Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: mg
Date: 13 Feb 16 - 05:25 PM

I think there are points in between the extremes. I suggest more or less the !o n mari method..or categories rather than rooms. Think volume..get sofas gone before clothespins...there is danger of losing steam if you empty a room or even a closet..that approach would not work for me. Just keep lightening the load and keep nothing the kids might want unless they ask you too.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Feb 16 - 10:21 AM

I have done some of that, Mary. I had a futon that I liked and used as a sofa, but it was so big that I didn't have much use of the rest of the room, so I donated it to Salvation Army. I tried selling it on Craig's List, but that place is a crap shoot - no matter how low the price, they always wanted to push it lower (or if they said they wanted it they never turned up), so I simply donated it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 14 Feb 16 - 06:27 PM

Mill:
There is a great deal to be said for saving time and energy by simply donating stuff. There is also a great deal to be said for just moving to another house! It has given me such a strong motivation to not clutter a very small house. But I also have the option of leaving stuff in storage here at the mill as I decide what to take along to Beaver. Two as early in the spring as possible projects will be improving the two storage sheds at the back of Beaver so the large plastic bins which contain summer/winter clothes/bedding have a home there. Also bins of sewing materials that I cannot yet give up. Only a couple more pieces of furniture have places in Beaver. Excess will need to be dispensed with somehow. I will be taking some more with me this return trip as there is still some space available for books and papers.

The jury is in: a pasta meal definitely is not a good thing for me. Friday night at the café and again last night at the house concert – each resulted in an afternoon nap of some length and totally sleepiness. I had de-cluttered it from my life re my own cooking and now will do without in public. Two totally wrecked afternoons.

I did manage to trim some pots before lunch yesterday. Still a bunch to go but will have to do tomorrow. The heater in the studio is failing to de-clutter the excessive cold sufficiently to work in there. Ann's car would not start so I suggested she just stay home. About -28C last night.

The larger heater in LR is running almost non-stop. Very noisy but it beats being cold. Still, I am wrapped in mohair throw. We went to the store – my car started! – and collected salad and soup makings. Salad is eaten; celery soup, with added chunks of chicken breast, is simmering. R is sleeping!

Beautiful sunny day and stayed light until close to 6 with a lovely rosy glow on the horizon. Compensation for the bitter cold? Tonight is predicted to be the end of the cold spell. Tonight will be mostly reading - after the soup.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Feb 16 - 11:23 PM

City:
Horrible day: trying to get pots trimmed,trying to find a place to stay tomorrow night in or near Ottawa as we have to be there for 8:30 am. Finally tried airbnb. Signal was so bad, the computer was slower than molasses... I would go trim a pot or two and come back hoping it had accessed the next page. 4 hours! Then I tried to register - paid and then "verify identity". I do not speak the same language! Cannot provide adequate pic of ID. Cannot get intelligible instructions. Do not know whether or not I have satisfied the criteria, whether or not we have a place to sleep.

Then, pots finished, I packed up and drove to city. House was 49F. R came home and, after some time, announced we had no water in the K and the lines to the laundry are broken.Then he went off to end to a different building. I am very cluttered -annoyed, discouraged, tired, fed up and more. Ate popcorn for "supper" with some humus. Going to bed with clothes on.

Clutter can be seriously caused by not doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 16 Feb 16 - 08:10 AM

Sounds like a trip to the library to use their modem, and try turning off and restarting the modem and router at the mill or wherever that bad signal was evident.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Feb 16 - 09:13 AM

I cleaned up my medical supply yesterday. I had a lot of medications that I no longer take so they have all been disposed of. I also tidied up my diabetic supply area..looking great!

Michelle

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

I'm assuming that is a very good thing, that you're not using all of those medications?

I stepped next door to look into the connectivity problems on my neighbor's laptop. She got it last year after I pronounced the last computer dead (well, too expensive to fix, a new one would be cheaper, faster, you know the drill. . . ) and it came with Win 8.1. Last week we decided to download Win 10 (she asked, I didn't suggest it.) I went through the steps, set it up so she doesn't have to log on with all of the Microsoft nonsense and saved her preferences. I was back on the weekend because she couldn't get it to display her desktop properly, and we discovered it had switched to "tablet mode" when she was playing Solitaire. (This computer makes suggestions - don't automatically say "yes"!) This evening it was the WiFi that had disconnected because somehow Airplane mode was on. I finally got it to connect after fiddling with setting and then turning everything on and off a couple of times.

She said it has just been one of those days - her stove has been rocking so she had to practically stand on her head to turn the little adjustable foot on the front corner, and had the plumber over because the washer was overflowing.

She paused after this recitation and asked "Have you installed Windows 10 into your computer yet?" I waited a beat, and answered, "no, I'm waiting till I work out all of the bugs in yours first." I think she'd been needing a good laugh all day - that sure brought it out!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Feb 16 - 04:23 PM

City:
Had a laugh at the comment about waiting to see... All my efforts to upgrade have been good and not so great. Keep hoping I will figure it out.

The slowness continued after I got to the city on Monday eve. The saga of airbnb continued with me writing scathing comments - finally on the FB page and finally getting my "badge" late Tuesday aft. Too late, imo, to book for that night so I passed on it. R got home about 6 and we got ready to leave, stopped for a good meal - the smartest thing we did!

Phoned Geri just before leaving and she had a virtual fit - "You can't go to Ottawa Tonight!"Apparently a snow storm... But Montreal was fine and there was no choice - I had to make my appointment. The 2 hour trip to Ottawa took FOUR! Blowing snow, transports passing so close I could have touched them, two hands on the wheel all the time, did not dare change seat adjustment, kept wiggling and changing position and trying to relax various muscles...

May have been the worst trip on my life. It de-cluttered me of two days energy and totally cluttered my body with mini-pains, aches, etc. The highway only had enough snow for danger; the city streets were a morass of un-plowed snow. Finding a place to sleep was another hour. My phone rang at 6:41 - wrong number but not so bad because it helped me wake up and face the day. And the $95 parking ticket! "Oh yes, there is parking!" Right!

Took half an hour to find the building - just a few blocks away - rush hour and unfamiliarity with the city and its profusion of one way streets = all the wrong direction! AND the morass of snow!

Thankfully, we were not the last to arrive and the staff were super nice and the ceremony was gracious and friendly and - very Canadian. And I, de-cluttered of all the hoops I went through to get there, am now a Canadian citizen. (And still a US citizen.)

R drove us home - 3 hours because he took a back road! Then I went to bed - just to be horizontal instead of sitting in the car! Apart from a two hour stint deleting emails, I was in bed until this am when I awoke feeling good. I was amazed!

Glad, as I drove through the storm, that there was not an airbnb host waiting for us. Sometimes things work out for the better. I drove because I have the better night vision. R slept; he was still tired and came home about 7 pm to nap, then watch the news. I still feel close to tears just thinking of that trip.

However, this am R de-cluttered the LR of a whole bunch of stuff so I no longer feel entrapped in a nightmare! This episode included me, "I divorce you...x3" and him laughing, "Finally!" Off he went with stuff for the friperie(thrift shop) because he has a bunch more to take from another venue!!! He also put a heater in the "basement, preparatory to repairing the water lines to the laundry. I'll try doing the laundromat thing down near the mill tomorrow - LOTS of laundry!

Long phone call with Hannah: I suggested a supplement for her Mom's increasing dementia and she convinced me my coughing is just what she has - severe postnasal drip to be dealt with by salt water cleanings. If I can de-clutter that it will improve life - less coughing - more sleep/rest. And she suggested glazing ideas for the next batch of pottery - to be glazed this weekend. That helped me not have to think about it! De-cluttered the brain!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Feb 16 - 07:30 PM

Jeremiah and I spent a few hours organizing his books and going through my collection of magazines...tossing many. I also cleaned out Pete's largest magazine rack.....dusted off, sorted out, chucked way outdated catalogs.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Feb 16 - 10:02 PM

I've located files I'd forgotten about that are useful in compiling a list of the various publications I've worked on over the years. Go looking for one thing and find another, isn't that always the case?

Congratulations on the last step to citizenship, Dorothy!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Feb 16 - 11:18 AM

As the weather warms the drifts of dog hair are growing larger faster, requiring a combination of brushing the dogs and then vacuuming the house.

Bird seed is starting to sprout in my garden, so I've pulled out the stirrup hoe to work the top inch of soil and knock down the various seedlings while they're small. I think I've gotten most of the bird foraging of bugs in the garden that I'm going to get for now, so I'll gradually move the hanging bird feeders to different locations a bit away from the actual garden itself. I have a lot of feed left to distribute, so until it's gone, I'll keep the feeders operational. An acquaintance on campus used to talk about a "feeding table" she had up that attracted a huge number of birds - I'd have to figure out how to construct such a thing (maybe put edging on a plank of plywood then set it atop an empty bird bath?)

My seeds are starting to sprout in the greenhouse. I have a lot of decluttering to do out there to get ready for the full-fledged gardening season, so some of that will happen today. The garage needs clearing out, the sun room needs clearing out . . .

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Feb 16 - 11:05 PM

Mill:
NO laundromat in Huntingdon! or Ormstown. R managed to pull the washing machine out of storage so I could do two loads - his! dried it on a rack in front of LR heater. The rest will go to Beaver to be done there. Washer here has to go back into heated space until warmer weather. Fortunately today is above freezing; rained ALL day. De-cluttered most of the snow.

Did bisque firing yesterday, glazed and firing again tonight. Tried some new glaze combos on small pieces. De-cluttered the shelves quite a bit. Can do another glaze firing tomorrow. A shop took a bunch of pots on Friday! Helped de-clutter back of car.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 16 - 03:18 PM

Wow, having to unpack the washer - that's rough living!

There were two pots of agave on my patio forever, rootbound for sure, that are now in place beyond the back fence overlooking the creek. If they are able to get some roots going soon they'll withstand the occasional high water back there, and will hopefully stabilize the bank some more. This crosses an item off of the list on my fridge.

I pruned an invasive Nandina (no more planting those as decorative landscaping, they apparently are now a huge pest plant in some areas) and put compost on the asparagus. I'm working on setting up a watering system much earlier than usual because things seem to be determined to grow now instead of a few weeks from now when they would usually be getting started.

Dog hair vacuuming in time for trash day tomorrow. Laundry finished, kitchen clean. More bananas thawing to make banana bread for the upcoming week. I made a big batch of spaghetti sauce last night but I wish I'd scooped out the tomato skins first. I'll be picking those out each time I want to use some of this. I should have just pureed it and no problem, but now all of the chunky bits are in and I don't want to puree all of that.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Feb 16 - 09:29 PM

Beaver!
Having a washing machine at all is a luxury! Pulling it out of storage got the job done! I shall do the rest here; maybe tomorrow. eraniums are fine but the more tender plants may not have made it. The bathroom was not as warm as it needed to be. There were some VERY cold nights.

The house was about 38F when I got here about 3:30. By 5 pm, the air in the house was 70 but the furniture is still cold! Arrived, shoveled snow to make a parking space, unloaded car, set up computer, found I had a meeting in 3 minutes and went off with a piece of cheese to sustain me. Decent meeting; I might know what happened when I read the minutes!6 people talking at once prevents me from understanding anyone.

Time to de-clutter exhaustion! Bedtime!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST, ^*^
Date: 23 Feb 16 - 08:21 AM

There is a nursery I drive past some days on my way to work that seems to have steel 55 gallon drums for sale. It's tempting* to use one of those as a burning barrel - with compost, recycling, and burning there would rarely be any trash to go to the curb. Too bad I can't opt out of the rubbish part of the city fee (water, sewer, trash). I put a small amount of trash at the curb every two weeks (they pick up twice a week). The one exception is that I use the quarterly bulky waste pickup once a year to get rid of large tree limbs and brush I don't have time or equipment to chip. This spring I'll put out bulky stuff after I cut up some of those limbs with a reciprocating saw so they're the right size for the trash guys.

*Tempting but probably not good for air quality, at least not if all of us were burning our trash.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 16 - 11:36 PM

A soaking cold rain drove me indoors for a couple of days, but I didn't do much around the house.

I'm harvesting the first few asparagus already, and they've been delicious. Potatoes haven't sprouted yet, but after today's rain I expect to see leaves soon. And I'll plant beans this weekend.

There is some kind of community garage sale coming up, so I may pull a few odds and ends out of the garage to contribute to that. I don't envision doing my own garage sale any time soon but there are things stored in the garage because they need to be sold or donated.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Feb 16 - 01:20 PM

Posts have been skimpy - any lurkers who want to add remarks about successful thinning out of personal items, feel free to share!

Soon we will enter the season of Garage Sales. It's a great temptation to pick up items, but I usually only shop for parts to replace broken things or to complete sets. And sometimes pick up items I'm familiar with and can immediately sell on eBay.

This morning it took time to bring the kitchen back to a relatively clear state, since dishes had piled up in the sink and stuff was left sitting on the peninsula counter. It's warming up and the garden is calling, but before heading out I'll put in a load of laundry and lug my recycling out to the car.

The "no spend challenge" that Michelle remarked on has been running in a modified form here - I didn't read up about it so I don't know exactly what the standard rules are one should follow. Making it up as I go along, it has been helpful in drawing down the stuff in my freezer, even though there is still a lot left. I have shopped a couple of times, to replace things that ran out completely that I consider staples. Olive oil, fresh fruit and veggies, etc. But it has been remarkable successful in calling my attention to my previous spending habits, as I now pause to consider "is that purchase necessary?" It reveals to me the backlog of items I have here at the house that can accomplish the same thing as a newly-purchased item.

I'm going to try an experiment - if I have any tomatoes in the freezer that were frozen without cooking, I'm going to pull out some of the seeds and see if any will germinate. I have lots of spare pots in the greenhouse so I'll set aside a garden science corner.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 27 Feb 16 - 05:38 PM

Hello Acme, I'll delurk if you like.

I'm hoping to list the house for sale in about 3 months. This in itself has given me a shot of urgency that I guess I needed long before now. So I've declared a 100 day plan in effect, and every morning I post on the bulletin board a tag with a big fat number (the days left). Below that is/are one or more half-sheet(s) of colorful paper with the main thing to be done that day, also big and bold. Sort of an army style 'Orders of the Day'. Anywhere from 1-4 major objectives; DECLUTTER or SCAN or ERRANDS or BILLS, etc. Just helps me focus on the main thing. It sounds stupid but it has been helpful for keeping on track.

This week I finally got some bulky things moving; got the car out of the driveway, for someone else to hopefully sell, since horsetrading is not my forte. Also a couple pieces of furniture and a couple of instruments went to good homes. And eBaying, which has taken a ridiculous amount of time and grief to figure out, has finally started generating some sales, although not much help with the bulky stuff. Still appallingly large amounts of things to get out of here.

Having fun figuring out how to use things up, in hopes of emptying the medicine cabinet, chest freezer, etc. Who knew commercial meatballs and homemade onion soup from the freezer were a match made in heaven? Who knew that half-bar of bitter chocolate would be perfect for a half-batch of an old family recipe I haven't tasted in 40 years? Lots of interesting things happen when you set out to clear out.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 16 - 10:27 AM

Where in the world (!) are you, Patty? US, UK, Australia, etc. Some may be able to recommend methods of clearing out or selling.

eBay is an obstacle course, and it is time consuming, but when you get momentum going it is a nice way to add to the PayPal account. I just discovered something yesterday that will sell that I was considering taking to the recycle bin at city hall. It would be fastest to do that, but I can also fairly easily put a handful of vintage travel brochures at a time out, take a group photo, and post them at a fairly low price. I am still trying to grow my score at eBay (not up to 500). And small things like this help with the feedback so if you have something big to sell people can look at your detailed feedback score. It is a lot of work, but people make a living at it, or supplement income.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Feb 16 - 10:23 PM

My attention is thoroughly focused on the garden these days; it's simply much more interesting than housework. Rainy days will be designated for declutter. But since some of the yard stuff constitutes clutter, I made progress as far as the list on my fridge. Dead branches from the wild patch behind the fence (overlooking the creek) were removed, broken up, and are either ready for the trash pickup (too large for my chipper) or are stacked for the next afternoon of making hardwood chips for garden mulch. And I put in the seeds for bush beans.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 29 Feb 16 - 10:28 PM

Well, I am in the southern US, so no Freecycle or some of the more interesting outlets. I've got access to a consignment shop that accepts a narrow range of clothing and decor, but yes Ebay seems to be more practical for generating cash from a wide variety of things. I admire your feedback score if you're up to 500, I think I'm at 6!

And yes, it is amazing how some things you think are worth selling are in fact not worth it, yet other seemingly insignificant items around the house actually have an active market. For example, I did not realize there is an enormous market for used shoes online; seems screwy, but I guess with new prices the way they are it's an important resource for people.   

Today's adventure was opening up my late husband's guitar case, discovering there is a battery inside the Takamine, it's a combo acoustic electric. I went to remove the ancient strings to get to the battery lest it start leaking, but the darn thing has tight bridge pins, and I don't want to damage it by trying to plier them out.   

So, I guess it's time to go see the guitar shop, get them to get the thing tested and strung, and/or make me an offer. Not looking forward to it, but can't put these things off any more. And maybe the guitar guy can advise me on who can take a fiddle off my hands.

Who knows the best way to clean some old microphones? Coupla AKGs that are made of kind of a pale golden metal, I am hoping alcohol will clean up the garage-band crud without harming the metal. Guess I'll test a little spot and see what happens.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Mar 16 - 07:51 AM

You might want to look in Mudcat's Tech: threads and see if there is anything about the microphone maintenance. People talk about selling instruments every so often, so find an existing one or start a new one (above the line) and see what advice you get.

If you have things that fit their list of acceptable donations, the Salvation Army will send their truck out to pick up everything. Take photos and get a donation slip from them and take it off of your taxes. (Schedule A) - and if you need, you don't need to take all of the donation credit in one year. Or you can add a couple of years' worth together (check the form instructions, they tell you about this).

If you are on facebook, there are local selling groups that are apparently more reliable than Craig's List.

My score isn't 500 at eBay, that's the next target. I'm somewhere around 300. There is the "local pickup" option on eBay, so you might want to try listing some items that way, and have a friend come over to the house to be there when the party arrives to pick it up. Get the PayPal payment before they come over, to be sure they're for real.

I hope this helps!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Mar 16 - 03:09 PM

Beaver/Ar Gallery

After about a week of no signal at home, and lengthy times spent at Tim Horton's for their signal, I took the modem to Patricia who pronounced it dead. SO I will go get a nw one, hopefully today. When my new bill came from Bell a few days ago, I looked at it long enough to realize it was not being paid automatically as was s'pozed to happen. In the process I saw that the Feb bill was much higher. A call to a nice man at Tech and we realized it was all that upgrading! Ouch. Talk about "no spend"! But it is done now and I still need to sort myself into foxfire more completely. Still using it plus Safari. I shall be happy not to need to be at Timmy's - not as comfortable as home.

Meanwhile, the cold weather has not motivated me to do much else at home but starting tomorrow we are to have a milder week! The foot of snow that came down on top of freezing rain of a couple days earlier.... I have been house bound 3 days in the last week - with no internet. Instead of DOING things, I read several novels. Cold grey days are highly un-motivating.

It has helped in the no spend area! And I did get some small organizing things accomplished, and wrote two segments of my proposed newspaper column this am. A lot going on in my brain while I "did nothing". I had to call for a snow plow to get out on Weds night. I was well dug out and the municipal plow came along and thoroughly snowed me in. After some shoveling, I went in and phoned the Employment Centre for help. Enough is enough. getting wood in has been daunting enough. WOOD SHED for next year!!!!! Shoveled a path to the studio- one shovel wide. Never mind the storage shed. Bought a strong metal ice breaker just to break up the icy snow so I could move it.

I am SO looking forward to the predicted 40's and 50s of next week!

Not losing weight but getting exercise, getting stronger so I can garden when the ground comes back out from under.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 16 - 12:26 PM

I could use more stretching and dexterity exercises, I feel it when I do some of the heavy lifting chores around the yard and garden. I'll get a cardio workout this afternoon when I mow the back yard.

A friend is moving out of her house and has help with the final logistics today, but doesn't want to sleep on the loveseat at her son's house tonight so will stay here. She's between houses (her son is soon moving into a new house, and she'll move in there with his family) as she simplifies life (after a head injury the upkeep and many chores were too much). It should be interesting, she has a small puppy. Of my three, two love other dogs, one, not so much. Since one of my dogs used to be one of her dogs, I'll be curious to see if he tries to go sleep on her bed (he and the others sleep in the living room or in the garage).

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Mar 16 - 06:34 PM

Beaver:

Beautiful thawing day!!! New modem, as off today. Cancelled bloomin' Bell; How they try to keep you - what about this, or that PHOOEY! And I kept saying "I just want to cancel!" Done! Now if anything goes wrong, Patricia can mediate. She was wonderful on the phone with the Telus guy in Central America and tells me she got me a great rate - because of all the business she does with them. De-cluttered my wallet and my stress level. Fair trade.

I did get some things into better places and sorted a good bit so the house is ready for the next load. Supposed to be above freezing for the next week! I shall go to Quebec tomorrow and try to complete some pottery for my son; birthday on 1 April, I might make it! May be able to send him bagels as well.

I can now see a few sf of the deck. Pink glow in the west.

Thought I had closed up the places Sassy gets down from upstairs but still manages!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Mar 16 - 08:27 PM

My friend Susie decluttered herself of an entire house, but it wasn't without a lot of drama. She spent the weekend with me, and her little dog too (who, I just discovered, found a corner to poo in, rather than wait till we could send her into the yard). :-(

She's a free agent this month, stuff in storage, mostly spending time with her sister several states away. When she returns she'll have to find a place, and I'd hope a number of folks will counsel her that she's better off keeping family and not stressing over the furniture. If they don't want family heirlooms, that's sad, but it's sadder to be estranged from family over it.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Mar 16 - 07:59 PM

Mill:
Came down on Tuesday to get some pots mad. Have done so. Will make more but have a good bunch drying. Sorting out bits and pieces here to take back to Beaver. Scanned some photos and put aside a bunch to send to one sun with the pottery I shall send him next week. Hope to finish the pots for #2 son and send them along with bagels for his birthday. This is the pottery that was a fiasco last year: I sent it to wrong address and after USPS said it would be sent to corrected, it came back to Canada in myriad pieces - and a return cost of $50. I will get the address correct this time! And package even better. I think it was used as a football on the return trip!

The warmer weather is helpful! Most of snow it gone and there are things coming up in the flower bed - very protected against a concrete wall, facing south. Rather miss being at Beaver to watch the thaw there. The de-cluttering of winter is a wonderful thing!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Mar 16 - 08:43 AM

The dog hair is piling up in the house but the garden calls - we are into the season of nice weather spent outside, rainy weather spent indoors. I don't think we had any snow this winter, and only saw hail one time. We're still in the zone where a late frost could clobber a lot of stuff, so we have our collective fingers crossed here. All of the potatoes are sprouting, onions are in, and seeds are going in this week.

I have some things that didn't sell on eBay, and other things that have waited for a garage sale that just isn't going to happen, all going into the donation bin.

The USPS folks can trash items, no doubt about it. Years ago someone managed to fold a flat box with a hardcover book and jam it into my post office box. There was no way I could pull it past the rim, so I had one of them pry it out from their side, then complained to the manager. He just shrugged and showed it to a couple of people and said "don't do it again." The idea that someone had the strength to bend the book but not the intelligence to know not to do it meant there was a strong stupid person loose on the street. :-/

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Mar 16 - 08:30 PM

Mill:
Pottery drying. Planning to get a bunch of stuff in various geographical areas over the next couple days; very busy three days planned, hopefully. "planted potatoes" - threw them on the ground in one of the beds, covered with straw and some soil and walked away. They are protected against a south wall and will either grow or not. Of the many plants in the sunroom - ONE geranium survived the freeze! And the asparagus fern and sedum. That geranium is a lovely red and I have hopes of regaining some as it grows.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 16 - 12:27 AM

Under the heading "all things are created equal," I've managed to find projects to work on and finish here that were equally important when compared to projects that require the purchase of new or additional materials. So I've extended this "no spend challenge" into this month by simply looking for parts purchased and stashed in the garage or greenhouse or laundry room, and finish the projects they were intended for. It's good for morale and good for the pocketbook. Most recent project, adding a lower shelf to the potting bench I use every spring and summer. I doubled the space by identifying the old lumber to use as slats, with a cross-member to hold them in place, drilling a few holes and inserting carriage bolt anchors. My plants will be happy.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Mar 16 - 08:49 PM

Mill:
We are pretty good at the "no spend", rarely buying anything new when something from a thrift shop will do. I am getting better at avoiding thrift shops lately. Do not feel as though I need anything. Just need to sort out what I have and jetison as much as possible.

Busy week: three days in Montreal getting things done: finalized passport application, visited friend who bought enough pots to pay for passport! Much needed new cord for Mac, various food stuffs and down to mill for music. Another trip to good butcher for their nitrite-free sausages - this lot to take to Beaver - and visit to local potter where I obtained much needed supplies and a bottle of purple underglaze to try out. Went to our fav pizza place and --- the pizza knocked us both out for several hours so we missed the Saturday eve music event, did not get glazing done, and forgot to go to the farm market today. Worse than the pasta last month. That was NOT de-cluttering!

Glazed today and a firing is underway, with 3 trial pieces. Second glaze firing will have to wait 'til next trip. Four loads of laundry done; drying has been tedious. Dishes need to be washed before I leave for Beaver in the morning. Looking forward to seeing how much the snow has de-cluttered up there! There is none here though we had another inch yesterday. Still below freezing nights.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: MAG
Date: 21 Mar 16 - 05:17 PM

Haven't posted for awhile, tho' I do silently read at times

I have been absolutely nuts getting ready for Our annual weekend gathering for singing:

trying to herd a bunch of very opinionated volunteers

last minute drastic changes

etc etc

I am eating over it, which is a disaster as I have an overeating disorder.

yes, our bulbs and other flowers are all up here in Portland; today is the first day of spring; I am about to print out a bunch of lyrics which i will have to read out this weekend since i have not had any time to learn them off book;

life is good. life is good. life is good.

MA, whose back is killing her from yanking out the dandelions. (They come up so easily when the ground is saturated ...)

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 08:57 PM

Beaver:
Neglected to mention the bagel/pottery mailing excursion to NYS: de-cluttered wallet, and my mind of wanting to send the sons pottery and bagels. Phone call from #1 today full of thanks and extolling the beauty of the bowls I sent him. He was talking with mouth full of bagel! I will be making more of that style. I also sent family pics to each so that de-clutters me a bit. I know #1 will keep nothing unless he really wants it!

During the drive from Quebec, I watched the clouds in the sky and thought about how to glaze to approximate that. And thought about it today as I was at the Gallery. I am getting some good ideas and need to make a bunch of flattish white bowls to try on. Then saw on FB an incredible plate on which a long ago potter did exactly what I want. Light at the end of the tunnel; experimentation is in my future!

Starting to sort the piles of stuff I brought newly here: a box of stuff I have not seen since it was packed on Whidbey 7 years ago. Some useful objects, some definite keepers, some need to be put away until the other pieces of whatever it is show up!

Tomorrow will be a clearing up day - of stuff I brought and arranging car repairs and getting back into gear re some writing. I found it impossible to think "here" while I was "there". Even failed to email to renew a book here. This is a de-cluttering of the brain - too hard to think of both. Be here now is the idea and then be here now, there!

It is snowing - since 5 pm - so I will not be thinking potting for a few days. Maybe I can re-do those 4 directors chairs.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 16 - 10:20 PM

Good to hear from you, Mary Ann! It sounds like you're enjoying yourself! And Dorothy, watch out for those carbs!

I dropped off items at a thrift donation station, and am back to documenting each donation (a photo is pasted into a Word document to itemize each piece, state a garage sale or eBay price, then file it).

We had a huge hail storm here last week, so it knocked some of my plans for a loop - I took several days off to work in the garden, but mostly cleaned up millions of twigs and branches strewn over the yard. The car was in the garage and the roof is new and hurricane rated, so we're okay. It was the noisiest storm I've ever heard, and the dogs were very unhappy during the 20 minutes of pounding by hail stones up to golf ball size.

Today I set up the automated sprinkler timer thing in the back yard, with only two zones watered by it right now. Next weekend I'll probably have to extend the range as I put in more plants and start some things by seed. Spring arrived with an overnight frost after a very warm winter. The soil is probably warm enough now that I can plant my tomatoes.

My kitchen counter/peninsula is completely cleared as of last weekend, and I'm trying to keep both it and the kitchen sink free of stuff piling up. much of the mail that comes to the house goes straight into the recycle bin, and I have a basket for the few pieces I actually have to do something with.

I'm back doing the alternate day fasting, and with the weather we've had, I get plenty of exercise mowing the lawn a couple of times a week. There are always a few pounds to declutter. My fitness routine has always been a "no spend" one.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Mar 16 - 03:03 PM

Beaver:
Still recouping from trip but most of this trip's load of stuff is put away - pile set aside to send to #1 son and a couple shopping bags full for thrift shops. Back to snow clearing and bringing in wood! Snowed a couple inches on Tuesday, melted on Weds and has been snowing all day today. Plow just went up the hill and back.Took car in for service this morning - noisy exhaust and oil change.

Checked at Township about paying taxes on line but took a second call to credit union - Done! Emsiled friends re getting more work done here - after the snow stops! Great visit with friends yesterday aft, supper at Chinese and we went to the movie at Place for the Arts - Black Swan, a horror!

The latest Af violet had made two trips to Quebec and back on the front seat and is doing nicely! A lot of pleasure for $1.49!

The south wall of house is/was clear of snow and soon will be again. Then I can dig up a comfrey for neighbours in Quebec. Chickpeas in slow cooker. Today's storm may or may not be bad.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: MAG
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 12:38 PM

Cat has clean box, car is packed, one last check around before i take off for a weekend that is always a blast!

Did i mention that squirrels got into my garage? sleeping bag and various garden supplies not toast. I'll deal w/ it when i get back ...

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Donuel
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 05:08 PM

The great purge to prepare for old age begins this spring.

Any do's and dont's suggestions from the experts here???

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: pattyClink
Date: 25 Mar 16 - 10:22 PM

Donuel, are you talking about downsizing to a smaller place?   I'm not much of an expert, just bumbling along, and appalled at how much time can be consumed by just trying to empty out one very ordinary house.

A little progress this week. Several more shelves and a credenza were gone through and cleared out.   Several more boxes went to storage. Many albums got 'ripped' while I was doing other things.

A whole SUV full of printers and electronic crap went to the toxic waste collection place. And another SUV load of stuff got donated to the shop run by the women's shelter.   So yeah, feels good to have more living 'space' and to have tried a lot, even if a mountain still remains.

I was talking to the lady at the shop about how I was sure they didn't want winter clothes donations at this time, but she said no, they have offsite storage and they do take in the stuff whenever people can clean out their closets and then they'll hold it for fall. So that's good to know. Never assume...

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 16 - 12:23 AM

Don,

Are you moving? Do you have the leisure to sort and donate or sell what you don't want or need?

There is a book that I recommend to people, it helps not only declutter, but decide why you're keeping the things that you are, and if you really need to. Don Aslett's Clutter's Last Stand, found easily in many used bookstores, or used online.

If you have time to approach it logically, then you might enjoy the process. If you want it all done quickly in one fell swoop, then you need to plan how you'll identify the things that go, and what to do with them (donate is fastest, and you can get a tax credit depending on garage sale prices, ebay, consignment shop, etc. - you choose but document your reasoning and keep photos and information together in your tax files).

Good luck!

My tidy kitchen made it easy to fix an impromptu meal for five this evening. We kind of scrounged around in the freezer and pantry but ended up with a pretty good spread. And now all of the dishes are washed and the counter is once again clear. But the laundry from last week still hasn't been folded, so it isn't like I was efficient in all areas of housekeeping.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand Jan - Mar 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 16 - 01:18 PM

It's time to change name of this thread to keep it going. Our participation is slow but steady, so just having a declutter thread for 2016 is probably enough. We were ahead of the curve, discussing this before the most trendy books came out.

Last night my daughter and a couple of other friends were here for dinner, and afterward we dove into some of the trunks of antiques I brought back in the early 1980s from a great aunt's estate on the east coast. Every few years, as the kids grew (but in particular my daughter) we find new treasures that suit our current activities. As a theater arts major and costume designer, the late-Victorian hand-made bodices, skirts, and blouses are fascinating to her. And several of them fit her - it was amazing to see them on someone all of these years later. I still hold them here, but they are of course hers - so when she has a place where she can safely store these items, they'll move to a new home. And still probably smell like cedar chest and have fragments of antique ostrich plumes clinging to them.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Mar 16 - 11:10 PM

Beaver:
We have been walking on water the last couple days: the ice pellets formed a crust on the snow that even the car had trouble getting through. The sanding/plow truck had trouble getting up the hill yesterday morning and had to make 3 trips to get through and sand. I went no where until the evening when the roads were clear and I managed to get out of the driveway to go to the music. Whew!

Above freezing today and the deck is clear and the roof as well by early eve. Then I brought in some wood; I really hate water dripping on my head! It is still 40F and tomorrow meant to be warmer!!! That south side might get free of snow again. Today felt like the first day of spring - again! I wonder how many we shall have before actually having spring.

Wonderful pancake BF and flea market this am in Wilberforce and visits along the way back - dropping off boxes for antique store friends who always need them for shipping. I collect them from grocery when available.

R is on his way from Montreal with a larger frig and a small freezer - for freezing good local produce this summer. I did not get much done today after I got home as I thought he might be here by 6. He finally phoned about 8; I had a moment of considering de-cluttering my life... He might be here by midnight if he does not have to stop and sleep. Had I known sooner, I would have made some pots; the studio was still 60 at 7 pm from solar gain. Chicken is nicely cooked - for tomorrow! Goin' to bed!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 09:32 PM

Most of the weekend was unproductive - catching up on a DVD series I started watching via NetFlix. I found the public library has the programs also, and after a couple of tries figured out how they package them (a five disk season is in three boxes, vol 1 has 1 & 2, vol 2 has 3 & 4, and vol 3 has 1 disk.) NetFlix's streaming trumps running to the library, but the library beats waiting for two at a time from NetFlix to arrive through the postal mail.

Today the front lawn was mowed, and more importantly, I FINALLY got out there at the curb with the loppers and pruned the limbs of a huge rosemary bush out of the street. The village code enforcement folks would eventually come along and post a notice on the door saying plants need to be out of the street (even though it looks lovely and softens the edges of the landscaping). There was a lot of accumulated leaf mulch and compost under all of it (two wheelbarrows full) that is now shoveled into the front flower and asparagus bed.

Purchases are still in the minimal category - a garden hose, dog food, and gasoline this weekend. Last year I stretched a hose to water the vegetable garden but ruined a portion of it by driving over the top of it all summer (I've cut and mended it into shorter pieces) so I'm running a long hose around the garage and down the far side of the driveway this growing season.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 01:10 PM

Life has been busy here. Spring cleaning has started which includes going through my cupboards to get rid of things I simply don't use, going through Jeremiah's clothes and toys and today, the dreaded shoe rack. I don't want to go through it but I NEED to. The poor shoe rack is about to collapse, we can't find what we are looking for and for goodness sake, there are quite a few pairs of shoes that Jeremiah can't even wear anymore! It's mostly a collection of farm boots.....I'm gonna heave ho the ones that are long overdue. They are dusty and icky and I am going to move all of it and mop (after they have been sorted). It's almost as though no one but me sees it. I'm tired of looking at it and since it's not bothering anyone else,I guess I'll be the one to clean it out.

Easter weekend was fabulous for our family. We went to church and all of us participated in the service. It was supposed to be 60 and sunny yesterday and so we planned our Lawrence Family Easter Picnic. It was gray and cold. No matter....we enjoyed ourselves anyway...just cut the day a little short. I hope you all had a nice Easter as well!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Mar 16 - 09:28 PM

Beaver:

R arrived at midnight Saturday. With larger, but still small, frig and a mid sized freezer. Although Sunday was another "first day of spring", sunny and warm, we spent a great part of the day clearing ice and snow from deck and woodpile. R investigated the water heater problem but no stores open so ...

It started pouring in the night and rained all day until - "Oh, it stopped!" Then half an hour later is started snowing and did that until about 7 pm. Put a real damper on getting things done. And still a foot of snow on most of the yard.

The frig is in the K but needs a platform under it to make it convenient; R will build it any hour now. The freezer is on the shadiest part of the deck. I will ask B&T to put a roof over it. The hot water heater is working after a consult with our friend at the hardware store, and a new element.

BUT the pump for the mound septic has quit; that requires digging a hole to find the pump. We don't know where to dig and I asked R to go see the neighbour who grew up here - at 7 pm.... Then we both forgot. Now it is too late and tomorrow he will be at work. And R is supposed to go back to Montreal. Until that is fixed, the toilet cannot be flushed - we went to town to use facilities today!

Well, we had 3 good meals from the chicken and stuffing I cooked on Saturday.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 16 - 01:05 AM

I saw the photos on facebook, Michelle - it looks like your little guy had a lot of fun finding and opening those eggs.

Dorothy, sounds like you're gradually getting that place pulled together, but I hope you get the septic system working ASAP!

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Mar 16 - 05:04 PM

Well, I didn't get to the shoe rack yet.

I spent time spring cleaning the inside freezer today. Tomorrow we shall tackle the big one outside.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 16 - 08:43 PM

Dorothy, our mutual friend # sent me a note to pass along.

You might find these links helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhdRJ8KCB3E

There are also some excellent diagrams on Wikipedia

https://www.google.ca/search?
q=Images+for+mound+septic+system&rlz=1C1CHNY_enCA587CA5
87&oq=Images+for+mound+septic+system&aqs=chrome..69i57&sour
ceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Mar 16 - 08:15 PM

Beaver:
Thanks, M! Our mutual friend does have my very useful email address! I shall check out those sites and send them to R who went back to Montreal today. In the meantime, I will check the thrift shops for another commode.

In any case, we cannot do anything until the ground thaws . Tomorrow, I shall phone the former owner about it. We talked to her mother and she had some clues. I suspect the critical area is that where the snow left most quickly, both yesterday and a few weeks ago - before the storms. If it is really down four feet as we were told yesterday, I will seek someone to do the job sooner rather than later! And rather than R having to dig that much.

Wonderful to have the larger frig and it is on its sturdy pedestal so I don't have to get on my knees to it! I managed a bit more straightening up while R was here. The warmer weather and lessening snow cover enabled removal to outdoor sheds of some things. I have a bureau in the BR with nothing in it - R brought it and I am not sure I want it.... Things are reasonably tidy for now.

Snow is mostly gone BUT could happen again. The snowbirds are returning from points south - geese, humans and others.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Mar 16 - 01:06 PM

Beaver:
After a very slow start to this day, I remembered a conversation yesterday about using green tea for weather related discomfort. I found energy in a cup of green tea! And cleared a bunch of stuff in BR and K, worked on calendar for next few weeks, made phone calls re dentist and eye check appointments and the where of the septic pump - four feet out from bathroom window and ONLY 18 incHes down! SO happy!

R is safely in Montreal after a 15 hour trip with numerous fun and business related stops. It takes me five hours but he had fun!

There is a four inch deep moat outside the front door. If it ever stops raining, I shall move some of the crushed stone to this area! At least the drive is covered with stone, otherwise it would be a morass. That stone was a wonderful de-cluttering!

Now to the library.

Subject: RE: Yet More Clutter's Last Stand - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 16 - 01:01 PM

Now that we're into warm weather again it is much easier to make the alternate-day modified fast work as far as weight loss (regular eating one day, 500 calories in one or two small meals the next, repeat). And though I'm not quite there yet, I'm expecting a bump in energy level after the first few pounds drop away.

It's the same old story - there are about 30 pounds that need to go, and while I'm not near the weight I was several years ago, some of it has crept back slowly. One of these days I'll step on the scale, but not until I'm into some of the pairs of pants that have waited at the back of the closet for many months. :)

Weeding the garden, mowing (good activity on a fasting day), and transplanting. The house is a sea of dog hair, so I'll declutter that and empty the vacuum in time for tomorrow's trash pickup.

I don't expect to see as many people drop in now that you must be registered to share in the BS conversations, but good wishes, and do drop in if you get a chance, decluttering lurkers! You provide some of the best stories for everyone else to take inspiration from!