replace that.

I vacuumed this morning because it was unbearable; it is now unbearable again - sawdust everywhere and I am wearing protective mask most of the day. And the air cleaner running.

Actually saw a bit of blue sky before the sun set!!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 16 - 11:57 PM

Home Depot sells a couple of types of foam insulation, one for regular spaces, and one for around windows. The Windows one is meant to fill a space and not exert pressure to break a pane of glass. I think the window stuff is pink (foam). I would suggest getting some of that and filling the holes (around the propane line) so that the line isn't squashed. But enough to keep voles out.

Back to the salt mines tomorrow. The break has been nice - I did a lot, but not as much as I hoped. As is ever the case.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Jan 16 - 08:01 PM

Beaver:
We have all types of insulation right here! I have found plain white duct tape to be very useful as well for excluding small bodies. Vole seems a bit confused tonight. He came out from under the stove, wandered around the LR, went into the bathroom and utility room; the floor holes are well closed so he went looking elsewhere. Though, he might have been a bit confussled by R trying to herd him.

Plumbing not quite done. R made my day by informing he is too tired - at 7:30 pm for the 5 hour trip! I was truly concerned he would insist on setting out. Cold water is functional! He just now moved the water heater back into it's place...

Brought in quite a bit more wood for another cold night. Thinking I need to have more space in the house for wood in case of a number of cold and snowy days. Or days when I just do not feel like doing wood. I still have the wood just outside the door for when things get really hairy.

So, car needs attention; using the booster pack each time to start it; made appointment for tomorrow to et it looked at; bought R four warm hats at thrift shop, and that was my day - internet, emails, meals as per usual.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Jan 16 - 06:27 PM

Beaver:
As of 11 pm last night! we have functional hot and cold running water! And what a beautiful installation! R left at 2:3o pm today, after a lunch and clearing away of some lumber. I started clearing the tools and other stuffs left from the long job. Shop vacced the bathroom and LR, put some stuff into the lots of space in the utility room - well lots more than there was. It is a very small space and once the washing machine is in there, there will be little storage. Just room for 2 or 3 shelves on one wall. That, and the two beautiful, mostly glass doors for between LR and BR will wait the next trio. Very minor tasks compared to the incredible time the plumbing took - mostly thinking about the best way forward. It is done so it can be easily heated when we are not here.

R left with a large storage bin to take to the city - mainly a nice quilt for the bed there, which he has been needing. Left a nice clear space here! Today I got him, at the thrift, two good long sleeve shirts - a heavy flannel which he had on to leave. And a pair of good sweat pants for me for this cold weather.

What a joy to turn on the faucet and have water come out - hot water even! oops! There goes my electric bill!!! I forgot to ask what temp he set it to. Lower is good. But it does help heat the room. We may want to turn it off for periods in the summer.

Tomorrow is meant to be a bit warmer (19F right now) so I can move some of the tools back into the kiln room, finish smartening up the LR, bring in lots of wood, and do laundry, go to library, to Canadian Tire for shower rods - for tub and for the doorway to utility room and to K. Closing off the K - with a large, heavy, elegant piece of upholstery fabric will keep more of the heat in the LR/BR at night - it was 45F this am; minus 6F outside! For the utility room, a light piece of cotton just for pretty. I like the idea of spring loaded rods - easy to put in and take out. I'll see what is in my fabric trunk - the one that is here (several still at the mill).

Car did not start this am until R adjusted the clips on the booster pack; he cleaned the terminals this aft; thinks that was the problem. I'll see what it does tomorrow. May need new battery but the little "open door" light does not go out no matter how many times I close each door and wiggle the little buttons that are supposed to make the light go out. If it not behaving, I shall take it to Pete's. Rather glad to have the "holidays" over and life back to normal.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 16 - 08:50 PM

Dorothy, I'm glad you have water, hot and cold!

I went to put some potatoes in the small refrigerator in the sun room and discovered ants had colonized both of the orchid plants that sit on top of it. Yuck. Spinosad to get some of them, and I mixed up some compost tea in water and added a little spinosad then soaked each plant. It doesn't seem to be killing all of the ants - there are tiny ones and some big ones in the mix. And where they come from - I'll have to find the path and spritz it with diatomaceous earth.

We finally have winter weather, cold days, frozen overnight. And frisky dogs in the house. Still working on some organizing projects like filing papers and re-packing the contents of the closet where the holiday decorations are stored. And not leaving anything chewable down where someone might chomp on it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST,Eluned
Date: 06 Jan 16 - 02:07 AM

I love that book! Will recommend it to folks who are looking to de-clutter.
But, about the vole; why not live-trap it, seal the holes, then release it somewhere it might survive well, like near a barn or stables?

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Jan 16 - 05:37 PM

Beaver:
Hi Guest! Seal the holes? We are trying but this is a very poorly built house and our best efforts may never make it. Live trap? he speed at which it moves, I could put a yogurt container over it, however, have been leaving it until there is hope the holes are sealed. I suspect it would survive quite well, and has been, UNDER the house. Have not seen it since Monday so hoping it is excluded. If not, we shall have to co-habit until R puts another wall in the utility room. The vole is very civil in its habits; stays on the floor and does not get up on anything. We are rather fond of it and really want to be sure it does not get trapped indoors.

Rosy glow at the southern foot of the west hill tonight. So nice that it is not black out at 5 pm!! Nice to have a warmer, sunny day!

Car problem pursued: After boosting car this am, I went for groceries, leaving car running, then to CT and asked if WD 40 would hurt anything if I used it on those critical areas. So I bought a can and sprayed, and sprayed, and sprayed... Then to thrift warehouse and got a wonderful ceramic water holder - couple gallons! - with faucet!!! Then to Pete's; he wanted car over night so I continued to do errands, gathering needful things and a long conversation with a friend. Having gathered stuff for projects, I took car to Pete and he gave me a ride home.

Brought in wood, had lunch, deleted emails and now am gathering energy for other tasks. Too late to do laundry as I am not keen on it hanging over my bed at night but dishes and rods can be done and some re-organizing in K... maybe.

Need to re-think where the wood will be for next year. Hope to get a small one of those tent sort of things as it is becoming somewhat difficult for me to get under the tarp and out again - with over a foot of snow and ice on it in places. Placing something without blocking view of the hill for 8 months of the year!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Jan 16 - 11:40 AM

Beaver; art gallery:

vole not seen since R left! Hope he has re-homed.

Chilly morning and foggy but sort of clearing. Car problem not resolved and Pete picked me up and brought me to Gallery this am. In the wee hours, this am, I realized we were not on track - this is definitely electrical. Hope it gets solved today-Friday! I thought the computer would tell them!

Without both car and signal yesterday! 3 loads of laundry, washed, dried on line in BR and put away by bedtime. Washed hair and soaked feet in hot water, SO nice to have hot water. I used a bit for the laundry so it was not icy cold when done. Wood brought in. Remains of chicken cooked in crock pot - will make soup this eve. Tools, etc cleared from LR and Christmas stuff put in larger plastic bin and placed in kiln room for now. Too cold to be making pots right now. Shower curtain hung; Almost life sized wolves in the bathroom! For the utility room, almost life sized dolphins.

K re-arranged to accommodate wonderful new water jug. Need to do a major revision of how I use lower cabinets - not yet full, I realize I can put a recycling bin in one and possibly trash receptacle, then the floor would be clear! Also, the spare microwave can go in storage outside.

The cutlery I culled and sent to Montreal with R: He, after asking, picked out the set with black handles for his bro's b-day yesterday! Re-homed! R was glad to have the"new" quilt; the house was 2 degrees above freezing when he got home! The plants were ok!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 16 - 12:27 PM

HOORAY for hot and cold running water!!!!!!! That is such a HUGE thing that many of us take for granted! I have hot water in the kitchen ONLY. No cold. It isn't bad except when I am washing dishes and it goes from hot to scalding in a matter of minutes. I have to do the dishes in shifts so I don't burn my hands.

I have been buzzing around the last 2 days. I was in Ithaca on Wednesday and did some grocery shopping and Jeremiah and I hit Sally's because it was Family Day. That means that all clothes and shoes are half the normal price with the exception of one color of tags (they cycle clothes in so yesterday the white tagged items, the newest items on the rack, were excluded). I went in search of some winter friendly clothes for Jeremiah. He had some but not really enough because I had bagged up his winter clothes for storage in late summer and the bag was mistakenly taken to Sally's along with all the other clothes had had outgrown. There were a few shirts and pants left out for cooler summer nights and fall wear and he did get some clothes for Christmas but I felt he needed a few more items.
   
Here's what I got for $25.00: 5 every day long sleeved shirts, 5 church shirts, a pair of jeans, cozy jammies (brands including Walmart, Old Navy, Gap, The Children's Place, Land's End and LL Bean), a pair of cranberry slide on suede shoes (LL Bean) for me, a wooden marble run in pristine condition, a very sweet tea cup and saucer for me (which I have always wanted and never had...this one is white with dainty pink rosebuds around the rim of the cup and saucer) and a queen sized quilt in perfect condition. It is not handmade but it sure is pretty. It has dark gold, cream, dark greens, copper tones and plum with appliqued maple leaves on it. It goes beautiful with the dark wood in our bedroom. I LOVE SALLY'S!!!!

Today I am organizing the calendar for the year, working on my budget book, filling in a new address book, helping Jeremiah with his schooling, laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. This weekend I hope to help Jeremiah sort out his toys as we have an overload. The new marble run was purchased with the promise that he would trade in the plastic one which doesn't really stay together well and is frustrating to all of us. :)

Happy Friday Everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST,#
Date: 08 Jan 16 - 12:41 PM

"vole not seen since R left! Hope he has re-homed."

The vole is in Montreal after hitching a ride with R.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Jan 16 - 09:41 PM

Beaver:
Thanks for a great laugh, Guest#!!! You do realize I kinda miss the --vole!

Michelle! You really made out at Sally's! Wooden marble run! what fun my grands had with one I found - back then. And a Sally's in Ithaca! Lots of good stuff, I'll bet! Mind, I am constantly shocked at the amount and quality available here in Bancroft - and appalled at how much stuff people need to get rid of! We profit from their conspicuous consumption!

Came home from Gallery pooped and distressed by car; light still on and 3 men could not explain it. I did not ask about the high bill for a new battery and... What? I love Pete but rather wished I had gone to Canadian Tire; their computer would be better; electrical problems are such a pain. As soon as I parked and put on the brake that darn light went out!!! YAY! Life's mysteries.

I have a list of things to accomplish tomorrow, territory to cover, so happy that I will not be having to boost the car though there is still a possibility it needs an alternator as well. Pete ordered one but held off putting it in to see if it is really needed. He really does care. Well, yesterday, he told me about growing up, one of ten kids and dad working seasonally; running home from school and - no food in the house. But lots of love!

So, listening to Abba and remembering Mama Mia!, the movie, the last fun trip for my landlady (on Whidbey) before she died of stage 4 ovarian - diagnosed in hospital a week before she died. So glad I was able to give her that gift of sheer enjoyment!

And glad it is not getting too cold tonight as I did not have the energy to bring in more wood - enough to last the night. To go above freezing tomorrow! And rain - then get moderately cold and snow some more - all week! My assessment of wood supply - think it will last 'til spring. Would like R to put in propane heater next trip - just in case.

On the good news side: While I was, perforce, at home yesterday, I received a Phone Call from Citizenship and Immigration; the woman who has, apparently, been shepherding my application; initials "AW", hand-written on each missive were the only indication there was a real person out there! Arianne Wind: calling to tell me she had reviewed my file and I was approved!!!!!!!! In 2-3 months, I shall receive a letter telling me when to report to citizenship court. That will be about 49 and a half years since I received my Landed immigrant status- my best Christmas present - in 1967. Her call, I told her, was my best birthday present.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 16 - 11:38 PM

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOX

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 16 - 11:50 PM

Good news, Dorothy!

I think the winter weather the rest of you have experienced is arriving. Tomorrow. And tomorrow's weather is also pushing a huge airborne load of cedar pollen this way. Ugg. Cold and sneezing all together.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Jan 16 - 03:05 PM

Not such a good weigh in this week....up a bit. Darn Shepherd's Pie. It just was TOO GOOD.

Ah well. It's a new week. Onward!

Michelle who is about to indulge in a lovely and well deserved weekend nap.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Jan 16 - 06:02 PM

Beaver:
Hearing about citizenship was a major de-clutter!

Today: returned excess parts to Home Hardware; they made it SO easy; exchanged a non-functioning rod at CT; left a bag of stuff at thrift shop; bought and installed new gasket on stove; cleared back deck of ice and snow from roof; cleared the walk at the Gallery of melting mess before it could freeze tonight; replenished maple syrup supply (and two jars of jelly) at the Market - folks who are friends of friends; it was special to get it from the Lentz sugar bush and a bit of catch up; visited with Stu and L, arranged a visit here on Tuesday (must email and offer BF; left the set of dishes in their car along with money for the grippers they bought us on sale; had wonderful veggie chili at SunRun cafe and social time; visit at a Gallery with friend under-going physical ailments - so good to see him up and about!

Then zipped down to Gallery for student show reception. Suggested to several volunteers that it would be a good idea to give each student who participated a free membership; it would cost us nothing and might encourage them - they would get emails about openings and workshops, reminding them that the Gallery exists for them also. Lots of positive response: I will send an email to the group and ask it to be on agenda for next meeting. Only two students showed up and no teachers. I will be visiting one teacher (a friend) in the next week, try to see what we can do about that. The student work is terrific; they deserve encouragement. Maybe give the teachers memberships as a thank you for helping their students participate!

waiting for the glue to set on gasket so I can start a fire; temp holding at 58F. Still 33F outside. It was a warm raining day, de-cluttering the roof of great chunk s of snow and ice - noisily!   Shall have to bring in close wood as it is dark and wet out and ---- because I FEEL like it! Or do NOT feel like going out into the snowy yard in the wet and dark. Sometimes de-cluttering is taking the easy way? YEAH! Can do it while I wait...

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Jan 16 - 09:23 PM

Beaver:
Finally got a fire going in the wood stove. The gasket seems to be too thick so I cannot close it tightly; trip to hardware in the am. In the meantime, a fire is doing OK and the temp is going up; brought in only 3 large chunks; should get me through to morning. Still 33F outside! Put up the new rod and hung heavy fabric - long enough to be double most of the way; does a great job of keeping the heat in LR/BR!

Must keep in mind that below 59F I tend toward hypothermic re-action; stop thinking and doing. Had to force myself to get up and start fire. I did have two electric heaters going, one on my feet! Being too cold could, conceivably, de-clutter one of life. Tonight I learned my cut off point. It's OK to jump out of bed into the cold and jump back in again but not to sit and let the body get colder...

Emailed friend whose husband is retired local art teacher, organized our 1st student show! Wife indicates he would like to talk about it. I will try to phone him tomorrow with goal of working up an article on art as an indication of the adolescent mind/socio-political concepts - then and now. Change seems positive. Secondary goal: suitable for local paper to encourage people to visit Gallery to view the current show. Bob is terrific artist and teacher with great ideas!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 16 - 10:22 AM

I have been keeping track of spending, re: Michelle's "No Spend Challenge." And it seems that there are some months when I just bleed money. The car registration and inspection were due by the end of the month, a car repair of a safety system sensor, a quarterly prescription came due. The spending on food so far is zero - I have canned and frozen stuff from my garden, I have enough eggs and milk (and powdered milk) and flour and such to last. When the ripe (and still ripening) fruit is finished off I have frozen fruit. When Michelle mentioned this I decided I wanted to try it so I did my grocery shopping for the stuff that was already on my list on the day before the month started. Clearly there is some planning ahead that goes into this.

I do have some non-cash shopping to do this month is with points or gift certificates. Birds in multiples are finally visiting my bird feeder and I have a supply of bird seed, but if I need more I have a gift certificate (from the holidays) for my favorite feed store. Also, my bank offers points for my VISA card, and some of the points annoyingly "expire" every year. So I used most of them this weekend to keep from losing more. I ordered an enamelled cast iron 5.5 quart dutch oven (Cuisinart). The score point site only lists items, no reviews, but the Amazon reviews for this pot were excellent. I'm looking forward to trying out my new favorite pot soon!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 16 - 07:56 PM

An important organizer I have to set up every year is now in place - an accordion-type 12-month folder file for receipts and paid bills. It makes income tax so much easier if I have to dig something out or total things up to determine several lines on the tax form.

There is *tiny* chance of snow flurries overnight - this winter has been mild compared to the last few. A snow day would be welcome, but I won't hold my breath.

For those interested in a fascinating, though not entirely proven weight-loss method, here is an article about the benefits of not always being comfortably warm. It seems our metabolisms burn fat much faster if we're a little chilly.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Rumncoke
Date: 10 Jan 16 - 09:35 PM

This morning, after some hesitation, I got down to clearing out the drain in the conservatory. It is the sump for all the waste water, and has blocked up several times before - the house is Victorian so there are these little hitches from time to time.
After half an hour of moving things, then getting down and dirty, the blockage gave up and water began to run - but the smell!!
I took a shower and a bath, need to wash all around the drain area where I touched anything, plus wash the floor, then do all the washing and washing up not done for the past several days whilst I psyched myself up for the deed.
Now I can put the Christmas tree out in the conservatory, on top of the cabinet which sits over the drain cover - it could not go out before now. It being a living tree it needs to be cooled off gradually before going back outside. It is a Picea glauca conica, so it only grows an inch or so a year in a pot, and it smells nice, though not as good as Norway Spruce, but they have aspirations when it comes to height.
It is still raining here. It seems to have hardly stopped for weeks - months even. Although there are clear spells they last scarcely half a day - the barometer is waving frantically up and down the scale getting a good workout.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Jan 16 - 12:14 PM

Beaver:
Frozen! - car doors - after yesterday's "warmth" and rain! Back door - where I nee d to go to fetch wood. Got up early - before 8! - so I could go register the vehicles ----Because I blew doing it on line; Yesterday, I could not find the registration and ins for the Scion and, with the rain, did not go to the Westfailia. So today was going to go to insurance guy for a card and forget the VW.

Phone call to helpful neighbour - from "Calamity Jane"! "Hot water", he said. "Towel on floor inside." "Not too hot. might break windows." (I was only thinking hair dryer which I, of course,do not have!) Got the back door open! One car door; started car; took everything out of glove box into a cardboard box; found the papers! Brought in Lots of wood and more wood...!

Have had BF and lunch; will soon go off to register the Scion if I still cannot get into the VW. 11F this am.

Keeping in mind that remark about being not comfortably warm! I have been trying to keep the temp around 65. Lower than that is too uncomfortable for me.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Jan 16 - 06:29 PM

Beaver:
Back down to 11F, heading lower. Just looked out the window and see a marvellous sliver of a crescent in the dark sky. The light did not leave until after 5, a beautiful, very cold day. The car is registered. There was only a short wait! Then I stopped at the HS to visit my art teacher friend. Very good conversation about the student show and what would work better. Wrote an email about her and my ideas and sent it to her. Will put it on agenda for Monday's mtng. When I met her in '81, she was a young mom with marital problems. Now, second marriage, 5 grands, and our ability to communicate with each other/relationship has not changed.

Came home and made a salad but too cold to eat a salad so I let it sit until a bit ago so it was room temperature - 62F. Now I am warming the house a bit; need 65! Put a pillow on the floor with the heating pad on top for my feet. Warmed my water. No need to do anything more tonight but read and internet - deleted about 200 old emails as well as today's flotsam. If I stay warm enough for brain to function, I may be able to move some stuff around - move a bunch of email messages of info, re potting that I would like to keep, to files. Warm feet are essential!

No shopping: thinking about the no spending rule. In general, that has been lifelong though I do have 2 or 3 spurts in a year. This small house does help! I bought two beautiful sauce pans last week at the thrift; Now I have at least enough. Will need a bit larger fridge before warm weather. Currently keeping veggies in a cupboard that is quite cold enough.

Moon is setting quickly!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jan 16 - 11:09 AM

Decluttering the craft room is helped by the purchase (with Christmas gift cards) of a set of drawers in jolly rainbow hues... making room to get these in, has opened up a large part of the room again, so I can now get in and onto Ole Bessie, the computer (which still runs Windows 8!) and thus onto the 'Cat.

I'm wading through boxes of fabric, sorting into different varieties (cotton, polyester, wool, fleece etc); putting card making equipment back into its respective boxes; sorting little piles of accumulated crap; putting like things with like and wondering how on earth we ended up with 3 freezer baskets and why am I keeping them all half full of garbage?!

Next month's challenge is to touch up the interior paintwork, put up shelves and fix the little things that I've been meaning to fix for ages.

On top of this, I'm still doing my 'Dozen Stitches a Day' challenge that I started a couple of years ago now. My UFO pile isn't any smaller because I will keep starting new projects, but I do have several finished items to show for it, and a little more room in that corner! I think I will have to give up starting new projects for Lent.

As for the weight.... Circumstances have meant that I have put on several pounds since last I posted - about 20 of them. It's becoming obvious that that 'time of life' is upon me, as I've had a few dizzy spells and hot flashes, but on the whole, they've been minor. But, it does mean that I'm doing a very passable impression of the Hoover Dam, I have cankles and my shoes don't fit any more. The cold weather has meant stiffer joints and I'm at my limit of corticosteroid injections in my knees, so moving more is a very painful option. Roll on Spring!!

Still, I'm quite content, doing what I do; sewing, reading, researching family history (a family member has got us back to the 1560's - Tudor times!), and wrangling cats. No new kittens since 2014, which is a relief - the mothers are now growing sleek and fat, because their energy isn't being spent on making babies and milk.

LTS

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Jan 16 - 12:49 PM

Beaver:
Just what I need! Inspiration, incentive, encouragement! As I sit here watching the inexorable snow fall - Beautiful but do I really want to go out in the car on those messy roads? Or do I want to sit here all day - on the computer? Arghhhh!

21F outside. 66F inside. That's a no-brainer. I could sort through the yarn I brought here - but have no implements.   

I have brought in a good pile of wood - from the close pile. Tired of struggling with the back side of the wood pile. I'll do that again when I have the energy.

Today, I got up early in a cold house and straightened up and cooked a big batch of buckwheat/apple/cranberry cakes for Stu and Lesley; they brought two cats to the vet to be fixed; when L said she would have to come without BF, that was a cue to have them here! The cakes were yummy and I have a bunch left over - freezer.

The snow stopped! I will bring exer-cycle in from the studio. Try it in short spurts. Every hour or some such. Cannot face sitting here all day and have absolutely no reason to go elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 Jan 16 - 08:13 PM

Beaver:
8F this am. It was beautiful to see the sun hit the hilltop for the first time in a couple weeks - and I got up in time to go to the town council meeting - but I forgot I would have to shovel snow! About 8 inches yesterday, but light. I was some late but worth being there. Then went looking for friends at Timmie's, realized they might have gone to their mom who is now in long term care - very distressing for them.

So I bought hinges for BR doors and had a catch-up visit with a friend; asked about doing a story about her father - she would be thrilled and she felt he would be too but "he will grumble". I said I would like to do one for her mom as well - "Well, dad could not have done it without her!" Wow! That is not what I meant - her mom has done monumental volunteer work for the community for about 50 years! I feel she deserves recognition. This from a woman who is pres. of the hospital fund raising committee! And has helped run her husband's business for over 30 years.

Went to Post office and thanked the woman who helped me mail those darn packets to Citizenship. Bumped into a friend in the parking lot and agreed to meet on Sat.

Came home and had lunch, cleared snow off deck and brought in lots more wood, started split peas cooking, phoned for Apple help to upgrade macbook - After a couple hours last night trying to find any sort of help on the web site, I phoned a number today which gave me an 800 number where I got a guy in Florida who tried hard but barely spoke English. He managed to get me to the place to order a CD and I hung up thinking - OK! Part way through filing out order, something froze so I called the 800 number again in desperation. Got a nice woman an hour away who took the order on the phone - so adequately and with good humour! A step closer to being able to upgrade Safari and, hopefully, be able to "support" dropbox so I can open the wonderful things #1 son has found!

Split peas did not burn but were cooked. so I did carrots in a separate pot then ate the left over squash and now the rest is for tomorrow! Brought in more wood before it got dark! Beautiful day! Love watching the days get longer.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jan 16 - 06:04 PM

Jeremiah and I spent yesterday doing some organizing, tossing and donating. I have had this big box on the couch for a few months now, filling it with papers and such. I had hoped to get it done earlier and while I did get SOME of it organized, it still was an eyesore and just weighing on me. I went through ALL of it yesterday, tossed a lot of junk mail (why do I not do it when it comes in the door?), sorted out medical bills, receipts, special items/non bill related paper things, magazines...ALL OF IT. Then I put things in folders and got them labeled. Jeremiah went through 2 of his drawers where we found much to be donated or weird things he was keeping that we both agreed were trash. He filled one large box yesterday (which Pete already dropped off at Sally's) and a large garbage bag today. :) It was work but it sure feels good.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jan 16 - 06:37 PM

That's so much better when you work with the child. My mother used to periodically purge stuff in our rooms without our approval and it was the reason I was careful to not do that to my kids. We definitely had messy periods, but when it was time to donate, they worked with me, I didn't lay down the law.

I'm digging out papers these days also. Like Dorothy, the registration and inspection stuff on the car are now complete, the receipts for tax season are assembled, awaiting a few more forms. Taxes paid on some small property bills that aren't paid out of mortgage escrow.

Much warmer weather than the rest of you, and much warmer even that we usually have this time of year. I've only worn my heaviest jacket a few days this winter so far. I am making a concerted effort to "shop the pantry" for now, to use up stuff here in the house and not purchase more food for convenience when all I need to do is remember to thaw something that will be just as convenient for dinner - think ahead.

Such sad news about both David Bowie and Alan Rickman this week. I have a number of films I plan to watch for the first time or re-watch over the long holiday weekend coming up.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jan 16 - 06:42 PM

Well....to be honest....we have a bucket toy cars and trucks that require fixing. Because Jeremiah has SO MANY cars and trucks, just this week I have decided to start slowly throwing out the broken ones. He isn't going to miss them (they've been in the bucket for months) and most are not fixable....so yeah....I HAVE been chucking those and I don't feel bad about it one bit. :)

For the other toys, I wouldn't think of just throwing them without his ok. I think that is mean and I wouldn't want anyone to do that with my stuff.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Jan 16 - 07:55 PM

Beaver:
Prodigious job, Michelle!

I have the advantage of being able to slowly choose what comes to Beaver. I can pretty well sort and organize as stuff arrives - over a week or so. Though some things have not yet found homes, some furniture has not yet arrived and the cold and snow has precluded taking some bin to the back shed. Next trip to Quebec, I will carefully choose another car load to bring and maybe ONE box of archives.

The Family Health Team is offering a free, 4 session workshop on "Craving Change: Changing your relationship with food" in February. I shall try the first session, at least. Today, I did manage to stop at a shop for cheese and leave without the wonderful brownies. I hurried!

Cool house may mean using more calories but I may be eating more; but generally avoiding cookies and no brownies in 3 weeks. But no weight loss either.

No hot water either. I finally told R last night and he told me what to look at; this morning I checked the reset button and took the fuses to the hardware, where they were declared well but "maybe an element is burned out." R phoned for a report and will replace one or both elements next trip. The water out of the hot water tap is not as cold as that from the cold water tap so I shall use it to wash clothes - time for a load.

Wore myself out today without bringing in any wood! Hardware store, two food stores, library, home for lunch, took car for a new alternator - as it did not start this am. (If it quit starting with the new battery, then it needs an alternator) Chris took me to the Thrift Warehouse to wait for car; it is closer than going home and it was only going to be an hour - And it was.

While there, LONG conversation with friend who just put mom in long term care - father is beside himself and wants her back; house is a disaster - filthy from dad and also untrained 10 year old dog - if you don't let the dog out when need... Not really "untrained"; it is trained to do it in the house! I am amazed the daughters have not stayed on top of it; there is such a thing as giving too much respect to leaving them to themselves! But all 3 have to agree... So we talked; maybe it helped.

I had a sort of epiphany on my way to mechanic; an emotional de-clutter! The guy who wrecked my life in 1998 by taking all the work and leaving me with inadequate income (long story) was clearly a sociopath. I was terribly hurt and angry; had to sell my dream home... Boom! Maybe he needed that job more than I did. I did Ok and some good things happened while I was away, because I was away. And, although I lost 15 years of being here, people have welcomed me back and I am happy to be here.

Only bought two things at Thrift and each is already in its useful new home. Got home, fed fire - more and more to get house back into 60s, put heating pad on my back - a cacophony of ache, and sitting here eating broccoli, went through the flyers, deleted emails, signed petitions, and thinking about a couple emails I need/want to write. Oh, and organized tools and stuff from the water project into shallow "tomato" boxes, that I remembered to pick up at grocery. I can stack them on the counter in the kiln room tomorrow.

I am really tired - this is when I want to eat cookies to get going again. Of course, that does not work but they taste good. Later I will eat some sunflower seeds, cashews and almonds. Was still light at 5:15!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jan 16 - 11:05 PM

That's different, Michelle. My mother went through our stuff while we were there and made the decisions regardless of what we had to say about it. Dictatorial. Things that were not forgotten, things that were simply, to her, not negotiable. It was a wretched exercise whenever she decided to perform it. She also refused to listen to our requests that she not smoke cigarettes in our bedrooms. "It's my house," was her answer. She was a very smart, talented, and in general good mom, but there were some things that simply made no sense as far as good parenting.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Jan 16 - 08:36 PM

Beaver:
Brought in lots of wood after clearing the deck of more snow. Two loads of laundry - no, 3 after I had to re-do the 2 sheets bought at a thrift shop - they still reeked of fabric softener after the first go round. Tolerable after the second. Put boxes of tools in shed and extra boxes in the studio. Talked over an hour with artist friend/retired art teacher - nothing perceived about possible evolution of student art/world view. But we covered a lot of other territory. Then lunch - about 2 - and effort to not eat cookies/choc. On line rest of day and struggling so made a batch of popcorn as consolation prize. Not sure that is a good thing either.

LR is back to civilized. An on-going process, getting a house to where one wants it and then it continues to evolve.

Felt stronger today, after 10 hours sleep! Carrying the wood seems to be getting easier. The fresh air was good. Getting things in order feels good.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 16 - 11:27 PM

There has been a lull in housekeeping after the flurry right before the holidays, and now is time to sweep, vacuum, mop - in general declutter the dog hair and tracked in stuff. It wasn't going to stay tidy by itself forever. We have a three day weekend, so a full day of housework still leaves two days to putter with other things.

I'm sure there will be plenty to report as the weekend progresses.

It's good to be able acknowledge a regular participant's celebration today - LilyFestre is six years out from kicking cancer (see her thread). Now THAT is a major declutter! I think these declutter threads have kind of been the adjunct to the cancer thread, they've been around about as long. I know they were here as cheering sections at various times.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jan 16 - 03:30 PM

It's cold outside, but I'll be making a few trips out to the greenhouse, to the car, to move stuff, store stuff, to the trash. Time to clear out all of the dog hair and misplaced items left over from the holidays. The dining table has eBay stuff piled up, it's time to figure out the shipping arrangements then photograph and list. I've danced around that task for several weeks, but it's time to tackle it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Jan 16 - 08:30 PM

Beaver:

Load of laundry, wrote long email to Gallery committee re Student Show, shoveled drive and went to town, picked up order of Laprinol, long lunch with friend conferring on rural issues and life in general, open house at a Place for the Arts, talking with people about rural issues, and lack of communication and what to do about it in this situation. Epiphany while chatting with someone: bring portable wheel into house and get some work done! Even if is only a few pieces. Came home, partly cleared the deck and took a few items out to kiln room, brought in lots of wood, long talk on phone with a volunteer about a severely negative response to the emaii - after I had spent considerable time trying to respond and we agreed to let it sit (several positives), supper, internet. Time for bed, perhaps to read.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jan 16 - 10:41 PM

I've moved several potted plants into the greenhouse, and left a few in place outside to compare how they do. Some things, like Swiss chard, can stand a few modest freezes, but I'd like it to thrive, not just survive the winter, so there is enough to occasionally harvest.

The kitchen is looking good, and I've caught up with a lot of dust and dog hair. Dishes and laundry out of the way. Some paper out of the way, but more needs to be filed or shredded.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jan 16 - 01:35 PM

I had an aha! moment over breakfast this morning. I've struggled to keep the dogs out of the food portion of the compost pile in the back yard, and remembered a friend taking an industrial barrel (I gave him several extras that another friend gave me) and drilling it with holes around and using it for this kind of compost. I don't have any more of those barrels that aren't already in use somewhere else, but I just remembered a large Rubbermaid lidded trash can that came from my dad's house many years ago. I think he stored bulk foodstuffs in it (to keep out mice), and I stored coastal hay in it until a couple of years ago when I phased it out of both garden and dog stall use. I can drill holes in it and easily open, fill, and close it. The holes all around are to drain, but also to let in air, and it is shifted/rolled on edge periodically to turn over the contents. Much easier than one of those fancy garden appliances that cost a small fortune. Once the contents are broken down enough it can be poured onto the regular compost. Some weeds and grass can be added periodically to bulk it up.

Another problem solved without spending any money to do it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Jan 16 - 03:47 PM

Beaver:
So the above reminded me that I need a large metal container for ashes from the wood stove. Added to tomorrow's list.

I have been keeping the house cool in hopes of using more calories but today I reved it up to 70 so I could comfortably wash hair and sit here 'til it dries. Just as it got TOO HOT! I realized this was a good time to bring in wood. Lovely out with a light snow falling; the air so delicious! Then I washed hair and had lunch. Started clearing space in BR for pottery but NOT going to bring stuff in through the falling snow. Anyway I am incredibly tired. All the clothes are dry and away but one stinky sheet - from fabric softener is still hanging over the wood stove so the heat can off gas the toxins. The clothesline is retracted and -I could go lie down on the heating pad for back aching and watch the snow fall and read.

Emails are dealt with and FB - enough!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST,#
Date: 18 Jan 16 - 12:34 AM

Dorothy, all heat pad manufacturers advise--indeed warn--against putting heat pads between one's body and the surface upon which one intends to recline so as to lessen the chance of burns. And the burns can be serious. FYI.

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/PublicHealthNotifications/ucm242866.htm

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: maeve
Date: 18 Jan 16 - 10:02 AM

Gardeners may find this interesting: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/How_Mold_on_Space_Station_Flowers_is_Helping_Get_Us_to_Mars_999.html

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 16 - 06:23 PM

Zinnias are particularly prone to powdery mildew when conditions aren't perfect.

Finally, after three weeks, a few more birds visiting the feeders today. Maybe a dozen at most at the time little sparrows and finches, and a few doves passed through the yard. A friend on the other side of town said she has also seen very little interest in the bird feeders this warm winter season.

I've rearranged some of the bags of various types of loose tea and teabags in my kitchen tea cart. The boxes are in one basket, the containers (jars with gaskets, fancy tins, boxes that the tea came in, etc.) are in place, and I made room for this new basket. But I think I actually liked it better while I was waiting to arrange the tea in it, when I dropped the daily mail into it. I'm rethinking how to keep track of all of these types of tea. I don't need to buy any new for a very long time, and I think I'll take a couple of tins to work for a little variety there.

I made a pot of hearty soup for the week, with ground beef, tomatoes, vegetables, kidney beans, mushrooms, some whole wheat penne pasta, red wine, a hint of allspice, and sliced Swiss chard. It smells good and is very pretty.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 16 - 09:14 PM

I read the instructions and now the settings on my battery backup (a gift this holiday season) are in place. It charged and devices were plugged in a couple of weeks ago, but I hadn't downloaded the management software until today. I have a second device, smaller, to set up in the hall closet where a modem, router, and expansion unit to send data hard wired to all of the house live.

Dishes in the dishwasher, a small crock pot of steel cut oats are set for tomorrow's breakfast, and I'm ready with a good lunch as well. The dogs kind of undid all of the vacuuming I did yesterday by rolling around on the back lawn (in the sunshine - it was a lovely day) then coming back in to sprinkle dried grass everywhere.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Jan 16 - 08:46 PM

Beaver:

Guest#: Where else would one put a heating pad? However, if I sit too long: the ad feels too warm and my legs do not move easily. These are not related! SO, I have to move around fairly often. In the bed, I warm it piece by piece and then put it way down to warm my, often, very cold feet so I can sleep. It is always on low.

I am thoroughly annoyed, frustrated and aggravated. This makes me want to eat cookies, brownies, chocolate!!!! So I am here to rescue myself. After a nice big salad, a bowl of broccoli and a small bowl of warm cranberries and melted brie, maybe I can tough it out.

Spent most of the last 24 hours upgrading the computer and Safari and the bloomin' Dropbox which still does not do anything! And a bunch of other stuff that seemed reasonable and took forever. And I still cannot sign petitions on Change.org.

I'll see what more I can do and then give up and go to bed. Without cookies.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: maeve
Date: 20 Jan 16 - 06:42 AM

"Zinnias are particularly prone to powdery mildew when conditions aren't perfect. "

Yep. My interest was in the emergence of a gardener in space- no more waiting for orders for each and every gardening move. That's great and quite new.