Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST,#
Date: 01 Feb 16 - 01:44 PM

"Just downloaded a free kindle copy of Diet for a small planet"

About ten years after the book came out the first time back in the 1960s(?) the author had reconsidered the mixing/matching of complementary proteins and decided (due to scientific evidence new after the book had first come out) that the proteins didn't have to be eaten in the same meal but rather in the same 24-hour period. I ecpect the Kindle book will reflect that change from the original.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Feb 16 - 12:12 PM

Beaver:
A semi sunny day and just about or above the freezing point. I moved the modem to a dif window and then another dif window. It is now working, whether due to wheather or change of window...???

Yesterday, I made the worst piece of sewing of my life - a pot holder that looks like ... Need a different way. So fed up, I read all day, with breaks to move ???!!! yep - snow and wood!! Like a spring day at 35F! Wrote a blog for the art gallery - show being hung today. Artist loved it.

Today- decided - a while back - the wood ashes need to go into something, esp after researching - 50 feet from well, and from ground water. Took a couple gallons of HOT water - oh, it quit again but I managed to get the reset switch to reset and keeping record on its own calendar; it only takes 2 hours for the water to get HOT! So out to where there was a big, fancy, empty compost bin stuck in the snow. Now it is unstuck and at the end of the walkway in front of studio - handy to house, easy to get to. I had been dumping the ashes there so I put the bin over the pile of ashes and added the compost that had been building up. I know it is still in the ground water area but it is the best I can do and still be able to access it. The current snow is as high as my boots and we have a bit of a storm warning for this week. Also took some copper piping out behind the back/back shed.

My research on Cal chloride elicited similar info to the good article Guest offered (thank you). So No to that. But found an ice melter that will not hurt paws so I will check it out at the pet store. If it is suitable, I will try putting it in little bags and throw it up on the roof. Almost all the snow is off side that most needs heating cables - so I sat here wondering if there is anyone who could install before the next storm.

Man came this morning to take the Hoosier counter and formica, saying he could do it on Weds. Will be nice to have that completed and re-consider the K organization - still in flux.

Just downloaded a free kindle copy of Diet for a small planet; I have a hard copy somewhere... Just want to check out memory of combining foods to complete proteins as I lean towards less animal protein.

MAYBE I can get out to pot today. It is already 50F in the studio.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST,#
Date: 01 Feb 16 - 10:46 AM

Acme, I expect you know this stuff, but it never hurts to check.

http://forum.vpaaz.org/forum/topics/bermuda-grass-anatomy-and

Subject: RE: More 'Clutter's Last Stand' & fitness Oct/Dec 2015
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 01 Feb 16 - 06:09 AM

It took downloading and deleting a few versions, but I finally found an owner's manual that looks like the correct one for a small used kitchen appliance I found a couple of weeks ago. Pre-Internet you just had to guess how to use appliances properly if they came from a garage sale, thrift store, etc. But now there is
Manualbirds, where I have found numerous sets of instructions over the years. I'm pretty certain I've also uploaded to their library. The information is downloadable as PDF.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 16 - 08:02 PM

I was going to rent a tiller for a half-day and work on the garden patch, but my across-the-street neighbor suggested calling a mutual friend to come till it for me - the neighbor sold his tiller to the friend, and tomorrow the friend will bring his tiller and do the work for the same cost of renting and doing it myself.

I know it seems awfully early to be doing this, but cold weather crops need to go in. Last year's rain compacted the soil to the point where digging is difficult. The tiller he will use is large and will work deep - I'm going to be raking out Bermuda rhizomes as fast as I can tomorrow. And I hope the neighborhood birds are attracted to come eat grubs and bugs.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST,#
Date: 31 Jan 16 - 07:11 PM

"Anyone have thoughts on th effect of calcium chloride on vegetation and ground water?"

http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/was/salt-reduction-initiative/impacts.htm

That will I think answer your question.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 16 - 11:29 AM

A short term item, not on the list, is to mow the lawn today. This kind of chore or project doesn't go on this list because it's so frequent, like laundry or cooking dinner.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Jan 16 - 07:56 PM

Tim Horton's Again!

Signal brought in morning emails and quit!

Went into the COLD K this am and felt a gale blowing through - again. Looked up! The cover on the "door" to the attic was open about 6 inches! MAnaged with a long stick to put the light weight cover back into place. This afternoon I prevailed upon a tall younger person to stop by; he put a heavier piece of wood on top of the other. No more gale! When it helps to be only 4 minutes from town.

Long talk with chair of Library board reveals that any effort toward better library must be VERY tactfully done. Other than that, I seemed to get some little things accomplished and feel closer to getting some sewing and potting done - the foundation is taking time.

I like the idea of a formal list on the fridge. But rather than overwhelm R with a long lis, I only set one or two priorities at a time. I can hide a list somewhere! As for "walking around the yard! Maybe in April.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 16 - 12:50 PM

I decided to make it a more formal list, of things I'd like to accomplish this year. It'll hang on the fridge in plain view of anyone who passes through, so feedback may be a part of the process.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 07:35 PM

I walked around the entire yard today and have a long mental list of things to do. I need to put it to paper and prioritize. It looks like there isn't much more winter for us, it hit 78^o today. There are branches to pick up, limbs to cut, saplings to encourage (with adequate light - need to do some thinning). I need trees growing at the back of the lot so I don't lose any more of the bank. At least the neighbor across the creek stopped pushing dirt into his side - the result was more washing away on my side. His wife died, and apparently she owned the property. Her children have inherited and it is now experiencing benign neglect, which is good for all of us. I have been throwing cactus chunks and iris rhizomes back there for several years and now before the grass grows in it is a lovely collection of round and pointed shapes, prickly pear and iris leaves.

The list is going to be my template for activities next month. I will have a few items on a shopping list, but I'll give it another month of the No Spend Challenge - I've barely made a dent on some of the stuff in the freezer. I need to make some lentil soup and some tomato sauce this weekend, and put some of my diced, sauteed, and frozen eggplant into it for richness. And I have breaded and fried eggplant slices for making Parmesan when I want.

This was a lazy week as far as laundry, I did the laundry last week but most of it is still unfolded in the laundry baskets. With longer days and warmer weather, I'll perk up to do more of these things in a timelier fashion.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 05:51 PM

Tim Horton's - and getting uncomfortable after 3 hours!

Guest#: only on books over a year old! I am trying to start a movement for a new library.

Started sorting papers again this morning but it was a box of personal mail from pottery teacher so I put them aside for Robin to take a look at; he has better reading skills for hand written stuff.

More wood and snow moving. It gets easier as I get stronger.

Anyone have thoughts on th effect of calcium chloride on vegetation and ground water? There are cubes I can throw on the roof to melt the ice build up. Would be useful.

Arranged to interview former mayor, to write his story; talked with glass artist repairing a piece for us. Consulted with Kitchen guy about doing the formica top for the Hoosier cabinet. He is to call on Monday. I have all the old tiles off! Did a number of small things today. Feel progress. Couple more ideas for letters to editor - library, environmental sensitivity.

Sassy red squirrel was back yesterday. VERY sassy but left when I got up, via utility room. R did a good job on walls but the ceiling is a sieve. I shall have a better look tomorrow; maybe I can do something - hard for me to work over my head but my arms and shoulders seem to be getting stronger.

Still have hot water! I hardly know what to do! Finally realized I CAN take a bath. Maybe the shower even works. Ever notice that the more we do, the more we find that needs doing?

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST,#
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 05:59 PM

Dorothy, does your library do inter-library loans?

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 01:23 PM

Beaver: watching snow fall! (now at library)

Adding to what I wrote at home (below): Planting a garden! Daffodils showing!? Ah well. The outlet I am using goes on at 35 and off at 45. Worked well and no one but you (acme) knows about them - including the local hardware store where they know almost everything. They do require a GFI outlet which I only have in the Bathroom; maybe someday we can have one in the studio! And I guess Michelle is also reacting to the increasing day length and hope of spring!

Written earlier:
DE-cluttering ice and snow from back deck is on-going. As more and more falls both from the sky and off the roof, I consider the need for a woodshed of some sort for next year – one the snow can, at least, be pushed off. Better still, eaves trough and heating cables for roof and trough to avoid the current problem of ice build up. True de-cluttering! Bringing in wood also ongoing!

Wonderful neighbour stopped by yesterday to check on lack of hot water. He did everything I had done but this morning I have hot water again! Super yay!

Sorted through archive box – one of several – and threw away some but found treasures. A file folder from the papers of my early pottery teacher/dear friend yielded the 1977 invoice for the wheel I now have! Most of the rest went toward heating the house. Next trip I can bring a couple more boxes of papers; there is room in this plastic bin for lots more – consolidate and de-clutter. Even found a good storage spot for it.

Found I could put a card table over the pottery wheel in the BR and use it for sewing space, move it to a different spot to use wheel. Sewing machine is set up and projects lining up for completion. The bin of fabrics is not in the way but has not yet found a good home. In warmer weather I can re-organize the kiln room for better storage opps.

Made room for more books by burning a torn poster (I really liked it but…) and put another on the wall. And moved screen-making materials to a better spot. That cleared about 3 feet of shelf space! Can bring another box of books next trip.

Little by little! I seem to have more energy and inclination – the lengthening of days? Hope of spring? Above freezing predicted for the weekend days? The house meets my low standard for someone dropping in – a place to sit without needing to move a bunch of stuff!

Movie last night at A Place for the Arts(P4A) – Midnight in Paris was delightful- my 2nd viewing but still could not process any of the dialogue (APD in a nuisance). I realized and Colleen noted afterwards, as we chatted, that I could get a DVD from library and use closed captions. They could do that at P4A and offered last time but it does hinder full appreciation of the wonderful photography – and several of the audience were photographers.

Need to get more aggressive about talking with people, esp those who might be able to do something and form a pushy group, to do something about the pitiful library here. A major topic in four dif conversations yesterday! I am currently reading a history of the Bracebridge, ON library, a Carnegie library. We need a Carnegie! The subject greatly clutters my mind as I have already run out of books to read and borrowed several from the "Little Green Library" in Quebec while I was there. On list: talk to librarian at LGL.

No signal last couple days and spent time in Timmy's or library to deal with emails. So I can spend the least amount of time elsewhere – this is written at home and emails are ready to fly away.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 11:54 PM

I have been having more energy lately which feels SO GOOD and as a result I am getting some things done around here that have been annoying me for some time. I sold one of our couches that was just taking up too much space and not being used, did some rearranging of furniture in the living room and also was able to move something out of our dining room that really should have never been there in the first place (antique sewing table). I organized Jeremiah's school books as we have been given several from a friend who is retiring after many years of teaching and she is sharing her books....now the current ones are easily accessible with the ones to be used in the future within easy reach. I organized 4 boxes of CDs that belonged to my Nana so that they are easily accessible and neat. :) I've been cooking a bit lately too....I roasted a turkey and made homemade potpie, soup, turkey sandwiches, etc. Today I made banana bread. I am in charge of snacks for church on Sunday so I'll be baking for that on Saturday. I think I'm going to make mini blueberry muffins with a crumble top and fill a beautiful bowl with fresh strawberries. :) I'm also thinking of making dark chocolate orange oatmeal cookies too....we shall see.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 05:11 PM

You're always busy with something - we look forward to what you have to share!

Daffodils are poking up, the green, not the flowers yet, but there is a particularly early patch of white iris on a south-facing slope of campus that are blooming happily now. It's hardly like we had a winter here.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 04:08 PM

I need to start reading and posting here again.

But not today. I wrote an incredibly long email summation of the past few weeks and I'm about written out.

Linn

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 16 - 08:06 PM

Dorothy, you're using the thermostatic plugs? They are a great way to keep unattended areas from freezing and not running an expensive space heater all of the time. I have one going in the greenhouse right now. For those who aren't aware, you can buy these cube-type plugs that you plug your heater into and if the temperature gets to 39^o it lets the current flow to the heater and turns off when the area reaches 50^o. They're meant for well houses, barns, greenhouses, etc.

I'm finishing up a barter arrangement this week, doing some video work in exchange for dance lessons. And I've been researching the possibilities of writing a few freelance articles, but for work. The topics are to do with work currently going on and new developments in the building. We would queue up with other freelancers to sell the idea, but may have a boost up by being members of these professional organizations. The key word is "writing." Something I want to get back to.

Time to start planting the garden, and I think I'll rent a tiller this year. Last summer we had so much rain that it made the soil very compacted. I need to loosen it up, and in places where I chose not to plant last summer, give it a good working over.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jan 16 - 05:22 PM

Beaver: But sitting in Tim Horton's due to lack of signal.

Good weekend of good music and visits. Not much else - Dishes washed! So, on Monday, I announced BF out - so there would be no mess and I could get on the road. And so it came to pass. Arrived back about 3:30, cleared ashes from stove, got a fire going, checked Bathroom for heat - YAY! the new outlet did work and the room was above freezing! The house was about 32F! Af. violets and poinsettia did not like it that cold but others were fine. Nothing froze under the sinks. Thanks to "Acme" for the idea!

Dashed off to a meeting at A Place for the Arts - pretty good meeting - major issue of communication was well addressed and today there were excellent emails letting us know what is happening! - De-cluttering an issue that was weighing on me.

Unloaded car, found temp spots for everything. Picked up formica for Hoosier cabinet's counter, started removing the ceramic tiles, de-cluttered the hair on my head at Gary's - a couple months overdue! Brought in LOTS of wood and cleared deck of soft ice and snow, twice. Scotch mist and sometimes rain and sleet. Yicky but just at freezing/not freezing point. Colder tonight. Almost 5:30 and still light!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jan 16 - 12:12 PM

Bread rising, laundry is in. Decluttering some virtual stuff I've needed to work on for a while.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 16 - 09:21 AM

There are several of us who can describe the issues that come with collecting fabric - where even the ugliest piece can be "used for something" and is kept. :)

I decided this morning was the time to turn over the foam topper on my very heavy latex mattress. This mattress is one of three that was ordered by a friend - the first one arrived and had a flaw (cosmetic, but since it was expensive, that wasn't acceptable). They said don't return the first one, and the sent another, also with a flaw. He ended up with three of these. Two went to use in his house, the third was in the garage for a while, but I finally asked for it and after much heaving and dragging we moved it into my house. And when it leaves it will be worn out and cut into pieces because it weighs a ton. Anyway, each of these comes with a 4" foam topper to help give it a more normal mattress feel and the right height, and they need to be turned every so often. Finished.

The birds are finally hanging out on and under the feeders at the side of the driveway so I'm filling them every couple of days. I see a lot of the large seeds and nuts from one mix I bought are too big for most of the birds (and squirrels haven't discovered it yet - once they do, there goes the big stuff). A bag of the black oil sunflower seeds is probably all I need to keep most of these guys happy. I have a gift certificate for my favorite feed store and have compiled a list of items so I can use the certificate all at once. It says they will run a store credit, but in fact, I found last time I had one of these they prefer you use it all at once. Dog stuff, garden stuff, bird stuff ought to take care of it.

This week I programmed my battery backup for the computer and last night was the first test - I set it to turn itself off on early Saturday morning and turn itself back on a few hours later. It worked, and the software has the computer resume all of it's activities so every screen that was open is there again when you turn the computer back on. Good job!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Jan 16 - 11:39 PM

Mill:
Got here in good time, turned up heat, lamented the frozen plants in the sun room; have not yet removed them. Spent a couple hours with GEri and settled into computer and book for evening.

Late morning today; tunred up heat in studio, hoping to get some work done. Then turned it down as needed to go fetch good meat and stopped for visit with potter. Looked through two bins of fabric and sorted some from one in the other to take back to Beaver. Will take sewing machine this time. Healthy lunch/supper, made choc covered ginger for Robin and went off to music. Maybe tomorrow, I can spend time making pots and de-clutter the sunroom of dead plants - maybe. Kind of sad as they had been blooming beautifully.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 16 - 07:18 PM

The weekend is here, as is a huge winter storm. I hope all of our northern and eastern US and Canada participants stay safe and warm. There may be activities around the house that are rewarding while staying indoors and avoiding the harsh weather. And cooking! Do lots of hearty cooking.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 16 - 12:10 AM

I also thought the autonomous gardener was a good move.

It is more difficult to lose weight in cold weather - if you can keep from gaining that is probably the easiest strategy.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Jan 16 - 09:22 PM

Beaver:
GEtting ready to depart tomorrow. I was at the point of reneging but one of our fav groups is playing at the Cafe on Saturday so... Unfortunately my pottery student has no time to work so she will have to wait until February when I go back for Geri's house concert. Plants are in the bathroom and I have looked around for what might freeze and needs to be put under the sink. Now I am feeling mentally ready to go. Will leave about 10 am so I can get there and warm it up!

Wrote a letter to the editor re the Student Art Show and sent it to two papers. Response from one, "Great letter!" So I guess it will go. Had a long talk with volunteer coordinator about resigning and putting my energy into something more socially useful than an art gallery - the board has decided not to do any more student shows. I consider this the most important show. We talked about some other things also. I will not leave them in a lurch but I did cancel one day in mid Feb to give myself more time to travel and be there for the house concert. I signed up for a different day. Could I de-clutter myself of being hyper-responsible?

Started to make a healthy lunch and remembered it was Weds so turned off stove and dashed off to meet my antique dealing friends to de-clutter my car of all the boxes I collected for them. Good, short, visit. Then returned a "shower rod", the second one that did not work so I just got a refund. Will get another one later. Stopped for good bread at one store and more at another. Then home to do lunch. Brought in a lot of stove wood.

Then I ate 5 large choc chip cookies, first in 2 or 3 weeks. Phooey. Have not lost an ounce! Hour conversation with friend de-clutering herself of abusive husband; fortunate to have a super supportive family.

Supper: delicious sweet potato, sliced and nuked with lots of ginger and some apples with cinnamon. apple slices and brie for dessert. Soon I shall load up the stove with wood and go to bed to de-clutter the tiredness! .

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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 06:04 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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!