Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 12:34 PM

Duh. Something I've been doing for months now.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 10:00 AM

Gluten Free

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Aug 18 - 09:16 AM

What is GF? I haven't deciphered that one.

Little spits of rain here at the house but some damaging winds in surrounding areas. Our turn may come, rain is in the forecast through the weekend.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 10:24 PM

Ohio:

Kitchen order was restored this evening by putting two enormous plastic "refill" bins under the long kitchen table. One holds items traditionally stored in a PA laundry room cabinet: paper goods. The other holds items traditionally stored in a metal PA kitchen bin: bulk sizes of grains, starches, and GF pasta.

The clean Horde-wash formerly occupying these bins in the guest room closet went to the out of reach master BR closet top shelf. That freed up the large lower half of that closet, so Hardi can convert the guest room into his sewing room.

Taking the refill starches out of the kitchen pantry freed up plenty of room for GF soups I use as complete meals, which have been on sale at a fantastic price.

Hardi also built me two little countertop shelves for canisters-- I like the clear hard-plastic jars peanuts and canned grapefruit come in, to hold hot and cold cereals, potato flakes, and GF flour. Since the upper cabinets are mounted up a bit high, there's room to stack these in two layers.

Tomorrow we put up three wall shelves and two sets of coat hooks.

Brittney was not able to clean today due to arriving with a freshly sprained ankle. We made her sit for her shift, foot up, after Hardi wrapped and iced it. She said she could not afford to skip the shift to go straight to urgent care, so she spent her time tossing Newbie's ball, and promised to do her next shift seated on her client's walker (and go to urgent care right after that). No way can I let someone hurt herself here by working thru an injury, but at least she got paid by the agency for her time here.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Aug 18 - 10:17 AM

It's still very hot here, the main activities are to keep the garden alive, the house as comfortable as possible without running up a huge electric bill, and staying hydrated. All other chores have depreciated in urgency. If we get rain as predicted sometime in the next few days I predict a small flurry of activity to catch up with the growing shopping list.

That's about it for now.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Aug 18 - 02:50 PM

Ohio:

The travel schedule has been roughed out, taking into account many factors-- one is a plumbing job replacing cleanout and drains, which will go right thru my bulb garden, so I need to be here to remove and replant those.

PA:
Aug 16 - Sept. 9
Dec. 15 - Jan. 1

Other than that, Ohio. We hope to meet up halfway for Thanksgiving at a place we both like and often stay at.

Going back to PA Aug. 16 are a number of empty boxes and bagged packing materials.

The trailer comes back with me in September to deliver a PA piece of furniture to my son in N. Ohio; then I'll use it to pick up mulch for all beds. It may or may not go back in December.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Aug 18 - 12:49 PM

I picked okra on Saturday morning in preparation to make pickled okra, but neglected to pick on Sunday. As I walked out the door this morning huge okra were waving at me from the plants and I knew waiting till this evening would be too long. I picked a pound or so and some were quite large but I *think* still usable because they are so fresh. I gave the box to my nextdoor neighbor - many of them are absolutely perfect and she has cooked okra all her life so will know if she can use the half-dozen or so incredible hulks in the box. Now I'll start saving up for next weekend and make another batch of pickled okra.

Gardeners know that every year one or two crops do so much better than everything else; this year it's peppers and okra with a pretty good batch of squash (now finished off by vine borers). You make the most of the things that do best. What I learned from making a batch of pickled okra a couple of years ago is that you have to wait quite a while with this recipe to get the best pickle. There's no opening this two or three weeks later. Maybe by xmas these will be at the right degree of pickled and absorbed the pepper and garlic to be perfect.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Aug 18 - 01:15 PM

The kitchen table is clear but the peninsula countertop is occupied with several ongoing projects. The pickled okra is labeled and stored in the pantry and today I'll roast the eggplant and make a big batch of babaghanouj. This is the food preservation portion of the summer garden season and having space to work on is essential.

My plants in the sunroom have been neglected; watered only and now need some TLC. The orchids got a soak in the fertilizer mix they require and I'll do some trimming and potting of sprouts. There are a couple of deceased African violets that need removal. I've never quite got the hang of them, some last a long time and are robust, others just shrivel and dry up even with watering. I am probably underwatering or the light isn't right.

I have a couple of parcels I've been meaning to ship and have started setting out the items and packing materials to get that taken care of. More laundry for the clothesline today - it's still hot (though we're looking at a few days with a chance of rain later in the week).

The bin of clothes from a closet shelf has been sorted - most of the shorts and tank tops went into the Goodwill bin but there are long pants that sell well on eBay. Levi's in particular, though selling clothes is work: photographing them carefully and measuring everything that can possibly be measured. They're packed to calculate shipping costs but not closed up because inevitably someone will send a question for one last measurement.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Aug 18 - 10:57 AM

I should also say that since a niece is moving into a new house and would like to have some family heirlooms, my sister is stepping up and sending some to her via her father (our brother) - depending on how much he can fit in his pickup truck. I have things from the other side of the family, so many things that my children don't need all of them so I'll select something that mails well and gift it - it has a story, and that's really what this is about. She can look at (in the first instance of something I plan to send) or use this platter and know that her great great grandmother purchased it in the 1870s and it was a very large set because it was a very large family. I need to tell her about her great great grandmother.

Unfortunately, the china set was semi-vitreous, meaning it absorbed water so I think they stopped using it as the crazed surfaces discolored. This type of china is better for making subway wall tiles. I sold and donated most of the set but kept a few lovely non-crazed pieces as family mementos. I think the platters went through a different batch than the plates and bowls at the factory and came out in better shape.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Aug 18 - 11:25 PM

Last weekend I made headway in the paper filing and shredding, this week it will be a combination of filling out other papers, renewing a couple of memberships, and some cooking.

Time to make pickled okra, mustang grape jelly, and make time to prepare some meals for lunch at work next week. More listings for eBay need to go up, and when I do that I'll decide about some clothes in a bin that probably need to go to Goodwill.

Every time I make a pass through the house looking at the accumulation here I realize that while I like a lot of it, my kids won't be interested. So I need to continue to thin it out. I don't want this holding me back if I decide to move one day, and I don't want my kids burdened by all of this in the future. Keeping the pieces that hold the best stories and that are most useful is the goal. #ReformedPackrat

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Aug 18 - 06:26 PM

Ohio

On vacation from decluttering, unpacking, research, and house-arranging!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Aug 18 - 07:58 PM

BEAVER:

I avoid any scented product of any sort as most scents are made with neurotoxins which, of course, affect our brains. The worst being dryer sheets; I cannot go outside if the neighbours(city) are using dryer sheets.

Last year, we bought a number of jars of wonderful jellies, locally and organically produced. Not wanting to run out of favs, we will be using them for a few more years! We just do not think to use them.

New wood is arriving faster than I can stack it. My foot and shoulder are aching and it is hot, so I do about 15 minutes once of twice day. I have to keep it covered but will catch up on the stacking on cool mornings and late evenings. Soaked feet today in hot water with comfrey and Epsom salt.

Made some pots using recycled clay. The work of getting in into shape - wedging air bubbles out - is also hard on shoulders so I am taking a break from that also.

R arriving today for long weekend so I suspect we will be doing yard sales, Gemboree, music, art gallery, and other things. Made a pan of brownies and have a stuffed chicken in oven. Successfully confining most of heat to K with a fan over the stove, exhausting out the window. Actually working quite well.

He could do some wood but better he work on his library; he has so little time and the wood can wait.

Super pleased that I was able to do quite a bit of wood for a while this eve.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Aug 18 - 10:28 AM

I have not made any jam yet this summer, and I'm beginning to wonder if I will. We hardly seem to eat it any more; the jam I made in 2016 is still in the pantry -- my favourite kinds, too: peach and sour cherry. If it remains untouched by November, I'll give it to the church for the Christmas bazaar.

My in-laws are fond of marmalade and chutney, so I'll go on making those for Christmas presents. We're all too old for any but consumable gifts.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Aug 18 - 11:15 PM

Hunting around the front room for some boxes of greeting cards this morning I encountered some forgotten audiobooks on cassettes that are now in the Goodwill bin. I haven't looked at those shelves for a long time - something to add to this weekend's to-do list.

Last night I pulled a tub of frozen bananas to make a batch of banana bread muffins to take to work. I've made a point to steadily draw down the contents to make room for crops - nothing much so far this summer (though I did freeze some assembled eggplant Parmesan a couple of weeks ago). I'm hoping for more eggplant and okra this fall. I used to take food to work all of the time but our office is shrinking as staff retire or find other jobs. I must turn to the neighbors now for food gift giving. :)

Nothing is resolved as far as my crack-pot eBay buyer. I made an offer of a discount but she hasn't answered. Not sure what she's waiting for but she took a notch out of my perfect feedback score so I'm not feeling particularly accommodating - the damage is done. With the score creeping back up about .1 for each feedback post, it's going to take 26 sales with posted feedback to get back to 100%, or after six months I think it might drop out of the score. Her remark is as nuts as the whole experience, so perhaps someone checking up and reading it will come to the same conclusion.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jul 18 - 11:36 PM

I've added another specialist to the doctors on my contacts list - this one for knees, and my right knee now has had an injection of a white fluid that replaces some of the missing fluid from the joint. Arthritis. Cycling through this the first time, the shot is the least of the process, its a few hours later when the local anesthetic wears off that the knee feels like it has been adjusted with a baseball bat. That was yesterday, today it is already feeling much better. Anyway, I didn't get anything done but take a nap when I got home then went to bed early.

Today I'm puttering pretty much as usual. This evening I picked okra like I'll do every day this week as I prepare to make some pickled okra. This is what the pantry shelves are for, storing garden produce. Next it'll be time to make jelly. I'm not as fond of pickled okra as my daughter and my next door neighbor are, and they are so absolutely thrilled when I give it to them so mostly this is for a gift.

Looking forward to August.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: pattyClink
Date: 30 Jul 18 - 12:07 AM

Greetings from the road, where one learns to be grateful not to be in the path of the forest fires, yikes what people are going through.

For cleaning products my best discovery has been "Fabuloso", it's a concentrated mild cleaner sold in the dollar stores, comes in a couple scents including apple. No sudsing, rinsing, no residue, excellent for wiping down walls, appliances, counters, glass, etc., even easy on the hands, learned about it from some pro cleaners.   They also like to use the trick of folding a cloth into 4ths, using each side til grubby, fling in a 'used' pile, get a fresh one. Then launder them all. Faster and better than wringing things out in an increasingly filthy bucket. I like to use microfiber cloths, but I wish they didn't need separate laundering from regular fabrics to stay effective.

And yes, washing out the bathroom sink with a detergent or shampoo, and a scrubby sponge, works as well and no nasty chemicals or sprays or 'etching' of surface. And the towel/shower kept my shower stall pristine til trade-in time, which was great.   

As far as the clutter, well, it's embarrassing how much crap I am carrying around, which i discovered when I had to move into the new RV coach. Took 5 hours in the blazing sun to move stuff over, and many things still not 're-homed'. Will be scratching my head and culling some things in the next few days.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jul 18 - 09:52 PM

Michelle, I have a few basic products under the sink. Formula 409 is good for the stove, counters, lots of other things around the house. I use Spic'N Span for the floor (I get one of the citrus smells - we realized many years ago that every time my husband used the pine scented stuff to clean the floors, his job on the weekend, I was laid low with a sinus headache. For the bathroom I buy products at the local Dollar General Store, their toilet bowl rinse.

I haven't had to use a spray on the shower tile for several years, since I started keeping an extra towel on the rack to wipe down the tiles right after I finish my shower. The soap scum never accumulates. To wash the tub, I buy whatever cheap shampoo is around (Suave usually) and I use a Scotchbrite type scrubber and a big dollop of shampoo and give the tub a bubbly scrub. The theory being that what you're washing off the tub is soap and what washed off of you, so why not simply use shampoo to clear it out? Nothing with bleach or ammonia involved.

Because there is some limestone in the water here I used to give things a soak in Limeaway, but for several years now I get the same effect with white vinegar.

When I do laundry I use one of the Arm and Hammer liquid detergents, usually a mix of scented and unscented so the smell isn't very strong, and with every load of laundry I put a tablespoon of baking soda in with the detergent.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Jul 18 - 07:08 PM

Beaver:

Cleaned out most of the tool shed and moved many items out to back shed. Prepared some clay for throwing and did organizing in the studio. The last of the old firewood is stacked and covered. Now I can order new wood for this winter. Harvested more comfrey and sage, drying in house. Started re-organizing some BR areas. No energy left for today.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Jul 18 - 06:50 PM

We, as a family, spent all day yesterday cleaning in the kitchen. The old microwave is gone, an old vacuum cleaner that we no longer use is gone, old shoes are bagged and ready for goodwill, some expired things have been disposed of, all appliances moved and cleaned behind, the fridge got cleaned out....doesn't look like much on paper but it's made a HUGE difference. Surfaces were cleared, old magazines and such were tossed, the ledge over my sink was cleared and polished, cabinet doors were wiped down....I found a new cleaner too that I like the smell of for kitchen counters and appliance wipe downs. It's one of the Method cleaners found at Target, Honey Crisp is the name of it I believe. It does a great job but the smell is pleasant and not all chemicals. I know I can do the make it myself cleaners but they smell so strong of vinegar or depending what mix I've made, ammonia.

What do you all use?

I had been using Windex, Lysol All Purpose Cleaner and had picked up a spray bottle of Clorox Clean Up but I can't stand the smell of it. I like Comet Spray for in the bathroom.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jul 18 - 10:35 AM

This morning when I entered my office I realized that after yesterday's sorting and filing, what remained on the desk were papers needing attention, so today I will finish that paperwork. I was going to walk the dogs this morning, it seemed cool out, but five minutes on the patio when I fed the dogs and I was dripping sweat from the high humidity. Nix the walk.

We're almost to August, and June was so hot that by the time Summer officially arrived we were already fatigued with the idea of summer. July has been a record-breaker; here's hoping August is atypical and gives us a moist break from the heat. It has happened in the past. Perhaps the humidity is the start of something.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jul 18 - 10:23 PM

I finished an audiobook while sorting and filing papers in my office at home and stopped by the library to pick up a handful more to rip and add to my phone. They don't take up space (and I have a large SD card in my phone).

The garden got some attention as I moved around the sprinklers that are on fence stakes. The squash and corn are now finished so I moved the watering so that hopefully I'll get some sweet potatoes in the fall; they've survived the heat but haven't thrived. I expect a lot more growth from them after August.

No trips to Goodwill lately, dropoff or shopping, but I'll continue to add to the laundry room's donation bin and once the weather cools I'll be energized to do more.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 18 - 10:58 PM

Today I looked through files at work and decided it was time to toss some really old ones and bring a few home, so now there's even more paper here to sort and file. I suspect our work location will be designated for another use soon and we'll be moved to new office space, so might as well get rid of excess baggage now.

The story line in my current audiobook has stepped up and all hell as broken loose (as we knew it would) - and I can't work on the computer and listen to it at the same time because writing and listening to a story don't work. I'll have to save it for when I'm cooking or filing or some such thing over the weekend. Most of my listening is twice a day during my daily commute but when it gets near the end I often finish it off in the house.

The garden is really scorched after the last few weeks, and the squash have all just about died off so I'll move the posts the sprinkler heads are fastened to and maybe stop drowning the eggplant.

Nothing much more to report. The weekend awaits.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jul 18 - 01:45 PM

Ohio:

US Indigenous and Latinx/La Raza Topic Kits catalogued; started Weds. with cleaner Brittney helping, and finished editing/posting today.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Jul 18 - 08:49 AM

Beaver:

Trip to Toronto was worth while, But not glitch-free. Michael old me there would be no charge for the ancient (their brand) kiln BUT I would need to get a new plug. One: when he used the "you've been a customer for 40 years..." I lamented: "And I have done the SAME stuff for 40 years!"

The other one, he would keep and ship it to me at no charge. I was reeling! I figured it was because they did not want to hear from me any more as I had emailed and phoned for two weeks trying to get a handle on what to do.

So, as they finished up in the back, I looked around the show room and decided to buy 3 unique, and expensive, commercial glazes, knowing I would have to make different pots to show them off. I felt better that I had bought something AND that I had a new idea.

However, stopping at CT on the way home (Uxbridge), they had no plug; i was out of stock/on order,said the helpful clerk. AT Home Hardware, they asserted that they thought it against the law to sell just the plug; I needed the whole (dryer) cable, they said. But that would mean opening the control box and installing a new cable and I REALLY did not want to do that. CT and HH in Bancroft looked hard on their computers; no such item.

I was ready to go back to Toronto in despair. But while falling asleep after my long day, I wondered if it could be hard wired into the receptacle. I'll ask Larry.

Up at the crack of dawn, way too early to phone anyone, I threw the wood that was on pallets off the end of the deck up to the deck and stacked most of another face cord - until body complained. Did two loads of laundry and hung them, texted Larry. Had BF break by 7:15, and made posts for one bed. Went to Larry at 10:30 and he said that could be done, he would come over when he had time. (He works from home.)

Did many little things - It is amazing how many little things make up our lives! A couple hours visiting (here) with a newish, 40ish friend about the state of his life as he goes through separation... Good visit.

Larry came about 4pm and we did the deed - I held the panel steady while HE worked. I was stunned by all new wires and connectors, a totally new kiln sitter piece and new switches! Only the bricks and stainless steel coat are old but they are in fine shape! So glad I bought those glazes so I feel like I contributed a pittance.

Anyway, it was done and Larry says the worst that can happen would be if it blew a fuse. ?? The tech guy did say it had to be the same configuration but it is now the same as the other kiln. Today I will email Michael, informing him that it is not possible to purchase just a plug. (The guy in Uxbridge was wrong; I phoned and someone went and looked at the display and the place where he had thought there was a plug was for something totally different!)

So I need to inform and apologize to the local folks. If we have a dry period, I shall plug it in and see what happens. Right now it is misty enough not to see the west hill and very, very wet. Great storm last night; just as Larry was finishing, the weather informed and we quickly cleared up tools,etc. It hit at 5 pm and lasted about two hours, off and on. lots of rain and noise. Dan installed the first rain barrel yesterday so we have water!! I hear noises up the road so it may have washed out part of the hill again!

I removed the lovely moss from where the rain barrel stand was going and put it on one ramp to bridge. Took the clothes off the line just before Larry arrived! But forgot to cover the unstacked wood so now I have to wait for it to dry before I can finish. Needs to be done before I order more wood! And this non-rainy, cool morning would have been a great time to finish. Bed is re-made, clothes put away, dishes washed, BF eaten. Maybe I will make pots - experiment with something new. Maybe.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jul 18 - 10:34 AM

This declutterer will be removing some favorite foods from the diet for a while - the conclusion of a few days of not feeling good is IBS. I've made an appointment to get checked out and confirm, but with horrible stress at work and an unfortunate choice of rich foods, I think I've strained the gut's goodwill. Rice, oatmeal, modest amounts of milk (I need some calcium) and a selection of fruits and vegetables. Better lay off the really cheesy eggplant Parmesan I made for lunches this week. Into the freezer it goes.

Other than that, life moves on. One more eBay sale and eBay itself has been given the case of the mysterious glasses to sort out.

The piles of paper are almost alive, they're so carefully stacked in so many places, representing various projects in different stages. #1 on my list of things to do.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 18 - 09:54 PM

The paper is still here, there's actually more now. And I slept most of the day. I think I caught a bug, it isn't just dehydration.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jul 18 - 09:11 AM

Ohio:

Hardi arrived ydy aftn. Today: we'll put up remaining window and door sensors for the alarm system, put up blackout fabric, and bring in dining table.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 18 - 10:14 PM

No matter how much water you drink when it is this hot, it seems it isn't enough. I'm pretty sure the reason I'm so tired and cranky now is that I've been under-hydrated for a few days and it caught up with me this evening.

I have a buyer on eBay who I think is trying to pull a switcheroo on a recent purchase. I sent a set of 3 lovely glasses (found at the thrift store, but they were perfect and I almost kept them myself) and she wrote telling me they're so scratched and water stained that she can't use them. I posted excellent photos so told her to send a photo of her one glass and my three all together. I sell as-is and only do returns if the wrong item is sent, so technically don't have to do a thing, though eBay is trying to force all sellers to pay return postage if someone wants to return for a full refund. That costs me a lot and if she is trying to switch out glasses, she's also stealing. I'll report her - eBay can look at all of the messages exchanged. In the last one I suggested she is trying to pull a fast one, to see if she backs down. Either that or goes off half-cocked and they kick her out.

Tons of paper has built up around here lately and it's time to create a few file folders before I lose track of something important.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Jul 18 - 07:18 PM

Beaver:
fourth element did not fit; at this point, I realized brain was not functioning well enough to deal with connecting which wire to which wire. Neighbour Larry stopped by and we loaded both kilns into car - tight fit!

Today - hot!, and exhausted, managed to purchase netting for all raised beds and cut the 14x45 foot piece into five strips about 10x 14 and placed it but without the corner posts - they will come later! Also picked up a wheel for the one dollie - one that turns. Got home and realized I meant to buy two! what brain? Tomorrow...

De-cluttered the freezer of one rhubarb pie to take to pot luck at Horticultural society pot luck. Ate a tasty burger, cheese, lettuce and two small brownies. Came home to finish preparing to leave at 6 am for Toronto to get kilns repaired.

Now, prepare food for trip and go to bed, perhaps to sleep! Alarm is set.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jul 18 - 06:38 PM

Ohio:

I've been enjoying our little house so thoroughly that I got myself all worried that I hadn't left room for Hardi as I enjoyed making all the spaces work for me. Silly! He arrives tomorrow, and all I've needed to prep is moving a couple of items over an inch or two and viola! Room for two!

I think I may have had someone's hidden mental loop running, about being happy having to pinch someone else's happiness. Nope! Room for two happinesses!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Jul 18 - 01:04 PM

Beaver:
re bridge: My belief is that there was a bridge there already so we merely replaced it; it should be "grandfathered in". It is s lovely bridge and does not impede any critters or water flow. Maybe a beaver will come visit!

re family visits: Did I mention that our take on that last wonderful visit was, "Family is exhausting!" dil agreed! But we parted with love.

I finally started the kiln this am. Put in first element (of 4) was a lat more difficult than I expected and it was about 4 inches too long so I will have to try again. Also requested wiring diagram as a couple wires had disconnected and I need to be sure of where they go. "Harder" may be because the kiln is on a dollie and, hence, higher anad harder to bend over to bottom. Next ones will be easier... I took a welcome break due to sudden rain. HIGH humidity requires frequent short breaks inside, even when it is not precipitating.

Dan stopped by for his hard earned payment and we discussed rain barrels; he checked out supplies and went off with promise of "next few days!" That will pretty well deplete the bank account for this month!

I cut some of my hair today and now it is stick out in all directions! I'll do more later.

Otherwise, I have not done a great deal. Nothing is pressing but a number of things would be nice to get done... I am definitely feeling the on-coming fall! The need to get new firewood is a pressure, before it is all sold, so moving the remainder of last year's is necessary; needs cool dry weather!!!!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Vashta Nerada
Date: 23 Jul 18 - 10:06 AM

Charmion, the worst case of Groundhog Day, that SSDD stuff has been going on here for the last year and a half. It makes hunkering down at home with the news off all the more important for good mental health. Especially living in a border state where it is ground zero for a lot of this nonsense.

This weekend I found some discounted steaks at the grocery store and they're all Seal-a-Mealed into the freezer for a dozen or so meals. It's the only way I can afford to buy beef, but ironically, the "aged" beef is at its most tender, as a friend who used to work in a butcher shop once told me.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Jul 18 - 09:18 AM

I have finally recovered from a week of house guests. They're nice people -- in fact, family! -- but I'm more than a bit of an introvert and home is the only place where I can indulge that part of my personality, so any intrusion in that space, however welcome, is kinda disturbing. The weekend was largely about reading, interspersed with grocery shopping and cooking, while Perth County enjoyed some welcome rain.

Today I return to normal programming, with a gym workout and several loads of laundry, plus work on the Afghanistan book. I have almost reached the end of the main text, with only the Epilogue to go before I hit the appendices, which are mostly lists of jargon and abbreviations. I am eager to finish this project, as it reminds me too vividly of the tension that pervaded the operational headquarters where I worked throughout Canada's involvement in the Afghan insurgency. Sometimes I regret having read so much about the United States in Viet Nam; I rather resent the "same shit, different day" feeling I had while our task forces were deployed in Afghanistan, and I am having all over again as I work on this book.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jul 18 - 09:56 PM

Dog house and litter box are gone, as anticipated. Two bags of trash at the curb - I rarely have more than one, and that only every couple of weeks, but I cleaned out the fridge and emptied paper shredders and such. Didn't make it to Goodwill; in fact I did very little that involved going out. I did cook this evening because I had garden produce I wanted to use; the eggplants are now breaded and fried and in both the freezer and in a pan baked and ready for the week. I made individual portions for the freezer. I also cooked up three of the zucchini and yellow squash in a casserole I usually make. I really hate it when I wait too long and end up tossing the garden produce. Tomorrow I'll seed and slice jalapenos to freeze, though as small as they are, sometimes I simply wash them and freeze them whole and seed and slice them later when I need them.

It's day to day here to see if the garden survives this heat. Some of my potted plants I have no idea about - if they're too hot or too wet trying to keep them alive.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Jul 18 - 03:47 PM

Ohio:

Thoroughly enjoyed taking a weekend off from decluttering and research. During my break a volunteer came forward to help with the last batch.

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jul 18 - 03:04 PM

Not much to post here. This was the first week back to work after our vacation. I'm happy to say that it went much smoother than anticipated.

I went to yoga this week. It's the first time in a long time and I felt it for 2 days after....it was a good kind of pain though....it let's me know I was working some dormant muscles.

On the declutter front, the kitchen microwave has been tossed. It's needed to go for some time. I have a new to me microwave in storage in the mudroom. It will have to be wiped down but should work beautifully. It belonged to my grandparents. It belonged to my grandparents and was given to me when the house was sold.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jul 18 - 10:57 AM

This morning I decided I was tired of looking at the small plastic dog house and a large plastic covered cat litter pan beside the garage, so they're both down at the curb. Trash day is tomorrow, but I predict these will be gone before noon. If not, I'll tuck them into the SUV and take them to Goodwill before the trash pickup.

I'm on my way to accumulating items for that Container Store shopping bag. I'd love to make a run this afternoon and drop it off while I'm working on a couple of other things.

Cooking this morning, to get a jump on meals for the week. And darn, but I had to toss a couple of pounds of chicken that thawed on the counter but were left out hours longer by mistake. No point in risking cooking it now. I have another one in the freezer and I'll be more careful defrosting this time. I have bread and milk that need using, so bread pudding is on the menu, and squash and eggplant that need cooking, so my squash casserole and breaded fried eggplant for Parmesan. The patties freeze beautifully and I can assemble Parmesan later, but I also assemble a few in Pyrex single-serving containers and freeze those.

Laundry is ready to hang on the line. I need to use what energy I have now, because when it hits 109^o again this afternoon, I'll stick to the shadows and barely move.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 18 - 11:16 PM

Illegal bridge building! Dorothy! What will you be up to next?

I had my first okra from the garden this evening, rolled in fishfry and fried in shallow oil. Mmmm! I sprayed soap on the plants last week and it got rid of a major part of the aphid problem so the flowers are blooming and producing finally; there's one plant that needs more attention. And I think the garden is too wet, the eggplant are suffering from it so I'm going to relocate the sprinkler heads. I already reduced the frequency on watering from every two days to three.

There are five quarts of grape juice tucked away in the door of the fridge, and maybe next weekend I'll start the jelly making. I have a lot left from last summer so I may take up a friend's suggestion and sell some of it on eBay (there is a "cottage law" here so you can sell foods prepared in a home kitchen, as long as they meet certain categories.) Market it as the year of 2017 jelly (since the 2018 crop isn't officially in yet).

I didn't mention earlier that there is a problem with both ants and ticks, so after picking I went straight to the back yard and used my patio shower, undressing and showering back there, then putting all of the clothes into the washer. They'll wash overnight when there is less power demand. Any bugs will die in the laundry.

The fan is tucked behind the kitchen queen with the stool and a few other items. The kitchen is clean - the juicing process takes a lot of large pots.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Jul 18 - 08:04 PM

Beaver:
Still working up to repairing the kiln! I think I have gathered the necessary tools but still need the energy at a time of day that it is in the shade!

Very little accomplished here this week. At the moment, I am giving serious consideration to de-cluttering my head of a great deal of hair - back to very short. I used to do it myself all the time. -? I think it was the pain in shoulder that stopped me. Maybe tonight.... ???? It won't matter if I get half way through and need to finish tomorrow.

Dan finished the bridge today. It looks great! my wallet? not so great! I almost called it off but really wanted it. Now I wonder why and what use I will get of it. Hope R appreciates it. It is built to last! No pic going on FB as I am not sure it is legal. No one can see it from the road; Have to be out back to get a view!

No name yet for new house. Maybe when we are actually able to move in.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jul 18 - 06:54 PM

Ohio:

The after-brekey desktime habit tried loudly to call me, but I'm determined not to resume cataloguing until Wednesday and Thursday during cleaner-time-- and the only other thing waitin in there is sorting some small boxes of misx stuff.... Nope! Call again tomorrow! :-)

~s~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jul 18 - 03:13 PM

Of course it's probably the hottest day of the summer, but it was time to start picking grapes on the vines in the tree across the road from my house. I spent about 90 minutes out there, drank a couple of quart tankards of water, and came back with about 15 pounds of grapes to run through the steam juicer (in progress) for making grape jelly.

I keep a stash of a rarely-used items in a corner behind the Hoosier kitchen/kitchen queen in the far end of my kitchen, and when it's time for the juicing I pull a stool out of there that is the perfect height to support the gallon jar I decant the hot juice into. I hunted around the house for my other juicing season device, an oscillating fan on a stand that keeps the kitchen comfortable. I think this time I'll see if it will also fit behind the kitchen queen. (This fan was a garage sale find for $3, and I had to do a little repair, but it's a champ at this task.)

At work I found a good archival box in the recycling bin and also a large Container Store bag. I brought them home, not sure what the box will be used for yet, but the goal with the Container Store bag is to fill it soon and take it to the Goodwill. I usually take things in bags, but was out of the large ones.

Must go check on the juice.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 18 - 07:41 PM

The second part of setting up the phone with the new phone company is to adjust the APN (access point name) settings to the new company. The phone and text worked, but not the Internet. Now it's up and running. Whew!

I'm looking at stacks of paperwork needing attention this weekend, and anything outdoors that needs attention I'll go out very early to take care of. Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest of this streak.

Two eBay items sold this week. They're small, but it all adds up. The best of the two sales was three aqua colored Luminarc 500ml glasses that I bought for .89 each. The box went for $23 plus priority shipping. And when I compared Priority services, I was able to use the Zone A box and save $2 out of the shipping she paid. So - I sold about $3 of glasses for $25. But they're collectible, it's not like she was hit with a high price, I was lucky to spot and grab them at Goodwill, and my sale came in a little under what some of the others were selling per-piece. This doesn't happen often, but it's what I aim for.

Now to feed dogs then get to the paperwork.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jul 18 - 05:05 PM

PS "nonversation" is not a typo.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jul 18 - 03:26 PM

Ohio:

The 22 cases to research were done ydy, and I'm taking a break before diving into either older cases (which are harder and more frustrating), a small group of unidentified victims (I lack the connections for now for the necessary nonversations), or other cities' longer lists (awaiting a faster loaner laptop).

But giving that project my after-brekky time each day has formed a great new habit-- morning time is now firmly desktime. So bill-paying which has been chaotically unpredictable was the natural activity today, this first day without cases to research.

I'll use desktime for financial time, and cataloguing time, but not every day during vacay-- Hardi arrives Monday or Tuesday for FUN-time. I have to be here mid-day for the cleaner Wednesdays and Thursdays, so I'll finish off the unfinished cataloguing then!

~S~

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 18 - 08:22 PM

Scuttling from one spot of shade to another, parasol in hand to stay a little cooler; right now there is very little movement as we go one hot day to the next. We broke at record today at 108^o. A bowl of potato chips, a glass of wine is dinner. Not much alcohol because of the dehydrating effect.

My washer has a delay setting so it ran during the early hours, and I wish I'd had time to hang the clothes on the line because they would dry quickly, but they went into the box of hot air in my laundry room. At least it was still early.

Dorothy, once you're out of the house you're selling and moved into the house you're buying, will you have a special name for that venue, or will it simply be another house in town?

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Jul 18 - 04:40 PM

Beaver:
Managed to put up canopy on back deck on Tues, so I have shade to work on kiln. Took about two hours and was a lot of exercise! Now I need to screw the legs down. Then, Change kiln elements and check it out.

Weds was a day of talking with a couple friends on phone to sort out life-things, unclutter the brain, sort wheat from chaff. And reading mindless novels helps too!

Today:
Fetched the Michael Dumas racoon print from out on Baptiste Lake, read newspaper and flyers; Checked with a few people re internet service; found out it is not so great yet! Realized it was a busy Thurs and went shopping before it got worse on Friday. Bought a rain barrel on sale for north downspout; have one - not installed - for south one; Thinking another one for east would be good; the eavestroughs for east are in the shed if Dan has time to install them. This would make easy watering for each of the raised beds! Might get more done in the cool of the evening. Beautiful breezy day!

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Charmion
Date: 19 Jul 18 - 11:30 AM

The same storm system that watered Dorothy's garden hit us in Stratford, in three squall lines spaced over the afternoon and evening on Monday. It was GREAT! Knocked back the stifling humidity, and we've had lovely cool evenings this week.

My elder brother and his wife are visiting us this week, taking in the local sights (such as they are) and the Stratford Festival, which is (of course) all about The Theatah and Culture with a capital C. I'm having a hard time keeping my tidying impulses under control as they strew newspapers and novels around the sitting room and leave damp towels where damp towels should never be left.

I might be on the brink of curmudgeon-dom. God forbid.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jul 18 - 11:00 PM

Susan, it's beginning to sound like you found another Winchester House in Ohio.

Paperwork after the phone work. And general hanging out. There are two dogs asleep on the cool tile floor in my office, and I'll bet money that the third is in her favorite spot on the tile in the hall nearby. There's not much else to do when the outside temperature is still over 100.

A portable high-capacity hard drive arrived so I can do some backup work that needs doing.

I need to go pick stuff in the garden in the morning before it gets too warm. Most of my garden work needs to happen now, because the next week is still super hot out there.

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jul 18 - 10:49 PM

Ohio:

My cleaning plan worked beautifully and prepared the way to unpack two items to adorn my big, wide dresser-- a prayer shawl from my 2012 surgical complications which has our bedroom's colors in it, and a big treasure chest Hardi gave me years ago.

÷S÷

Subject: RE: Declutter & Fitness - Clearing Out the House
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jul 18 - 10:01 PM

Ported the number from AT&T and lost WiFi calling in the process; apparently only T-Mobile branded phones can use that feature. I don't use it often, but I'll set up Skype or something like that to take the place.

Right now it's so hot that everything is done slowly and deliberately. Today it hit 107, Saturday is supposed to hit 109. I'm carrying a parasol-like umbrella around with me and that helps. Going to work early avoids some of the hot travel but it puts us outside travelling home during the worst heat of the day. Ugg. Keeping an eye on the garden and making sure the dogs have plenty of water (they can come in and out through the dog door, which I purchased a couple of years ago for use during really hot weather - the dogs insist it needs to stay in place year-round.)