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

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 19 - 11:16 PM

This morning I shared some seeds with a friend and we plan to compare notes on how the tomatoes grow and produce in each yard. These were from my Secret Santa in 2018. From there I saw some other friends at the library where I worked, and then did a lot of driving to meet folks at a different library location I'd never been to before in a town that used to be small and isn't any more. The drive home was leisurely, a "back road" that took me on a cook's tour of the county, from the prosperous little town that is all new construction through the northeast part of my town that is much older. Interesting to look at the demographics and businesses that are in each place.

I've added a couple of books to my Amazon wish list but I'll see if I can get either of them at a local library before I make the purchase. I should go add them to the "want to read" category in GoodReads.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 08:21 AM

Does anyone else wake up with storage solutions needed for solving a previous day's project?

It's too complicated to explain all the permutations, but I awoke with one of these "global solves" for the home office corner, involving electrical outlet placement---making several things possible to solve a month-long problem.... without unloading heavy bookcases to move them.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 01:45 PM

That's referred to as "sleeping on it" for a reason. In graduate school I discovered the usefulness of a "power nap." If I was struggling with some aspect of a paper or such, and felt an overwhelming need to take a nap, I stopped resisting it. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes, and invariably when I woke an answer presented itself. My brain just needed the down time to sort it out.

We are lucky in Texas to not be in the deep freeze that so many are, but I have to say that I have this feeling of general cold in just thinking about that polar vortex splitting and descending from the north pole. I have a pot of beans simmering on the stove; I imagine it is beef stew or chicken pot pie weather in the north. Stay warm, everyone.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 02:23 PM

A pressing task is my bed/livingroom light which I’ve been without for the last 2 days. I’m using a LED camping lantern, powered by a small sealed lead acid battery that gives some light but not as much as I’d like and things are a bit dim. All the same, that btw turned out a good purchase a few years back. When not in use, I charge it once a month and it’s helped us through a few power cuts (not that common an occurrence but they do happen). If (not often these days) mum and I do get out for say an evening of music, I always leave this one in easy reach for dad in case of a power cut (and there is also a mains plug in night light by the living room door that would come on) so he’d be left in darkness or be tempted to try a risky walk while waiting for us (he’d call us if there was a problem) to get home.

I’m hoping the problem does turn out to be the switch (I’ve not checked power is getting to it and that would need an electrician).   The part came today but to late for me to fit. It’s a Z Wave module and my memory says that “auto calibrate” does not work with the led panel it drives so (as the controller won’t allow me to view current settings for a device it claims no longer exits), it will be a slow trial and error job to set the min/max dimming levels. I don’t know, I can get drawn into tech but can also find myself cursing it at times.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 03:41 PM

Beaver:

Slept too well last night and woke to a BR at 59F. Minus 26C outside. Too cold to get up but if I don't it will get colder. So I did, fed fire, and went back to bed. Eventually it got warm enough to get up.

I did get boxes yesterday - some for me and some for friends who sell on amazon. Today, met them at Timmy's and gave them boxes. Came home and did NOT feel like doing wood. BUT it is still COLD outside and the pile was dwindling so I brought in two loads, cleared snow to the studio and watered plants. Considering one more load but want feet to get warmer. Sunny this am but cloudy now and feels/looks like more snow. So much easier here than in Montreal!

Trip to Chateauguay with plants may be put off to Tuesday - weather! So much easier to face the inevitable snow when there is off street parking AND someone clearing the drive!

The house had warmed again after the door openings to bring in wood. Another load is doable.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 06:39 PM

In the wee hours last night a smoke detector started chirping (low battery). I listened for a few minutes to figure out it was the one in the hall outside the bedrooms, then struggled for several minutes to get the replacement battery into the little compartment and for it to line up with the contacts. It's the 9V type that is typically plugged into one of those caps for the positive and negative terminals, but this one you slide into the plastic case and it rests against the connections. I need to change the others so they're all in sync instead of playing the "where is the chirp coming from" game throughout the year.

A batch of beans is finished and stored in jars in the freezer, with a bowl for dinner tonight, served over rice. I have just a couple of more purchases to make tomorrow, then am entering a "no spend" month challenge for myself. I'm inspired by a friend who has taken his bullet journalling to a level I've never seen, but he's keeping good track of the bills as he pays off credit accounts. I think adding a couple of dedicated bill-pay pages to mine will do the same thing without all of the arts and crafts he put into play.

I have a package I prepared to list on eBay, but when I got ready to write up the listing realized I need to take another photo of the item so have to unpack it and set it back into the photo cube. Then repack it. Bummer

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 06:48 PM

I changed ours last year, SRS. They were individual battery ones but we now have linked ones, still battery but fixed and supposed to last 10 years. It can make quite a racket when put on "test".

It can be quite fun trying to trace a beep can't it. There seem to be quite a few things here that can emit a warning beep...

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 07:31 PM

These are linked, and were put in back in 2011. Each has it's own battery backup so when I replaced the battery in the one and pressed the test button they all went off. And yes, quite a racket!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jan 19 - 08:52 PM

I'm so proud of our amazing kitchen, which just performed beautifully for a relaxed, casual supper with a guest. The counter space allocated for appliances and the 2nd cook just swallowed up each courses's dishes; I cleared them from my swivel chair just by placing them behind me. The sink and other food prep area are totally unaffected-- it can all sit til the morning with no brekky impediment.

Good job, Camp Ridgebury Kitchen!

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 12:38 PM

Comparing packing tape on Amazon (reading reviews) today. Right now I'm using Scotch, and it's so heavy duty as to be overkill. I've used others that were too light, and there were some that were a good weight but not the name brand of Scotch so were cheaper. Reading reviews it seems like the smell of the tape is an issue. Hmmm. I remember smelling tape before but not being particularly affected by it. Put this in the category of occasionally revisiting decisions about products that are regularly in use.

Another product review that I'm acting on is to finally purchase a small bottle of gear oil for lubricating the paper shredders here. I have one to list on eBay and as I did research on this particular brand I found a reviewer making sense - don't buy a household shredder and complain when you can't use it all day long every day. And lubricate it.

This morning I made a pass through the front yard to pick up litter that has drifted down the street and lodged in the shrubs. I need to make an effort to improve the look of the stretch of garden along the curb (where the trash collects). And I still need to re-contour parts of the lawn where the new sewer line went in the the piled up dirt wasn't completely leveled.

The gardening friend who I swapped seeds with said he's planning to start his tomatoes in pots next week. I made the case that they can get awfully leggy that way by the time the weather is right for planting. He said he always puts them way-deep in the ground and swears by how well the roots get established (the stem will root when in contact with soil) so I'll give that a try. Over the next few days I'll see if I can weatherproof the greenhouse enough to put the pots out there, otherwise they'll be in my very crowded sunroom windows. I could start them in tiny pots and repot them for the greenhouse later, on the way to planting in the garden.

I know some of you are shoveling snow and dragging firewood. I'm seeing Instagram posts of friends dressed in jackets indoors because they've been asked to keep the thermostat low to use less energy. Stay safe and warm - your spring will be all the sweeter and dramatic after such a rugged winter.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 01:41 PM

I don't know about smell but some tape on the UK market is awful. We got a roll of brown packing tape for some Christmas things. It split no matter how careful you tried to be. The bit you pulled would get thinner, break off and then you would fight to get the tape restarted and it was at least very good at sticking to itself. It did the jobs in the end but I don't think I could have imagined a simple matter of using a roll of tape could be so frustrating.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 03:00 PM

Post-guest dishes whipped, even the good silverware we used.

The table to sort that FPH box into a program guide is now set outside the Library door, ready to go to work Monday.

The Anti-Racism gig is prepped except for getting a mic out of Greg's closet.

Off to Joann's for elastic.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 07:00 PM

Jeremiah did not have school today due to the very cold temperatures so I stayed home with him and kept the wood fire going all day and the house at a reasonable temperature. It was a luxury to be here all day!!!   I made homemade spaghetti sauce out of the summer tomatoes we canned the summer before last and have it simmering in the crock pot. The dishes are all done, the pile of socks that have been waiting to be matched up are all paired up and put away, two boxes of Christmas presents received last weekend have been sorted and put away. The rest of the day has been spent relaxing and keeping the house warm with a beautiful fire.

There is a 2 hour delay for tomorrow as well due to the bitter temperatures.

Hope all of you are warm tonight.

Michelle

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Jan 19 - 07:03 PM

Beaver:

Oh, Jon, I have had tape like that! SO aggravating!

SRS: your friend is using an accepted way to do tomatoes, a good idea. IF I can get to that point of organization, I shall try to start some - in March! Planting them deeply when the time comes does give them a better root system. The daffodils are now under about 3 feet of snow. I may try to remove some in late February, if I can get near.

My friends might be selling on Ebay rather than Amazon. It is all Greek to me. But I went for more boxes today, for them and for my traveling plants and pots.

Did another load yesterday and one load today. Below zero at 7:30. The wood stove is working! The cold continues to weigh me down. Supposed to go up to freezing on Sunday!!!!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 19 - 10:50 AM

Friend Judy was admitted via ER to the local hospital ydy, the next day after our supper with her where she'd mentioned how much she's been tablet-addicted and hibernating. When we stopped at the hospital for keys to feed her cat, the reality, she warned us, would be bad.

And indeed it was-- a kitchen full to bursting with science experiments and both sinks full. Zero counter space to unpile the sinks.... I opened the oven and used the racks.

, . After I figured out where the single sink stopper was and sorted everything by shape for nesting to soak, and Greg emptied the very inconveniently located dishwasher, I was able to whip it all and get the first sinkful of Corelle into the dishwasher. Three hours after arrival, we had trash from several piled up areas bagged, and left the worst still soaking for grand dau Emma-- a young nurse Judy adores, who lives an hour away. She arrives today to take charge of discharge planning. Emma wants to pick up where I left off, to get the apartment ready for the home health care Judy is now able to indicate she will accept after a nursing home week.

I was so grateful that I'd left my own kitchen whipped, and could spare the energy/ legs/back! Ended the night very sore but bounced back already.

Greg ran her fone charger back to the hospital and gassed up her van, which we'd picked up from the store where she'd fallen. It was good having the pastoral care skills to initiate good conversations with Judy's circle to fulfill what she'd asked of me when we met as two older women who were both living alone, just blocks apart.

Emma will see just enough of the science experiments to see how her Grammy has actually been doing, but not more than Judy's dignity can stand. All the helpers Judy has praised in the past are on standby, and connected to Emma.

~S~

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Feb 19 - 11:25 AM

I visited an estate sale that was on my route through town yesterday and made the mental note to sell a lot of the stuff the is just on storage or in cases and never used. The house in question was full of that kind of item. I picked up one long mirror that I'll use to replace the cloudy one on my dressing room door.

Warmer weather ahead, with a chance of rain. Good for gardening.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Feb 19 - 11:43 AM

Apparently I did too much the day Judy fell... We'd designated that as an Errands With Walker day (no scooters), and it was after completing that successful challenge when we got Judy's news... and I suspect it was that last time I got up after resting, to do one more round at Judy's, that was the "too much" thing, because my house is out of joint again and I have to choose between Y pool and house. I chose house, because or other standing plans. And I came down with a new cold ydy.

Not the muscle thing this time-- the stamina thing. But a great doc visit ydy, and I'm spontaneously losing the PA pounds again.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 19 - 11:53 AM

One of my eBay listings is a used crosscut paper shredder, and as I researched the brand I found a review for it in which a guy making a good case for using a light oil lubricant for the blades every couple of times you empty the bin. I never have used such a thing, but the Fellowes brand is inexpensive so a couple of days ago I ordered some to give it a try. It should arrive on the porch this afternoon.

My daughter told me about a website where she orders her glasses, and they look good. I have been paying through the nose at my optometrist's office (for example - those with insurance, they charge full price so you end up paying about $150 for your frames. For people without insurance, they give them a 50% discount, so they, too, end up paying $150 for their frames. They make twice as much from those of us with insurance because the actual cost of frames is about $20.) I went along with it for the usual inertia reasons; I was there, could try them on, and if your glasses break within a year they replace them free. But you already paid for them, and in all of these years I've only had one pair break. The site is https://www.zennioptical.com. She has been paying $30-$40 a pair, with a heavy-duty Rx.

I am aiming at a no-spend month, primarily to do with groceries and household stuff. When I need something I must go look in the garage, in the greenhouse, in the pantry first and see if I already have it, or something that will work just as well. I have a couple of gift cards in place and as usual the freezer is stocked. I may go ahead and order the glasses because I'd already have a pair for megabucks more if I'd gotten them when I was at the optometrist a couple of weeks ago. My regular vision is the same but the bifocal measurement has changed and will make a difference (it's stronger, no surprise.) But I'll put off any extra pairs (another set of office glasses) till after this month is past.

The other possible purchase is a new computer. I'll do the research and hem and haw and can easily put it off for a while. Knock wood this one keeps running (it has a few bugs that appear more often now - it is nine years old.)

Oooooh - pissed at Amazon this morning. I ordered a set of Scotch shipping tape intending to get the large rolls for my dispenser and it was instead those dinky little rolls on their own cheap plastic dispensers. And if I try to return them they'll keep their shipping out of it and return less than half. I'm stuck keeping them.

Susan, I'm sorry you're not feeling good today, but you certainly must feel great for having helped your friend so substantially the day before!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 19 - 12:58 PM

I poked around a few of my usual places and think the best price for the 3" roll of Scotch shipping tape is at Home Depot for about $3 a roll. I've made a note to myself for when I finish all of these dinky little rolls.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Feb 19 - 03:59 PM

Yes thanks SRS I do. It's important to sort out whether it's bone, muscle, or stamina... I knew I stressed the first two but thought I was farther along on stamina. So today we feed and play with her cat-- but don't visit. My walking today is to go into a new music lounge we want to try. Other nearby friends are wearing her out w visits, so we will wait till their urgency wears off-- IMNSHO nursing home visiting requires an invitation, knowing how the PT and daily round there will wear her out.

Something "normal" today: it's warm here today, and the path is presently open and nonskid-- so I got up to get my down slippers out of the van in the garage, to make and insert thicker insoles with items bought ydy which fit perfectly-- both layers of extra-insulating insoles. Warm toesies at the tavern we found, after I kick off horrible boots (or shoes) w soles too thick for my best knee angle. All by myself.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Feb 19 - 04:14 PM

SRS,

    I order from Zenni optical often for clients with Medicaid who have lost or broken their glasses and won't be approved for another pair for a year or more. I've been able to get frames and single lens glasses for under $20.00 (of course this will depend on the prescription as well). They seem to be of decent quality.

Michelle

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 19 - 05:57 PM

Good to get a second opinion! My daughter said there are lots of options and their instructions for measuring the distance between the pupils is straightforward. My bifocals will probably cost more, but proportionately lower than the optometrist.

Friends came over this afternoon to meet Pepper the blue heeler and she's always thrilled to meet people. The weather has been nice so I cleared out stuff and moved some furniture from the back patio. One old chair is now down at the curb, probably to be broken up on Monday morning and planks put in the bin for pickup. Who knows - someone might decide they can do something with it and cart it off.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Feb 19 - 12:38 PM

Then next few days are the ones that, if I was still driving to the office every day, I would be so sorry to miss as a gardener. Looking forward to spring-like weather to make a big push out there.

Revised a few eBay items that used to sell regularly but not as often now. Mulling over which items in my china cabinet should get listed - after recently visiting an estate sale with all of that similar stuff sitting out, I am reminded that I need to move it so the kids don't have to.

Changing out the rest of the house smoke detector batteries. One chirped during the night a few days ago (up on the stepladder at zero-dark-thirty to change the thing), and they can stand to be synced up with new batteries.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Feb 19 - 01:59 PM

My shoulder is really bad today but I got a soup batch going, and made text contact w moving help. Sent Greg to see Judy and try to wheel her to some warm sunshine.

We discussed next steps w garage work to get more space cleared, which Brandon is booked to help with tomorrow and Tuesday.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Feb 19 - 02:41 PM

A friend told me about her uncle's estate that she recently had to work on with her mother. He was unhealthy and gave up caring and they were confronted with an abomination of an apartment. He had generally untreated diabetes and no will to live. And apparently never took out the trash.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Feb 19 - 07:28 PM

SRS, yes, we see this all the time in ministry.

Today-- the new batch of soup is done. I made contact with moving helpers on the PA end.

We mapped out the post-move garage layout with some smart shared xecisions.

I tended Judy's cat and we got a spare key made for her house. Greg enjoyed the Simpsons on her TV while I played with the cat.

Newbie got about 10 minutes of scootering, it's that warm here.

~S~

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Feb 19 - 11:39 AM

Yesterday I filled three large trashbags with mulch at the city parks free compost site and have them ready to use in the garden on top of layers of newspaper or cardboard to mark the paths. Last year's paths are still clear of weeds after the same treatment. I prefer cardboard, though not as heavy as the stuff I recycled a couple of weeks ago. I have a few small boxes here and I can usually pull more out of the village recycle bins. Small boxes that are unfolded and laid out under mulch are perfect.

This morning I broke apart the pallet-board Adirondack-style chair that had crumbling planks so it's now in a tall trashcan at the curb. I dragged it out on Saturday and a couple of times I heard people slow or stop to look at it, but they moved on (this is a good way to discard workable things). And now it's down to it's elemental planks.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Feb 19 - 01:14 PM

The next Yano may start tmrw. If not, next week.

Brandon will work further miracles here with me today and with Greg tmrw.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Feb 19 - 05:53 PM

We did work further miracles, including sending a lotta stuff from the garage to Goodwill, and a lotta stuff to trash and recycling bins.

Yano resumes next Tuesday at 10:30am.

Judy is checking herself out of hospital several days early. Greg went to (literally) pick her up. I'll go sit with her when he gets back.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Feb 19 - 11:05 AM

Two large boxes carried into LR from garage ydy-- totally unpacked, stowed, labeled. As one box empties it becomes the next Goodwill box, and so far no hard decisions there. Also no "Gee, wish I'd donated it in PA!" items. Also a lot of what is unpacked replaces worn-out items here; some favorite nightgowns are being trashed, for example.

The items still IN PA will be more harshly sorted in March, as I see storage spaces here a bit differently with Greg's input (which has not been possible until now).

Two boxes/day is my current limit, even with help. Need to raise limit to three. :-( Stamina.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Feb 19 - 11:09 PM

There's a deep discount grocery store I visit that has lots of gourmet items, has foods from all sorts of ethnic markets, and from regular grocery wholesalers who didn't sell items before they would soon reach the sell-by date (apologies if I've already mentioned it a dozen times). Any meat they buy like that is always frozen in time to be still in excellent shape. A few weeks ago I bought a 3.5 pound frozen package of organic chicken thighs, skinless and boneless (because that's what they had) that was half-price from the original marked on it (signaled by being crossed through the price with a red marker). And if you bought two, the second was one cent. Seven pounds of organic chicken for $5. I thawed and made one of those packages into chicken teriyaki this evening and it was marvelous. I have lots of leftovers. (The recipe is in the "What Are We Eating" thread.)

The front yard was mowed, but oh does my knee smart from it! The last of three gel shots is later this week and that should remedy the problem - it is kind of lopsided right now, having been injected once on each side. The third shot will be on the problem side again and should give me more cushion. But after mowing it was too much to also walk the dogs. My lab just mopes along sometimes and a friend suggested that he needs more time in the rough to get to investigate his surroundings. But to do that, my knee needs to feel better.

My list on the kitchen counter is different than I've made before, but it's working. I've remembered to put small stuff down as well so I can actually see my progress through the day. Laundry washed, dried, and folded along with finally changing a porch light bulb, doing various errands that need doing, etc.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Feb 19 - 12:00 PM

A gardening friend spoke recently about switching out from using some short little cedar boards to edge his garden - "I'm too old for all of this!" - so I am taking him several used, but in good shape, steel edging strips. They've been leaning up against a garden edge for a while, and more were added to it in 2017 when I took apart a couple of beds in preparation for the work on the sewer line. I won't put those back and if I plan to create more beds I still have a few. This will clear up one small obstacle in the front when I mow.

After I discarded the dilapidated chair I hosed off the layer of mud that was over much of the patio (dog feet track a lot of mud!). I didn't get all of it, but the seating and table are rearranged and the space is easier to navigate. The freeze returns this weekend so the hoses are stowed away again and the faucet cover is in place.

Later in the month I'm going to start taking down some of the heavy outer limbs on the vitex in the front yard. It's a multi-stem tree that has gotten so huge there isn't enough light for some things I want to grow. (Ironic - when I moved in there was NO shade out there and I was desperate to create some.) I also have one vitex limb in the back yard that wants to grow into the power and cable lines. I'll time this work so I can stack the limbs and branches at the curb for my street's bulky waste quarterly pickup (second week in March.)

The running to-do list on the kitchen counter, with a few small items added for the current or next day, is working out well. Sometimes something sits there for a couple of days before being attended to, but most of them are giving me a way to organize the day and plan when to stay here and work or head out to run errands. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment and lets me pace myself so I get out with people regularly. The dogs are good company, but not the same as having humans to talk to.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Feb 19 - 08:04 PM

Slept late enuf to rush wakies time, but got 2 lg flats of chix sink-thawed, in time to start the large crockpot with thawed stock; also a small oven batch that wouldn't fit in the crock. The daily coffee chat with Greg: we planned fetching 25 lbs of bulk peanuts later in the day.

While Greg was at the Y, I spelunked an old travel-pillow bag in the garage for road pillows, which replace some ortho supports I'd loaned to Judy ydy; these brace my knees straight in the van to minimize soft tissue strain and pain. I set that huge rolling bag to bring in/unpack later, and brought in several pillowcases from it, to wash. I found a power tool Greg or Brandon had left on my scooter seat ydy (NEVER block a disabled person's only place to sit OR their mobility aid), and stowed it on the tool shelf Brandon and I had cleared the day before-- FOR TOOLS-- behind the scooter.

Had lunch then did rough draft of notes for our PA landlord-- these will accompany fone videos we'd shot to remind me of info they will want re repairs needed and how to live in that crazy house (what/how to winterize, etc.).

Done in time to go fetch order of bulk peanuts-- the nice long trip in the country Judy can't do as we'd planned.

We ate the supper I'd pre-made.

Bulk peanuts are now divided and stowed.

Bulk tater flakes are also refilled.

A sugar bottle for the counter is refilled.

Most of the crockpotted chicken is cooked and cooling. The balance is finishing cooking in time to cool the chix and broth, and add the broth to a waiting saucepan in the fridge. Chix to be boned tmrw and 2/3 of it frozen. A third for the fridge for lunches.

I miss my 2nd fridge, my freezer, and my manifold food storage containers SO MUCH-- my motivation to keep clearing garage space before March, which can't come too soon!

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Feb 19 - 10:57 PM

So you'll bring the second fridge and the freezer and the storage containers from PA and put them in the garage in Ohio?

I wish I could put my freezer in the garage, but it gets way too hot out there. I'm afraid it would work way too hard.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Feb 19 - 09:25 AM

Yep. And all my plastic food storage stuff in my kitchen.

Feeding two out of the small fridge here, economically, is creating more work than we're up to. The extra refrigeration isn't "extra" for us.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Feb 19 - 11:15 AM

.,.. we had a hilarious giggle about needing a Chefty Retirement Village more than an Old Folkies Home....

Brekkys and premature day planning followed by coffee chat win/win/win plan made and executed. I'm off to pool to check out early warm pool usage feasibility, while Greg works on his desired task of wall prep to paint the sewing room. When I get back, he goes to Y for my session time. After session time, we'll UNbox most of A-corner/garage, for Tuesday Yano un-filth ingredients with will leave a box of clean, framed art we can start pulling from to get pix up... and another box of decor for Yano next week. We're packing excelsior to reuse in PA but recycling a lot of cardboard and packing pillows.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Feb 19 - 07:15 PM

Montreal:

Tuesday: 2 hours packing car and a 5 hour drive. Arrived at the "new house" at 3 pm and offloaded plants into house in just above freezing temp - VERY carefully as the yard and steps were ICY! My first trip to house now that it really is ours! I did not spend much time as needed to cross the bridge before rush hour. Only 25 min to Montreal house - at that time of day. We went out to dinner that was a day!

Weds: drove to southern Q to deliver mugs to Carole, then back toward M, via picking up money from Serenplicity! Stop at thrift shop for "saucers" for plants as many were left behind due to space and time. Then grocery, then house and did some watering and arranging, then back to city. Later equals longer! But still only about 30 minutes to R's office.

Today! I hate flyers! But the ones I picked up in Chateauguay were looked at - new locale, what can I learn? Linen Chest having major sales so I went early to the closest one, looking for a non-toxic mattress - $700. nice young woman suggested the outlet store on the other side of major bridge. I thought of waiting for R to drive us there but after drinking some water and a couple squares of choc, decided that 1 pm was a good time to cross. "I can do this!" "Same" mattress for $400 plus 10% off on anything else I bought, so I walked up and down every aisle and filled the cart - towels, sheets, a French press, and an Australian wool topper for mattress. Really major SALE! I had fun spending/saving money. Really needed towels for guests and even for us. Have not bought any in at least 15 years, other than at thrift shops.

The woman who helped me is designated an honorary granddaughter! We had such a good chat about all sorts of common interests! I asked her to email me and come visit. She assisted me throughout shopping expedition and cash, and loaded the numerous bags into car! I drove home in freezing rain! But the roads were still ok. That did the day and since, I have been in recuperation!

R popped home to charge phone and reminded me of his wool allergy! I can put a cotton coverlet over it if need be.

Another good reminder from SRS: Re compost, I wonder if Chateauguay has compost for residents to use. Likely.

And, btw, I love the house and we are both excited about what is going to go where and what room used for what and what repairs need to be done first... Now waiting for BR to be painted, bed to be delivered, weather to be OK for moving things. The back porch has two feet of snow on it! So I stood inside and tried to visualize where to put the 3 cherry trees - if they survive the Ontario winter. Lots of great windows for plants. And radiators. It was nice and warm in the house!!!!!

The Montreal house is a test of endurance and the fact that so much is packed away that I feel crippled in the K. I bought hot pads, dish cloths and one dish towel at a dollar store; there were none here. I have not yet found the guts to clear out the frig. Maybe tomorrow...

On Saturday, hoping to get to the mill and gather some things for the house so I can start getting the K organized and get internet in and have a chair to sit in a warm space during the day until we get the bed and a few pieces of furniture, frig, washing machine - for clothing, K table and chairs.... Requires R and truck and a day free of precipitation.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Feb 19 - 11:03 PM

Dorothy, it's great to hear you so fired up! You go girl!

The garage is looking so empty, suddenly. So much was accomplished this week that we're awarding ourselves a day off tomorrow to preview a hockey rink with Valentine's tickets in mind.

With scooter!

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Feb 19 - 11:39 PM

Temperatures took a nose-dive here so the next week will feature mostly indoor activities. I did mail another eBay box today and had an interesting conversation with a young man who sells make-up and things like eyelashes through his business; what caught my eye were the reflective mylar wrappers of the padded envelopes that were at the counter when he dropped them off. I first noticed them earlier in the week, and today he was there in the building so I asked him. I will research the costs - he is convinced that having an attractive parcel arrive for his customers helps his business. Not that I would use this trick often, but there are times it would be perfect.

My office is awash in paper, something I need to remedy during these cold days spent indoors.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Feb 19 - 07:24 AM

.... WHERE... To put... The large pile of boxed decor.... For Yano to unbox and clean... And then where will decor items go until the furniture to display them in a month....? NOT IN THE HOUSE....,

(Sleeeeep.....)

Oh. Of course. In the garage pantry I emptied yesterday! In plastic bags to keep them clean and ready to display. Because I can't use the pantry for food items till my food storage glass and plastic and metal arrive, too.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Feb 19 - 11:58 PM

It's too cold out now to go outside for any activities that will test my knee with the full dose of gel that has been injected. It should last six or more months, so I'll have an easier time planting and tending a spring garden.

Today I started doing some contract web work, I'm doing some pet sitting, and starting up volunteer work in an area park next week. A friend wrote with details about a book club she participates in; I ordered the book they'll discuss on the second Monday in March. In other terms, I'm working on recluttering my life with people and activity.

This evening I made a batch of my zucchini casserole with onion, green pepper, Italian sausage, pasta sauce, Parmesan cheese, egg noodles, some wine, and I cleared out some partial things in the fridge and freezer. A couple of peppers I needed to dice and freeze, some went in the skillet, a small container of frozen diced tomato, the rest of a jar of fancy roasted red peppers and feta cheese (by Peloponnese) from lunch a couple of weeks ago. That last ingredient made this dish amazing. I guess I should share this in the "what are we eating" thread also, but it started out as a way to use up a bunch of little containers of things. Dual-purpose decluttering!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Feb 19 - 10:00 AM

Go Stilly! Re-cluttering-- yes.

Here, I think the closet shelves Brandon measured for are going up while I see a film at the local Black history center, go to Y, and get groceries.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Feb 19 - 04:08 PM

We're going on week 4 of being down to 1 car....it sure makes life interesting especially with the commutes we have! Hopefully next week will be the end of all this!

Grocery shopping was completed this morning along with 2 trips to the drug store. One of the prescriptions contains codeine so it had to be hand delivered. I hate waiting around so that's when I completed my grocery shopping along with a trip to the local butcher shop and back to the drug store. Pete, while sick, opted to drop Jeremiah and I off to grocery shop while he went to Tractor Supply. We are now all home, have had a wonderful lunch of chicken pot pie, dishes are done, floors are somewhat decent (can you say MUD season?), Pete has meds in his system and we are calling it an early day.

Work has been crazy busy and interesting this week.....that's about all I can say on that front! :)

I am feeling pretty cooped up these days and am planning a mini adventure. Of course, this will wait until Pete is feeling better but I can't wait to just get out of here for a little break. In addition to that, our summer vacation is just about paid for....can't wait for then either!

Michelle

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Feb 19 - 05:02 PM

Greg had indeed gotten the shelves up by the time I returned from the film. We discussed the height for the next shelf to go in, which will hold the TV at our perfect viewing height, and then headed off for lumber.

Got back, and on my way into the house I shimmed the pesky armoire so it's door no longer hangs itself open. Then I reorganized items he and Brandon had set on top of the armoire so the space will hold more, and stowed a "Yano Clean" box there. When it's empty, it will become a drawer under the armoire. All the "Yano Clean" boxes are now cleared out of space needed for March deliveries.

Now I can list the gas stove for a quick sale and removal. That leaves a bit of garden supply clutter to neaten up and stow-- some alongside the garage in a resin trashcan "garage" out there.

We have one small box of framed (unboxed) art for Yano cleaning Tuesday, and that, plus the above, will about finish the huge, monthlong job of making space out there. There's a nicely consolidated pile of packing peanuts, etc. to take to PA with us, sitting in place of all the stuff we've been unpacking.

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Feb 19 - 09:52 PM

Custom shelves added to media closet in the Liberation Library:

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2103281436417808&id=100002079158985&set=a.489955677750400&source=48

~S~

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Feb 19 - 12:12 PM

Those shelves have the look of some of the Scandia wood shelves. Looks good!

My fitness tracker has lost it's mind - it still does some bluetooth connected features, but the most important ones (tracking steps, tracking sleep, and reporting those details to the phone app are no longer working.) Disappointing because I've had it for only about 15 months this time. The first one of this model had a condensation problem so they replaced it (under warranty at the time) with this newer model. No more condensation, but in a device that looks like a regular wrist watch and costs this much I'd expect it to last longer. I'll send a note with the serial number and the folks at the company can tell me what part of the watch has failed and if it is fixable (with an update or refresh of some sort).

I ordered glasses online from Zenni - this will be my first pair of the photo-sensitive ones that turn dark in the sunshine. And they came in under $80. They usually come out many hundreds at the optometrist's glasses store side of her business. It looks pretty easy to come up with a far less costly pair of glasses on that site. Thanks for the endorsement, Michelle!

And it was Michelle's description of her chicken pot pie that got me thinking about the possible things to bake today. I have a brunch for myself of a "Dutch baby" - a large sort of turnover with equal parts milk and flour, an egg, and baking in a puddle of butter. Later I'll make either muffins or my Mom's recipe for a baking powder biscuit that is roll out thin, cut in 12 or 16 (depending on your muffin tin) and then a filling of raisins, walnuts, melted butter with cinnamon and brown sugar is spooned onto them. Four corners pinched together and placed that way into the ungreased tin. I guarantee that if I post of photo of these on Facebook my daughter will post a remark or hearts or tell me she's making some for herself and her roommates. (You want your children's attention? Make their favorite foods!) The best compliment at a meal is when everyone sits eats for a while before talking because they're so happy with the food. My Mom remarked on that when I was a kid, and I've seen it with my own on occasion.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Feb 19 - 04:02 PM

Thanks, Stilly.

The topmost shelf holds boxed items to rip to MP3 and then donate. The lower shelves will hold items to watch/hear and either hold to enjoy again or graduate to the donate shelf.

The shelf just above the TV will hold small instruments, my storytelling kit, and a boombox that still plays both cassette tapes and MP3 discs plus CD and FM radio.

The space between the cabinet and closet wall is for the folding rocker that needs to be out of the way, whenever the Library is open and we're not glued to hockey.

The whole shebang disappears behind a curtain.

On the left side of the closet (not shown): the two file cabinets the men had to admit would actually fit, with archived files stacked on top-- also disappearable behind the curtain.

The file cabinets protrude a few inches into the room, but I just need a different curtain rod to make the curtain hang straight.

At the moment, the closet looks a bit preggers. ;-)

~Susan

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Feb 19 - 10:06 AM

Montreal:

Progress is slow. Our whole world is a huge skating rink! Then there are the "side dishes". Started out Sat with a car full of stuff to go to "Dupont" (for lack of more creative name). We got a decent start and offloaded towels and pottery. Stopped at a thrift shop and found a wonderful recliner, almost new, $15! Got it into back of car but had to leave gate open; even though it was a bitterly cold day, as long as we kept moving we did not get cold. Which was good as we did not get to offload it until about 9 pm! And the gate supports are ruined and will need to be replaced.

Next stop was the blues music of two local musicians (southern QC) - incredible! Then a call from a new friend took us down a country road and a LONG driveway/ice rink to a lovely renovated old home and a pleasant aft in the sun room. As the sun started to set ---Hey, we had sun! --- we took our leave and went down to the mill - surrounded by about a foot of ice crusted snow. And bitterly cold. R went in to try to find two snow tires - of course he could not - and distiller or distilled water. I was not clear enough and he struggled back to car with two large water bottles; fortunately one was distilled. When I treated us to a great meal at Bo-Thai and we managed to get the chair into "D" without killing ourselves. It is light in weight, forest green in colour and looks great in the den AND is comfortable. Our first piece of furniture.

Sunday we went there to get things done. R was going to paint the BR - he has been going to do that for almost two weeks but I thought it would happen... I managed to de-ice the steps and part of the walkway!! Sorted towels and looked around at what need to be done. R found we needed light bulbs and one trip did not suffice; he went out again - after HWare stores were closed, and by the time he came back and we conferred some more, we came back to the city, had a good meal - Indian, then "home" and a bit of tv and bed!

We are both excited about the house but weather, time, and energy are being difficult. I would like frig and washing machine from the mill; this requires him taking a truck and helper -2 hours each way. We did finally realize we can bring things out the one entrance that is not snow bound. Bed arrives on thurs! This am at BF, I suggested Thomas could do the painting and I need to hire someone to clean cabinets as my right arm aches, just from ice removal. I believe he is willing to have Thomas do both tasks, she says hopefully! Most rooms need painting and we have agreed to the cream colour he used here in M. The BR will be pale yellow, the colour my father did my BR when I was four.

At the moment R is loading boxes that I can carry, from storage into my car so I can take a load down on this last non-snowy, for a while, day.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Feb 19 - 08:42 PM

Dorothy, will you call the new house something other than The New House? The Final House? The [neighborhood name] house? Will you be able to stop using the mill?

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness: House, job, life - 2019
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Feb 19 - 10:46 PM

The late afternoon nap helped all this happen:

Urgent pre-brekky trip to house-sit at Judy's for poss lift chair delivery-- medically necessary
. WA940 racial justice doc converted (re use of deadly force), and studied at Judy's and pastoral visit with her there
. Full spectrum lamp sent to Judy
. Box of misc. caused to leave K table
. Last of ydy groceries stowed
. Numerous items stowed on ADL catchup perambulations thru house (active rest exercise day)
. Sewing Room boxes, etc, removed and stowed
. Laundry from Sewing Room going
. Plan for further clearing of Guest Room items from Sewing Room made-- TV hockey intermission action
. Benadryl pillboxes set up for car
. Plans for Yano and Brandon made for tmrw
. KPH billing resolved w Medicare
. Insights doc sent to counselor
. WA940 questions doc started and non-Q version sent to Sabrina
. Valentine plan made w Judy for movie/Yaffa Grill dinner Thursday evening

Kitchen whipped or soaking, with Yano Clean areas more obvious.

Benadryl pill cases to car, YAY!

Water bottles refilled before sinks filled, YAY.

Key items in Sewing Room uncovered and stowed, YAY.

Good discussion and decisions on March parameters and processes, YAY.

More hockey. One or two cooperative jobs left for next intermission.

2nd DVR remote found today YAY.

More Guest Room items removed from Sewing Room, a few left to police tmrw.

More items designated for Goodwill. No hard decisions. Yet. Linen closet very full....

Superb teamwork thruout the day!

Space for framed clergy certificates from the church office found, pending planned BR installation, in BR closet. Future resources for that closet discussed.

~Susan