De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life 2019 - 2020

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 21 Sep 19 - 02:42 PM

Good luck with the dog.

Back at home, mum is wanting another cat. I’m not sure I see the sanity with ages (parent’s in their 80s), general infirmaries and me “unreliable” but of course, after saying that before, we did take on (sadly killed by a car accident) Furball the stray last year and would agree with her thoughts along the lines of the house being kind of empty and a pet sometimes providing some needed alternative focus or company. We’ll have to see there but an older rescue beast has been discussed again a few times lately…

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Sep 19 - 11:01 AM

Well, since we're discussing health, you can mark me down as crazy today: I'm going to go over to the city animal shelter and look at the dogs (which means I will come home with a dog). There is a rather unattractive older Lab/Chesepeake lady who has been there for a couple of months who I think would be a good fit with our middle-aged and older pack; if she's gone, more power to her, and I have printouts for several other dogs over there. Most of them are the pitbull mixes, and those are lovely dogs who get a bad rap. There are so many, I think the spay-neuter news hasn't reached the community of home dog breeders. Most of these dogs are females about three years old and all appear to have had at least one littler of dogs. Those former owners discard the mother once they've got some money from selling her pups. #Heartbreaking

Okay, Charmion, what about the pig? And Jon, good luck getting the physicians to work with you now rather than waiting, which isn't a good thing at this point in time.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Charmion
Date: 21 Sep 19 - 10:36 AM

Oh, Jon Freeman. Best of British and every other kind of luck to you, and for the love of God do your best to hurry those medical people along. You're correct; you have zero choice if you wish to remain on this side of the grass, let alone functional.

Michelle, that losing a wheel thing with Pete's truck is one of the nightmare scenarios of modern road travel, and I'm so glad it ended with no injuries. Pete must have great self-control and top-notch driving skills; kudos to him.

Today, I am dealing with a dose of gut misery, a mild flare-up of diverticulosis. It's not frequent, but it happens often enough to be a factor in household routines such as travel. When my insides are in a state of rebellion, I have to stay out of restaurants and avoid fibrous foods until relative calm is restored. Boring, but there it is; all part of living this long. On the one hand, you acquire wisdom and a wide repertoire of genuinely funny jokes; on the other, you pay with gut misery, or arthritis, or both!

Did I ever tell you the one about the pig with the wooden leg?

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 21 Sep 19 - 09:09 AM

I may well regret this post but as others are talking health...

I’ve had a sore on my back for years which has turned quite troublesome in more recent times. I finally decided to see a consultant earlier this year. What we know from history, biopsy, CT and MRI scans is that it’s a very slow growing (and apparently “not usually troublesome”) cancer that has remained purely in the skin. I gather the next step is to talk to the plastic surgery team about cutting out and a skin graft (it’s far too big for a LA surgery job at the local hospital).

As someone who hates/fears most things medical, I don’t want to do this but, if they can do it, I don’t see there is much choice if I'm to be of use to anyone. At the moment, I’m avoiding tasks like changing the under sink water filter because of bending down and, lack of sleep (up to 4 nights in a row) has been a problem – at times turning me into little more than a zombie. The Oromorph (morphine sulphate solution) they’ve given me does help a bit with the sleeping but is not guaranteed.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Sep 19 - 01:14 AM

You're doing a great job keeping all of those irons from the fire juggled, Michelle. I wish we didn't all live so far away at times like this. Hug hugs to all of you and a special scratch under the chin for Ms Mabel - she'll get over it.

Use the weekend well, but take care of yourself while you're taking care of everyone else.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Sep 19 - 11:00 PM

Hi All,

   Leonard is growing like crazy and is feeling better as witnessed by his playful antics. He gets along with all our other 4 legged babies although my Miss Mabel, previously the baby of the house, has her nose out of joint. She continues to growl at Leonard who just looks at her.

    I am having some kind of reaction to the little puncture points from his claws. I am so very itchy even with Cortizone 10 ointment on. I'm thinking I'll take some Benedryl before bed.

    We are working very hard to keep Jeremiah's schedule rolling as normal but there have been some bumps in the road. Pete had 2 medical appointments this week, one of which was a CT scan of his throat and chest....looking to pinpoint more information about the cancer and hopefully a lack of spread to the lungs. When we met with the oncologist last week, he asked about all the symptoms Pete was having...one of which is a small cough. However, it is ragweed season and we are surrounded by it where we live...we are thinking the cough is allergy related but they wanted to be sure which I know is a good thing.....nerve wracking as we wait for results, but good. We will know more next Thursday and then a surgical consultation the following week if they don't change the appointment again.

    Another appointment for him determined that he needs surgery on his wrist but that is on the back burner for now.

    Today I got a call from Pete while I was at work saying that the back tire of his truck fell off while he was driving (almost to Ithaca). If you are on FB, you can see the photos. Thankfully he was able to get the truck off the road and no one was hurt.

    We are both spending our days off working around the house and trying to get as much in order as we possibly can. I think being busy is useful to both of us in regards to managing stress. He is busy cutting wood for the winter even though we discussed buying a couple of cords of wood that has already been cut and split. This weekend is to bring summer temperatures and he will continue to work outside while I work inside. I have been doing extra laundry every day and keeping the dishes caught up. Jeremiah tends to the floors and feeds/waters the inside critters. He helps with other things as asked and I think he understands our flurry of activity. Pete is sleeping much more often these days and I am sure it is related to his thyroid. I let him sleep even though he grumbles about sleeping so much....he clearly needs it.

    I am thankful for a job that has such flexibility and for a supervisor who is over the top supportive. She wants me to keep her up to date regarding Pete and continues to ask me what I need. I have no idea what I need. I did ask her to hold off on assigning more clients to me. I currently have the highest caseload on staff but I am distracted and won't be able to handle any more for a few weeks. She was great about it.

    I suppose that is way more than anyone wants to know but that's my life at the moment. There is more but it borders on being ridiculous.....things are going wrong all around me and I'm trying to manage and put out as many fires as I can.....trouble is, most of the swirling activity about me is out of my control...I can't do anything but pray which I am doing tons of.

   Here's to looking forward to a nice uneventful weekend at home.

I hope all is well with you fine folks.

Love,

Michelle

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 19 - 10:18 PM

But Mary, I love it when I periodically come across the sweater or robe as I'm doing something else in the closet. It's like a hug from the past.

I bought pickets and cross-members for the next section of fence this evening and this weekend I'll apply wood preservative to the cedar pickets and will soon be able to take down the old section and put this up. And while I was looking at some of the materials on the website I work on, I noticed a landscaping tip about using a type of black paint on a roller and it is applied to the wire of a cyclone/chain link fence and makes it basically disappear. I'm looking at putting up some chain link along with the new fence panel and I'll plan to do that also.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: mg
Date: 20 Sep 19 - 08:26 PM

next decision before tomorrow when bags of clothes might go...ugly beige twin set. but it is a twin set..i never had one before. but it is a very ugly color and i have one really pretty newish red one and new cream and navy ones. lands end has them on sale all the time. OK. I will wear the red one if I even have occasion to wear one until it wears out and keep the others for the anchorwoman job. I will go right now and put the beige does not spark joy ones in the donation bags.

best to not keep sentimental items or wrong size items in closet. can be put into storage elsewhere. i love vacuum bags. going to vacuum bags right now.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Sep 19 - 05:49 PM

I'll third your and Mary's sentiments, Charmion. There are garments in the closet that are there some because I made them and they were a lot of work, others because they would still be great to wear if I lose 25 pounds. I have a cute kimono from when I was a child, and later I had an adult one (that I wore out) with the same print. And I have a knitted sweater my mother made for me when I was in the sixth grade. Some of those things you just can't discard.

A long span of cat-sitting appointments are starting this evening. It's a modest amount of pocket change and it makes me get out, and because I don't like to make trips for just one task I usually pace myself and add in shopping or a visit or something to get more bang for the driving buck. Tonight I need to run by a Big Box hardware store on my way back.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Sep 19 - 09:30 AM

Hi, Stilly — The book project has been postponed for at least a month, giving rise to a big, fat, potential cash-flow problem. I am irked beyond belief, but not at the publisher; this delay arises from the famously constipated HR processes of our federal government. This manuscript is cursed; the author must have kicked a black cat at some point in his life. Or maybe it’s just the Afghanistan effect.

Rodney the HVAC guy has acknowledged receipt of my assent to his cost proposal, but we have no start date. So yes, I could find myself toiling away on the book while large men make new holes in the foundation right under the study window. If so, it won’t be the first time; I once copy-edited the entire Annual Report to Parliament of the Department of National Defence at a desk separated by a beaverboard wall from a server room under vigorous renovation.

Further to Mary’s comments about once-in-a-lifetime garments: I feel that pain. Like many people with poverty in their past, I have great difficulty letting go of clothes that symbolize (to me) status and wealth, even though I know it is highly unlikely that I will ever wear them again. So I still have a mid-90s interview suit in the closet, and yes, it both burdens and embarrasses me but I can’t dispose of it. Yet.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: mg
Date: 20 Sep 19 - 12:03 AM

or i paid perfectly good money for it. it is not worth what we paid for it. it is worth what it would go for at a garage sale, which is probably not even ten cents on the dollar.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: mg
Date: 20 Sep 19 - 12:02 AM

i passed on a beautiful pendleton wool blazer and matching silk blouse. i kept thinking i would have to interview for an anchorwoman job or something but honestly..not going to happen. someone was going to meet me and pick them up plus a couple of more things just in case..but she cancelled so i am just going to give them to someone who collects clothes for homeless...not sure this is what they need but i also included sweatshirts and cords etc...they can always donate elsewhere. this is a REALLY NICE BLAZER. a once in a lifetime blazer. i have poverty consciousness so i am after things that i subconsciously think i will never be able to replace, although i probably could go to a nice goodwill and replace for $5. i think it is very important to know why we are prone to cluttering..mine is oh i think the civil war will come back and i will need to tear these old sheets into bandages. others like pretty shiny things, status things, sentimental family items etc. if we know why we can help move things on to someone who needs them more.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Sep 19 - 11:14 AM

Dorothy, did you get the datura/jimson weed? I shudder to ask, but have you had snow yet?

Michelle, how is Leonard, and how is your routine shaping up now that school is back in session?

Susan, are you back in the pool at the Y?

Charmion, will you be working on your book at home with AC work going on outside? How long will the prescribed work take?

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Sep 19 - 01:17 PM

More computer cleanup and identifying the contents of various external hard drives that have accumulated around here. The air quality was orange or red ozone for several days so I stayed inside to continue this kind of work; today is better air but it's still in the mid-90s and I'm just completely tired of trying to do anything in the heat. Rain is expected tomorrow thanks to a tropical depression named Imelda, and after that I think regular weekly yard work can resume.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 19 - 10:56 AM

Those lists can suck the cash out of the bank account for years to come, can't they?

The aforementioned poster is now on the wall, though I first brought in a paintbrush to touch up the paint because that "orange peel" texture is difficult to paint and all sorts of tiny white dots were still showing through. And I touched up a few places where I nicked the paint while moving furniture. I think this is a placeholder and I'll put up something else large here (probably a framed piece of colorful fabric, like I have in the den). The stool, hammer, picture hooks and small brads are still in here so I'll put up a few more things today (including my MA diploma - what a lot of work that was and it is an attractive piece.) There is a fair amount of kid art that I put up also, things that still speak to me all of these years later.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Charmion
Date: 17 Sep 19 - 10:24 AM

Roger is a great name for a cat, especially a sex-crazed tom or a bird-fancier who spends his waking hours chittering at visitors to the back fence.

I, too, would like to know how Leonard is faring.

Rodney the HVAC guy came to estimate our air-conditioning needs yesterday and ended up with a laundry list of upgrades and maintenance issues that should keep us broke till Christmas. I would like a whole-house humidifier mounted on the furnace, but the furnace and the cellar drain are separated by twenty feet of finished basement, and what would we do if the humidifier malfunctioned and its water supply ended up on the floor? I pointed out that a daily check of the humidifier would be less of a nuisance than cracking skin and nosebleeds in February, and got a shrug and "If you say so" in reply. The water heater -- the tankless kind that is supposed to save money and provide instant hot water and doesn't do either -- needs descaling to protect its fragile flow sensors from the liquid limestone we call water in these parts. Alas, I did not know (although I should have guessed), but now I do. Another item on the lengthening menu of tasks essential to a comfortable life in this house and this climate. As for the furnace itself, I earned a brownie point for my obsessive care of its air-filtration requirements and barely restrained an urge to preen with pride. But it needs cleaning each year before the beginning of the heating season ... ? Yep, add that to the quote.

My new book contract should start next week. Good thing, as Rodney's recommendations will probably eat about half of it.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 19 - 01:33 PM

We still have ozone action weather going on here, but later in the week rain is in the forecast and that goes a long way to clear out the hydrocarbons baking in our atmosphere.

My weekend accomplishment was to not reclutter the counter and table that were cleared mid-week last week to have guests over for dinner. Laundry is in, dishwasher is loaded (vinegar added to each wash has my glasses back looking good again, and works over time to clear them more each wash.)

I have more eBay items listed and will keep going. The PayPal account seems to be giving false reports of attempts to log on, so I've changed the password, added questions, etc. eBay now requires more steps to take payments or add payments to PayPal so keeping it up to date is necessary. I once had an old PayPal email listed in an eBay auction and it was a royal pain in the ass to get that straightened out.

Freelance work is coming up again, editing this time. The new semester has started so everyone is in place to work on this academic journal.

I found a framed piece of art (poster) that used to lean against my office shelves at work that I brought home with me because I feared it would simply be surplussed. It goes well against the new paint here, so will probably be put up later today. It was tucked out of harm's way in the sunroom during the reconstruction of the office. It's time to finish moving around and organizing in there.

Michelle, how is Leonard feeling this week? I just love that name. (I have a new house/cat sitting client now, and her cat's name is Roger. Also a nice name for a cat.)

Susan, are you rested up from the trip and back to activities as usual?

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 15 Sep 19 - 04:47 PM

On routes, SRS, I really don’t know that many roads round here but having been driven to/fro the city hospital a couple of times I lately became aware of an interesting one.

The “natural” routes from here would head south right into the city (with me north of the county) with some minor variations from there.

These, looking from that way, will turn west some way before the city, cut across various roads cross country and, wind up for the last little bit on a dual carriageway approaching the hospital from the south!.

I’m not sure it’s any quicker (although regular drivers do tend to know their routes and day time city traffic can, I think, be unpredictable as well as "stop/start" at lights) but it certainly is more scenic.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Sep 19 - 11:42 AM

Sacred datura is an American desert plant, also called Jimson Weed - it's a hallucinogenic and the seeds and plant material can be toxic to animals. It's used as part of the Native American Church ceremony array. I think Cinnamon munched a little seedling one time and was a bit loopy that afternoon; after that I made a point of pulling any more I saw and I never put the plant parts or seeds from the plant in the front yard into the compost in back, I bag it and send it to the trash. Last year I had some small mourning or white winged doves gorging themselves on the seeds and I think they were blasted out of their little pigeon minds.

If you're concerned about having toxic plants in the house, best not to get this one, however, the flowers are pollinated at night by moths or bats so if it's in the house it won't get pollinated (one hopes!) so maybe there will be no seeds? The seed pods are really sharp, sometimes I've seen them referred to as "thorn apples."

On the heels of Dorothy's driving adventures, I can report that I found a new interesting way to get over to the museum district where my daughter works. I previously always took the North/South freeway north to downtown then go the over the big ramp onto I-30, the East/West freeway, and exit near the museum. There are several merge and weave lanes that require timing and attention. Yesterday I headed west on I-20 to a nearby boulevard and from there went onto the toll road that drops you off just a few blocks from the museum; it's about 90 cents each way and is money well-spent. They've made a point of putting up landscaping and sculptural landmarks along the way so it's a pleasant drive.

Yesterday I picked up and re-keyed a new Schlag doorknob and replaced it this morning. And there will be a squirt bottle of water next to the door if I need to discourage Ms. Pepper from jumping on the door as I leave!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Sep 19 - 11:29 AM

Dupont:
OOPS! Research needs to come first! Datura is not the same as Brugmansia, which is what I have bought. The parts can be lethal if ingested but not if touched. So, after I finish watching the comprehensive youtube from Richters Herb Farm, I will be prepared to receive and care for this spectacular plant....

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Sep 19 - 10:43 AM

Dupont:

Enjoyed reading to catch up while having a quick BF before getting on to planting ???? before leaving for Beaver. How many shall I manage today - focus on the ones going into diggable spots! Oh! forgot to mention I stopped by the nursery again on Friday and .... I am an addictive personality! But I got 3 planted then and hope for another 3 or 4 today, then gone!

R went up to the Laurentians yesterday - gave a ride to a friend and stayed over. Doubt he will be back before I leave - BIG doubt!! However, I am leaving him with the job of picking up a huge Datura which would not fit in my car but will fit in the second floor south hallway niche... if he can get it there. I am having serious second thoughts since a friend told me the seeds are deadly for animals and she was not sure about the sap. I will check next. No point in dragging it home if it is going to be a hazard - I will forfeit the $25 if so.

Your animal tales are wonderful, as are most animals. They DO remember every kindness or ill treatment - forever! They are ever so much more than most humans realize - empathetic, also.

Wood: too bad it did not get picked up by those who need it to stay warm.It would be good if the dump would have a way to offer it to needful folks. Bancroft has a wood-share program, picking up unneeded wood, splitting and, even, delivering. All volunteers. As for Charmion's trees: I had a couple removed on Whidbey that were threatening the house ---OUCH! $$$$ I tried to find someone who needed them but the removal was too hazardous.

My attempt to go folk dancing was - driving to the city, detours (an extra 30 minutes because there was an event in a park!), construction, too late for the best part by the time I was close, and no place to park anyway - and driving home again too worn out to care anymore. It was an excursion of over 3 hours to go about 35 km each way - not including detours. I was just glad to get home! Another detour coming home had me realizing why our visitors the other week got home so late - wondered that they found their way at all! Montreal is no place for the intrepid driver.

A learning experience: look at a way to get there by parking somewhere and taking one bus. Going by several buses would be too much to deal with. This is the downside of living off Island (of Montreal). I was about 4 blocks from a friend where I might have been able to park but by that time it was past their - very early - bedtime.

Hoping for some good news re Pete or, at least, not too bad news.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 15 Sep 19 - 07:59 AM

Yes, Charmion, I think it depends on age and experience. A kitten that’s had some nice handling before being dumped will probably be easy. The other extreme is probably the cat that has grown through to adulthood without experiencing human kindness. They can develop strong fears of us and (like PussPuss who used to come here for food) may never become “pettable”.

Of the 6 (I think) we did take in here. Experiences varied from one kitten who instantly decided we were HER new home and providers to a month or so before the “new home” choice has been established.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Sep 19 - 07:53 AM

Stilly and Charmion,

I love your stories!!!!! <3   

This morning Leonard is perky, his eyes are full of light and he is more active. He's eating and drinking well, used the litter box and is interested in some exploring. We currently have him in a large wire kennel as the vet suggested keeping him separate from the other animals until he is well. Leonard comes out to play and snuggle but we aren't allowing much exploration right now. He is the cutest little thing!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Charmion
Date: 15 Sep 19 - 07:38 AM

Congratulations on little Leonard, Michelle. I’m impressed with Pete’s roadside spotting skills.

Every cat I’ve ever had came to me through some kind of happy accident that was preceded by tragedy and trial for the cat. For a couple, their landing on my doorstep came almost too late; their bodies and personalities were permanently harmed by their time on the street. But Leonard is so young that he should adapt well.

A terrible old tomcat called Bill lived with us for 13 years. He was on the street for months, all through an Ottawa winter, and turned up at our door filthy, wounded, starving and sick. Himself opened the door ... and he was our cat.

After the emergency vet visit and the antibiotic injection and the flea bath — mob-handed, and a jolly good thing Himself was wearing a cowhide motorcycle jacket — we brought Bill into the kitchen to meet the old lady cats and start learning the lay of the land. He took one look around and made a bee-line for the litter box, where he delivered a resounding shit with what had to be a sigh of relief. Then he had a thorough wash. Finally, he took another survey of the room, noted Himself in the comfy chair, and leapt into his lap, where he stayed for several hours purring like a lawn mower the whole time.

We never had any doubt that Bill had been a housecat with a proper home from which he had been somehow separated. As he was a full-grown tom who had not been neutered, I suspect that he had been dumped by people too stingy too spend fifty bucks at the vet. Like most free cats, he cost us bundles of dough over the years, but that lawn-mower purr was worth every nickel.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Sep 19 - 11:26 PM

Animals that are rescued in this way and dropped into a warm and loving household are often the best pets. I don't know that they remember the rescue, or weigh the pros and cons of living in different places, but it seems like that moment of meeting, when you both decide to adopt each other, the magic happens.

I know that was the case with my pitbull Cinnamon; she had (I learned later) been chased off for weeks by various neighbors up the street because of her breed. She lived in the prairie and probably off of trash, and was at one point hit a glancing blow by a car. When she limped up my driveway I walked out and called her over. I patted her head, she licked my hand, and it wasn't until later I realized that was our contract.

Leonard will be the cat in your house with the great origin story, and when he gets big and fat and sassy, you'll always know how close he was to having none of this, and how lucky you are with that roadside rescue.

Congratulations to all of you!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Sep 19 - 03:28 PM

First appointment with oncology for Pete happened this week. Jeremiah is sick. Testing for my mom took place (and all results are GREAT) and my MIL is in the hospital. It's been a week of trying to take care of everyone and still getting my hours in at work.

Other than the basic chores...laundry, dishes, floors, cooking and groceries....nothing else was taken care of. I am spending this weekend focusing on the downstairs as I know people will be stopping by.

We added a new member to our family yesterday...a little orange tabby kitten that someone dropped off on the side of the road. Pete spotted him while waiting to pick up Jeremiah from the bus. His eyes were gunky and he has a little cough....he is so very thin and it took a few hours for the pads of his feet to warm up. We took him to the vet right away and have antibiotics and dewormer on board. He was very snuggly and full of purrs last night. Today he is still snuggly and a little bit more active. He's eating and drinking....we're hoping he makes it...he's a real cutie pie. We've named him Leonard. <3

Hope all is well for everyone.

Michelle

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Sep 19 - 11:05 PM

Both trees were picked up midday by a solitary man driving a large truck; he parked and stabilized it then climbed into the controller seat and worked with a half-dozen levers to move the arm and scoop up the otherwise too-heavy chunks of wood and thumped them down into the truck. I spoke with him for a couple of minutes when I stepped down to roll a couple of pieces into position for the last scoop - then he used that big scoop to daintily pick up the last of the branch litter and headed on up the street.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Charmion
Date: 13 Sep 19 - 12:44 PM

In Stratford, Stilly, a load like your felled pine would go to a special part of the town landfill that is strictly for garden waste, and the dumper would not have to pay for the privilege. But the town takes no part in moving such loads to the dump, which is a real problem if one does not own a pick-up truck or a suitable trailer. Consequently, hauling away the carcass is an important part of the contract when doing business with an arborist around here.

I have done nothing about the dying birch that looms over our neighbour's house, and of course I now realize that it has friends -- two cedars and a pine -- that are just as moribund and even more likely to land on Judith's roof. Another call to Tim's Tree Service is in order, but this job will be far more expensive than his last visit because he will have to bring his hoist and a crew. After the air-conditioner ... !

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Sep 19 - 11:35 AM

I'm continuing to protect that injured digit with a bandaid, the slice was deep enough that it needs a little time to heal, but not a stitch.

My Dropbox account has added up to a jumble of files over time, so I've spent time clearing out and organizing this morning. Some things were in there so I could reach them from work when I was working away from home, but are no longer called for, and others are out-of-date. The lion's share of the account is involved with uploaded phone photos (a backup) but I have a couple of accounts that do that and really should eliminate one or the other.

My neighbor is home from her cruise and we spent time last night moving the branches from the second tree over to the curb at the edge of our adjacent properties. The stack of pine at the curb on the other corner of my yard was large enough that on Saturday we knew we couldn't put both trees in one place (too much stuff for them to be willing to pick up). It was stacked near the garage and was going to be put it out for gradually each week, but the neighbor suggested putting it on her yard so they pick it up now. Nice!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 13 Sep 19 - 09:29 AM

"Jon Freeman, your sharp knife is your safe knife, as I'm sure you know. My grandmother used to scare me blue with her horrible kitchen knife, which skittered sideways over anything that presented more resistance than a summer squash."

On knives wandering and drifting a bit off topic here and probably mentioned in relation to other topics including musical ones on instrument playing is that I’m a sort of adapted left hander.

I eat (and try to play fretted stringed instruments) right handed but preparing food and slicing bread are left handed tasks. That said, I really struggled with and scrapped a left handed serrated knife I got thinking it might help me cut better. It seems that over many years, I developed a way of resisting the bias that some tools have for right handers and I was all over the place with the left handed special.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Sep 19 - 08:18 PM

Dupont:

Never made it to leave for Beaver. Maybe Monday. R notes a need for some time alone. And I am getting desperate for time at Beaver. The wood needs stacking and I need to see friends. Hope to stay a couple weeks. Get things ready for cold weather - set up heaters in Bath and Studio. Pay Dan. Batten down the hatches.

Getting things in order here so there will be no food to spoil as R will forget to eat it. He may spend a couple nights on the couch at the office ... It seems too much for him to have someone at home cooking a meal and expecting him home... Seems glad to have me back after a break.

So laundry is in order and house could use a bit of organizing but that is up to R and a helper. I planted two more plants today still some left for tomorrow. Then I will feel comfortable leaving him to ... whatever.

Last batch of muffins were whole wheat - R prefers not, so bought unbleached flour and will make him a batch and freeze some, lest he forgets to eat...

International Folk Dance party on Sat, rest on Sunday, or leave depending whether or not we want to do something together.

in the cutlery dept: I bought a beautiful set at a yard sale and we do not like the heft of it so it will go to a thrift shop. Nice set at Beaver that I will bring here. Mostly we have odds and sods, some of which could leave when I collect more --- bet there is still a bunch at the mill! Next time I get there. I bring some things each trip but only what I believe I can home. So far, so good!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Sep 19 - 07:56 PM

She and Greg snuck cargo into the van! :-(

Brandon comes tmrw 1pm to unload the van. Until then, we sleep!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Sep 19 - 12:18 PM

Jon, my new stainless steel set is Dansk and it's even more substantial than I expected. Definitely not flimsy, as I feared when ordering online based upon reviews but not actually getting my hands on a set first.

I have a set of Cutco that seems to stay sharp forever (one of their bragging points - you can send it in for sharpening if it needs it.) I bought that in college when I considered the possibility of sales as a way to pay my way through school, and quickly realized it was a dodgy process. In today's world of celebrity chefs, there is probably a workable angle one could use.

I may go ahead and pull the silver (plate) out for holidays, depending on how many are here (if I don't have enough settings then I use my father's inexpensive stainless steel that he had a couple of dozens of everything for his Song Circle potluck hosting.)

I slept late and missed the ideal time for walking the dogs this morning, but tomorrow I'll be up early and will walk them when I return home from a cat sitting gig. I realized this week that I'm leaving a substantial benefit on the table if I don't get myself to the gym and take advantage of the Silver Sneakers program through my retirement benefits. Fitness type exercise is sporadic when the weather is so hot.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Sep 19 - 10:46 AM

Fam farewells last night after supper, followed by a long, fast aquajog at the motel pool, in my bra, a little debriefing, and bed.

Slept great. Room packed and van 90% loaded. Home by bedtime via back roads due to observed eastbound Indiana construction when we came here, westbound. Hard on my spine, we'll see how well we work togdther after Return to Dysfunction. Usually takes a few days to get our heads back out of our asses. But we never saw Andrew after that one weird greeting. He hid.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Charmion
Date: 12 Sep 19 - 10:18 AM

Ah, cutlery.

I possess a full canteen of sterling silver cutlery -- service for eight! -- that lives in a special fitted box lined with baize. Most of our "family silver" -- yes, we had family silver -- was stolen in a 1983 burglary, but I inherited the remains (including a Georgian soup ladle heavy enough to inflict significant injury), and then filled out the set with pieces I swapped and haggled for. The box survived the burglary, which I have always been grateful for as it was made by my grandfather for my parents as a wedding present.

Sterling silver cutlery is such a class marker! It doesn't actually work as well as stainless steel, but of course its social cachet dates from before the invention of stainless steel so its functionality is not the point. In my family, owning and using silver -- which must be polished and protected from careless handling -- was a way to distinguish ourselves from the lumpen proletariat from which our forebears had dragged themselves with huge effort.

I still trot it out for guests and on high days and holy days -- God forbid that we should eat Christmas dinner with the kitchen cutlery! With the Wedgwood and the Waterford. I'm such a snob. Which makes no sense since we eat in the kitchen -- another thing my mother never permitted.

Jon Freeman, your sharp knife is your safe knife, as I'm sure you know. My grandmother used to scare me blue with her horrible kitchen knife, which skittered sideways over anything that presented more resistance than a summer squash.

That reminds me: our chef's knives need professional attention. Fortunately, the shoe-mender guy downtown sharpens knives really well. Not for cheap, mind you ...

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 12 Sep 19 - 09:44 AM

(There is a second set of cutlery here btw. A posher stainless set nicely presented in a box with soup spoons and a couple of serving spoons but mum's alway wanted to keep that a bit "special" so it only comes out at Christmas or other family occasions)

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 12 Sep 19 - 09:36 AM

That crossed my mind too, SRS… One thing at the doctor’s was she wanted to weigh me and the scales were a type with a big dial at the base. I effectively presented my feet with shoes on at that point.

On cutlery, I replaced the jumble we had with this set early last year. It’s been pretty good and the serrated knife cuts what we need without being too sharp. They felt a bit funny to hold at first with the exposed metal on the handles but we soon got used to that and I like the feel.

On other knives, mum now allows me to keep a small (10cm) sharp cooks knife, protected by a sheath, in the bread bin. This is handy as it’s a great tomato slicer. I also have my similarly protected bread knife in there. The old “bread knife” remains my main knife – pretty good for eg. chopping carrots or cutting a sandwich in half but you can’t slice a fresh loaf with it – something I do after a loaf has come out of the bread maker and cooled – mum’s joined the one time (he doesn’t cut bread now) dad in cutting diagonal doorsteps… My larger chef’s knife has to remain safely tucked away in my room but it’s not often I want it. Perhaps it would come out if I was to do the potato and leek gratin where I want things thinly sliced but most of my limited repertoire is even cruder than that.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Sep 19 - 11:33 PM

That is so funny! You're lucky they didn't send out over for a couple of extra tests just because of that! :)

My kitchen has been cleaned twice this evening, once before guests and then everything in the dishwasher after we ate. Only one mishap—I did cut myself on my new cutlery - that knife has an edge far sharper than necessary for flatware! Something I wasn't aware of till now. A bandaid and pressure is dealing with it, but ouch!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 11 Sep 19 - 04:10 PM

Maybe a bit of light relief sort of on the well being side…

I had a doctor’s appointment today (taxi there and back). I saw the GP who decided I should have a blood test and gave me a piece of paper to take to the hospital. The (local, limited facilities but it runs several clinics, minor casualty, and other bits that can spare people in my area the say 30 mile trip to the main one) hospital is about 400yds from the surgery and they have a drop in system – pick up a ticket and wait until its number is displayed – for blood tests so I walked across, had the sample taken and came back to wait for the taxi.

Not long after getting home, the big toe on my right foot started to hurt. I took the shoe off that foot and I realised the shoe in my hand was the left one! I’d just visited my GP and the hospital with shoes on the wrong feet!

The shoes are lightweight, fairly flexible trainers with Velcro fasteners and I don’t always look down to fasten them so maybe that partly explains how I managed it in the first instance but I’m still amazed I didn’t notice the mistake for so long.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Sep 19 - 01:11 PM

SHE will have three local alternatives (one quite excellent) to the other excellent Ohio alternative where the least dysfunctional sons and their family members would like to be able to see her-- almost as often as she would like.

It's on her own survival instinct to know what will be best. From here on, we can support (not persuade) by phone.

Greg is at one facility now, with her, and we three will visit the last of her top three this afternoon.

An early movie evening, then outta here (and back to our own retirement adjustment).

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 11:52 PM

You'll be able to make a recommendation/decision after you visit all three?

Drive safe and comfortably!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 10:43 PM

Second facility, hilariously excellent. One more tomorrow.

We're extending our stay a few hours to rest up before driving back. We're OLD!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 03:48 PM

OMG this is HARD!

One facility down, two to go.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 10:20 AM

Figuring out the replacement fuel line for my string trimmer, using leftover tubing from the kit I used once already. Last time I replaced the lines the starter rope handle broke off and wrapped inside the machine; by the time I took it in to be fixed the lines were deteriorating again (they need replacing every year or two). So I'm cleaning the filter (a sponge under a removable cover) and preparing to pull more line into the fuel tank. I admit that I've procrastinated in doing this because I have to do the work outside or in the garage where it was too hot to work. I also have an electric trimmer, so it's either keep the gas one running with the fuel line stuff or drag a long electric cord around behind me. It's finally going to cool enough to make yard work pleasant.

Coming close to having the table and counter top ready for guests. This is one of those opportunities when you can see your house through someone else's eyes - and it's an eyeful!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Sep 19 - 09:44 AM

Dupont:

SRS: Being a scientist, R read and re-read the explicit directions that, amazingly, came attached to the euonymous. Then, lifting the monster into the hole, found it too deep, lifted it back out and added good stuff to bring it up to ground level, with an inch of saucer to help hold water, as directed. What a project! Even R could barely lift the beast. Then - it does not look that big. Rather a disappointment after all that. But it is supposed to get 3 feet tall and wide; will help hide the concrete foundation of the entrance to addition. Or, draw attention to it.

Wonderful that the old tree is getting new life!

R dashed off this am without BF so I made a batch of muffins with new baking powder. They did not rise any better than the last ones but - it was the scones that were a disappointment, not the muffins. These look good. And I found out that the oven turned itself off and announced "Fin" at the end of the entered cooking time. It did not beep loudly enough to be heard. I am a bit buffaloed by a stove that talks back - in French. They did get browner than the last batch. I'll take a couple with me, to the walk this am - in the Ile. Hope someone comes this week but I can still have a walk by the Rivers. Cool morning.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 05:36 PM

Careful not to plant trees and woody shrubs too deep - their root flares should be above the ground, and often plants from nurseries have extra dirt on top of the roots in the pot so you may not see the problem. Make the hole shallow and wide, soak a plant in water and compost tea for an hour if you have to, then straighten roots out from the center and put the soil back carefully. And yes, I try to never buy anything larger than a gallon because if you plant things correctly it doesn't take long for that small plant to catch up to the size of the more expensive one. Wrong. Correct.

A second claim on some of the pine out front: a man whose daughter is an artist likes to cut through rounds of wood to create bases for stands for her glass art. He took several pieces of limb that were 8" to 10" through. Excellent! I love the idea that this tree is going to be around doing interesting things in this neighborhood.

The method for reinforcing the hall ceiling is to go over with the stud finder, put a small piece of painter's tape there, then go back with a long thin brad and pound it in just enough to confirm a stud is there. Pull it out and use the same hole for the screw. So far everything is fine, the crack at the tape line hasn't caused the sheet rock to loosen from the ceiling joists.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 04:42 PM

Andrew:

How was the drive, Greg?
G: Not too bad...
A: Good!

Susan, how you doin?
S: Decrepitated.
A: Good!

Oh boy....

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 12:46 PM

Dupont:

Charmion's weather! Lovely here also.

Was hoping to go to Beaver, today to Friday, but cannot bear to leave the yard work undone. I wanted to get away from sitting here all week, doing nothing but reading, but realized, by the broad light of day, there is work to be done.

The Euonymous finally was well planted this morning and a promise never to purchase any plant larger than a gallon pot! Poor R dug halfway to China!   He had to cut the pot off with a coping saw - seemed a waste. Two buckets of "dahlia potting mix" as we had no peat here and several buckets of water- 2 before and one after. Then R went off to work, at noon, with some metal scrap in the truck! Well done!

I cleared more of that weed preventing Fabric to make room for my plantings. I still have three daylilies and something else to plant and lots of daffie bulbs from the spring pots - they are starting to show life, Need to get them underground! I have a "bulb planter - might work. Also a lavender and something else... And the back deck: house plants, extra pots, garden tools that need to be homed, and boxes of pottery - where to put it???? Very undecided. Can also organize TV/sewing room...

And a book to read... And I do need to rest!

The hibiscus in the BR has promising looking buds! The one and only orchid is getting its 3 weeks of cool nights, in a protected spot on the deck.

I wish I had a Dan here to help out - moving furniture, two person pieces - planting, etc. Viewing possibility of a ramp to make house accessible. R does not think it important; for me it is a matter of principle. Concerned about in-house air quality when windows are closed and the basement stairs are an opening to that air. Air cleaners can only do so much. Miss the clean air of Beaver!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 11:58 AM

I have resolved that today is the day to reinforce the ceilings I'm concerned about. Better to have them with a few extra screw heads in view (though can be dabbed with paint) than to have them crumble as the house shifts. And I can save to restore the foundation faster if I'm not continually repairing stuff that the foundation is messing up. Finding the studs is always the issue.

I envy those of you who are entering the autumn weather now. We're forecast to have mid-90s all week, but this morning as I carried trash to the curb there was an enticing cool breeze that promised there will eventually be cooler days ahead.

There's an informal dinner party here this week so I've been clearing the areas where we congregate. The dogs need a good brushout and I need to sweep and vacuum the dog hair that has already escaped from their coats.

On the health front I have a stretching book that a friend sent that I'm starting to work through, and I'm going to move the furniture in one area to give myself room to exercise in front of the television where I have some stretching, some yoga, and some low-impact video workouts ready to view. Especially until my knee treatments start and take effect, this is the way to keep moving.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Charmion
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 11:07 AM

Summer is definitely over, even if we still have a few warm days left before the equinox. The temperature dropped to 9 degrees Celsius last night, and this morning the bedroom was chilly enough that I actually opened both layers of all the curtains. A bit of solar gain feels more like a good idea than the invitation to sauna conditions that is typical of July.

I'm waiting on payment of Himself's July invoice to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada before calling Rodney the HVAC guy to give us a formal quote and schedule air-conditioner surgery. Note to file: if you like prompt payment for services rendered, don't be a lawyer, and don't work for any department of the Canadian federal government.

Although PPSC is sluggish, God knows, the record for snail-like payment is still held by the National Archives of Canada, which arrogated to itself the right to take 90 days to pay contractors' invoices back in the late 1980s. Great way to drive their contingency workers into the arms of any potential employer or client with a habit of paying on receipt of timesheet or invoice.

The garden looks good, the house is adequately clean, and Himself's laundry basket is not stuffed to the brim. That leaves me free to sit around and read until I'm ready to go out for a nice long walk.