De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Mar 21 - 09:44 AM

After May the vision will be restored - not something that can be said about reduced functionality in very many other parts of our bodies!

I have two Amazon Echo "dots" here; one in the kitchen and one in the sewing room. There are Alexa enabled devices around (televisions and my phone) that I don't use.

I use the kitchen Alexa to turn on and off a light over the table and to listen to various broadcasts. I don't usually ask for any of the things the emails about Alexa suggest I can do. I did read a thing that you can get Alexa to respond to whispers, but you have to alert it to that change somehow. The dot in my sewing room is for listening to different radio and Sirius XM broadcasts. I mentioned before that I have another smart lightbulb to figure out where it might be best used. The one in the kitchen is part of a network that is an app on my phone and connected from there to Alexa. I don't remember now how much practice or routine I had to go through to "train" the first Dot to recognize my voice.

Running cable - oy - I've done a lot of that up in the attic and down into the walls in several rooms, and this reminds me that I still have a couple of rooms I've been meaning to finish. Simply pulling out the coaxial with the Cat 6 taped onto the end in the room so that once it reaches the attic I can use the Cat 6 up there to connect where I want without fishing around for stuff. I have coaxial cable in a couple of rooms of the house but it doesn't get used for anything except to run from the outside antenna. I have several related projects up there that this time of year would be good for (before it turns into a summer oven). I bought some of the plastic heavy-duty decking Attic Dek material to run through the areas where I need to go for wiring and such and to be able to walk on, not move carefully along the joists. They're the dimension to put down from joist-to-joist and screw into place.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Mar 21 - 04:20 AM

Hee-Hee… Yesterday’s odds and ends didn’t start too well. I’d had another think about putting the kitchen camera directly on the wired network and decided that I could run a cable from the switch in my room to the camera by following the same route my main cables take and teeing off the trunking under the kitchen window. It should have been straightforward but I got a bit heavy handed and damaged the cable and have had to order another one.

Things got a lot better from there though. It was quite breezy today but it was still a lovely sunny day. I did a bit of mowing and strimming and mum joined me outside. I went in to make the evening meal at about 4:30pm, went back outside to eat mine and stayed out till about 7:00. So a lot of my time yesterday was just enjoying the weather.

Maybe I’ll be back to computers (and frustrations with them) today. It depends on when Amazon deliver. I’ve got something else coming to play with btw. An Alexa Echo. It is supposed to be able to work with the Homeseer software I use these days and I’ll be interested to find out how that works out.

My own feeling has always been that voice commands probably don’t work too well in a room with conversation and the tv on but I could be wrong. Even if doesn’t work out in those conditions, I think mum might find it useful. She’s finding she sleeps better in the peaceful living room and calling for a light to turn on if she needs one would probably be more convenient than reaching for the remote control.

–
On the eyesight, I don’t think I’ve got things as badly as you but I certainly know the feeling that I need increasing amounts of light.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 21 - 05:47 PM

So far the one my sister is using seems to be working, or she'd have mentioned that.

I am kicking myself now for not having looked harder before when I couldn't get my Amazon Fire tablet to talk to the computer. I have been thinking about getting a Samsung tablet just so I had one that would behave nicely and let me move files back and forth - but instead of buying that tablet I made myself make one more attempt.

It's a two-part answer. It doesn't want to connect with Bluetooth, and it wants to connect with a USB-3.1 cable and I had the cable on a much slower 2 or 1 port on the hub. AND on the tablet when you pull down from the top of the screen and see the message about the USB charging, you then (once it's plugged into the USB 3 port) can see the guts and the card in the tablet while in Windows Explorer. It only took an effing year of playing games with moving files via thumb drives. And of course, it took a flashlight and moving the computer table to get a look at the ports on the back and then to realize that I have two little class C USB 3.0 ports that I haven't been using because I don't have those cables. Now they're ordered. And this illustrates why the cataracts are such a pain - needing the flashlight to do any of this stuff. I made a point of getting lots of 3.1 ports when I ordered this, I just didn't pay attention that they fit a different cable. I have some adapters I can use, but dedicated cables are better. #FinallyGettingAroundToDoingTheMath

Jon, back to you. Your turn. :-)

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 29 Mar 21 - 12:47 PM

We had one of those compost stirring gadgets, and it did not last long — one of the blades bent only halfway into the summer. We got it from a good supplier, too, so I’m still a bit resentful.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 21 - 11:35 AM

Jon, I think you described the arc of many technical tasks we do around our houses. It starts out a simple changeout, then you realize there are other moving parts that need attention if you're going to do it correctly. When I put in the new set of shelves it wasn't just moving a couple of things and loading stuff on the shelves, I had every piece of computer equipment and peripheral unplugged, dusted, repositioned, and put back into service by the time I finished. It took hours and there was some cursing.

This morning I texted my handyman about tilling the garden (I called him about 10 days ago to suggest we do it this week after some rain softened the soil). He said he'll text when he's ready to come over - meaning I have today to mow and scalp the area with the string trimmer.

When they call or text, especially with the supply of materials and available time, it's important to make that work in your schedule! Good work on the windows, Charmion! I'd love new windows here, but they're several items down on the "to do" list. Wasn't the position of your air conditioner/heater unit moved because of the proximity to one of these windows?

I filled that new tarp with the remnants of my once wonderful woody rosemary bush, and I also cut down my dead bay tree. I'm thinking I'll keep the bay trimmed down shrub sized so it doesn't shade part of the garden so much. This is assuming something sprouts back from the roots. There are a couple of pups around the rosemary plant that I'll nudge to life. Those should grow much faster than buying a new plant and putting it in.

I found two keeper-style containers at the Container Store that will store flat. I also picked up a small bin to put potatoes or onions in, then realized I already had a couple of plastic bins I'd evicted from the fridge recently. But as summer progresses I'll use those for produce so they are in limbo now, but not excess.

More people died from the February freeze than in Hurricane Harvey. That just came over the radio on Texas Standard radio show. As a participant in that exercise, I can say that I'm not surprised—too many people simply wouldn't have been equipped to stay safely in their homes, yet in their homes they stayed.

Research time: my sister told me about a compost-turning auger she got from the Garden Tool Company down here in Texas. I have to figure out what that is and where she got it. Apparently it's a screw thing that really does a good job of turning the compost pile contents. Something any of the gardeners in this running conversation might be interested in. I'll report back on what I find (I'm looking at a note I made to myself during a conversation and sharing it here so I don't lose track of that garden project).

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 29 Mar 21 - 09:58 AM

Replacement of my rickety basement windows has finally reached Tony the carpenter's to-do list. His latest email included a cost proposal (indicating that he had located a supplier that actually has supply) and he promised a visit today to refresh his memory of the locus in quo.

So I'm feeling a little better, at least with respect to windows.

Nephew Louis came by yesterday to try Edmund's bicycle on for size, and it seems to be a good fit. Now all we have to do is figure out how to move it to St Catharine's without renting a van.

The weather has turned sharply colder, as often happens at this time of year, and a light layer of snow covers the roofs and lawns of the neighbourhood. My tulips, hyacinths and daffodils have sprouted, but they won't mind.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 29 Mar 21 - 03:19 AM

I had a good day on Saturday. The problem with the lights was cured with the new bulbs. I put the new Ethernet cable outside. I fitted the new camera in the kitchen. I also fixed the drinking water tap (separate tap on the sink with under sink filter) which had come loose. The only slight problem was the kitchen lights were still turning off at bad times.

I thought that was going to be easy to fix but along came Sunday. I won’t go into the details, many of which are a bit technical, but it was one of those days where nearly everything I tried developed new areas of complication or snags. I got there in the end but what started off as simple aims that I thought would be achieved in a couple of hours wound up as 12 hours of frustration and a temper nearing boiling point.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Mar 21 - 05:29 PM

Beaver:

Worked a lot yesterday and was plumb wore out by 5 pm and in bed by 7:30. All pottery related. I have trays and trays of pots - some drying, most bisqued and needing decorating and glazing and two glazes need sieving. My right arm says "forget it!" Some have to be moved on out - made ready for glaze fire and moved to kiln before I can throw more. Hope tomorrow; time is starting to get short - before I get vaccine and go back to Quebec.

I find if I do not move often enough, I have to start un-seizing all over again! Today has been a total rest day - other than changing the sheets and numerous trips to windows to see how high the the stream is! Raining like mad most of day. Still room in the culvert but the stream is at least 10 feet wide - instead of 2-3. I reckon the tree Dan planted over near the bridge is washed away. The bridge is holding firm. He came over the spring before he built it to get an idea what needed to be done! It is bolted to concrete foundations. And still I am wondering...

I did find the umbrella under the car seat yesterday and brought inside, too tired to go do anything but I have an umbrella!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Mar 21 - 11:26 AM

Years ago I got some good, various-sized food containers at a local dollar store (I still use them), but most of those stores have been gone for a long time now. Maybe Dollar Tree has some? I've only ever been in a Dollar Tree one time. Today on the lunchtime cat feeding trip I'll swing by there, and if they don't have anything, then stop at the Container Store. As Mary suggests, bacon keepers stack nicely, or sit on the shelf with room for other things of various shapes on top.

Yesterday I laid out the cheap 5' x 7' Harbor Freight tarp in the front yard and piled on brush, then grabbed the corners and took the bulky thing to the back yard. This will work, though this morning I'll tie some retired clothesline into a loop on each corner to make it easier to grasp. I'm depositing this in the back of the yard and am planning to use the mower to break up most of these twiggy branches of salvia and rosemary into mulch.

With the understanding that "sitting is the new smoking," since a few weeks ago I've made a point of changing tasks every hour or two so that I'm not just sitting sewing or writing all afternoon. I particularly feel it in my knees - they don't complain as much as when I stay in the same position for a long time. This is also possibly more efficient for getting several things done in a day.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: mg
Date: 27 Mar 21 - 10:58 PM

there is nothing i like better than bacon keeping. i put all sorts of things in them and they stack so well. i got several for two dollars each at an outlet store.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 21 - 06:55 PM

I bought a frozen pizza yesterday, and after lunch had half leftover. My normal go-to container would be the lately departed Tupperware bacon keeper. But just try finding exactly what you want on Amazon. Many are the dimensions long and wide but are too tall. They do have some vintage Tupperware, but I'm intent on BPA free plastic assurances. The closest I've found is a shallow food keeper at the Container Store. But that looks too shallow for when I want to store leftover flautas (rolled corn tortillas with chicken inside). I think a trip by the Container Store and their copious ranges of storage shelving is in order. Tupperware clearly has me spoiled for any other manufacturer's product, but they're so damned expensive. Rubbermaid's egg keeper is close but still a little too big.   

I'm feeding a friend's cats this weekend and trying to make my trips efficient by planning more than one stop. It looks like this is the one to add on to the cat dinner run.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 21 - 11:22 AM

I'm looking at the house through different eyes now: the possibility that people can actually come in means I ought to put more stuff away and finish some of the rearranging of furniture I have in mind doing. And there are a bunch of boxes that need flattening and deposit in the village recycle bins. They fill so fast these days, I need to plan to go right after the dumpsters are emptied.

The front hall as become a bit of a spectacle with metal wire panels that can be assembled as a sort of dog play enclosure. I have a couple of them up to keep the dogs out of the carpeted front room and have set things on the chairs in front of the panels to keep the puppy from pushing past them. It all needs clearing out, and some of the boxes in that room need flattening and to be recycle bin bound. I have never yet managed the Swedish "death cleaning," I'm still working on the American "room to live in" cleaning.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 11:25 AM

All the network cabling is Cat5/6. The only thing I've had running over the mains here was X10 home automation stuff but I replaced that several years ago.

In case there is some confusion here, Power over Ethernet puts power down the Ethernet cables. I'm using it for both the outdoor cameras.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 10:59 AM

Jon, that's a lot of stuff I haven't had to think about - does your Internet/ethernet run through the power lines? (The "mains" you call them?) That would be nice. We have to run the Cat 5, or now Cat 6, for all Internet connections (unless it's WiFi), completely separate from the electrical part of the wiring.

I have one smart bulb that I've not yet decided on placement. It's the same brand as the smart bulb I have in my kitchen dining area so they can be installed on that one app. I tell Alexa to turn it on and off and don't need to lean way around the corner to reach that switch (put in the wrong place to begin with, and I'm not paying to rewire it). This second bulb is here as a spare since I haven't had a use for it so far. (I have Alexa in the phone but purposely haven't turned it on; I use an Echo dot in two rooms for the command to the bulb or listening to radio.)

I buy the LED fixtures now, some encased in bulbs, others with the bare diode inside the fixture that is put up in the hall, the laundry room, etc, in place of a dead fixture. I need a new one for the side porch where I used to use the stick halogen bulbs. Next iteration will be LEDs.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 07:34 AM

Things are moving with the kitchen appliances. The washer dryer came earlier in the week and the cooker is due on April 1st. We agreed on a halogen hob cooker.

Lights are playing up in the living room. They are fine with a standard on/off switch but have started flickering and flashing with the Lightwave dimmer that I’d like to return to using. I had a couple of spares of these dimmers but they all do the same. Maybe it’s the bulbs – I changed one recently which put 3 out of 4 of the bulbs onto the cheap Amazon ones I’d bought – perhaps that’s upset the balance of things things… Some better quality (and same maker as the dimmer) ones on order. I don't know where I go if that fails.

Wi-fi on the kitchen camera went from being a bit flaky at times to rarely working at all. That’s quite annoying as I use the motion detection on that to keep the kitchen lights on… I came up with a temporary fix using a spare wireless access point in client mode and connecting that to the camera’s Ethernet port.

I hope to have a bit tidier solution today but can’t do all I’d hoped. I’ve got a PoE (power over Ethernet) switch and a camera that uses poe coming today. The access point also takes poe so I thought I could do it all with just one power socket and power cable. Instead, I learned something about PoE. There is the proper “active” poe where the power requirements are negotiated between (say) the switch and the powered device. Then there is “passive” PoE where the device just takes what’s given even thought it may not be compatible with the standard “active” stuff. My access point is passive and not compatible with the switch. I’ll leave it with using 2 sockets. Maybe later in the year, I’ll see if I can get a wired Ethernet connection into the kitchen.

I’ve found which of the 4 (two pairs which both join midway on the run) cables is broken on the main wired route and should have a new outdoor cat 6 cable today to restore the complete run with redundancy.

Oh well, it seems to be the season for things electrical and electronic round here...

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 12:10 AM

I won't get started on estates—they can be very messy; the way Charmian has worked through Edmund's business and personal papers and wishes at apparent lightning speed is quite remarkable.

Dorothy, it sounds like you had a good outcome on the surgery. The newest (and highest priced) thing is called PanOptix or PanOptix Toric, and have to do with removing the need for glasses at all. I have read that some of these way high-end lens fix-all-vision-problems implants can have visual halos in certain lighting, which may not be a bad thing, but might be distracting. I'm looking at the mid-range one that is called AlconToric for the left eye and the surgery will reduce my dependence on glasses.

No potting here; the clay I work with is in my yard's soil. My plans are underway for the garden and next week the heavy lifting of breaking up old compost piles to stir into the beds when my friend comes over to till them. We've had rain twice this week so my effort to keep the out-of-doors outside of the house is still a struggle as the dogs come and go. The lawn is still sparse so the mud is easily tracked in.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 10:52 PM

Beaver:

I am confused by the lens situation/cataracts. I had only the choice of ordinary or special. I paid extra for the special but no re-collection of the reasons! R told me to! I never had any info on any of it and the Dr. was NO HELP! But she told me after that my vision was 20/20 in each eye. And I only need the drug store glasses when print is too small. Why on earth do they print stuff so small that people with 20/20 cannot read it??

TODAY! Gorgeous! Much of the snow is gone and I see daffodil shoots peaking out and columbine up about 4 inches! And the sorrel is looking like a few more days to edible! Need rubber boots to get to the back sheds and still much snow back there in the shade. When I refer to this place as "down in the swamp" I am not kidding! The back area may be wet until July.

I threw pots today - 10kg. Have realized this is not a marathon. But I keep deviating from my list! Things are pretty organized now with areas for each operation. Glaze firing has gone off at good time tonight. The next batch to be bisqued is in the kiln room so all that heat will dry them well. Also did some hand laundry today and not much else - or so it seems.

Congratulations to Charmion on reaching this terrific goal!

The fish and chips was delicious but I could have eaten a second one. I wonder if there is any frozen fish with batter that would suffice. I bought frozen sweet potato chips and they were yummy- did them in the toaster oven.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 05:21 PM

It is looking better in the office but I still need to find homes for a couple of things (not computer equipment).

I have feedback to consider since this morning's appointment to determine the type of lens to use for cataract surgery/lens replacement. It is several weeks away until after my ride to and from the surgery has completed his COVID vaccination regimen. One eye will respond well to the Medicare covered replacement lens, one will benefit from an upgrade to deal with astigmatism (meaning possibly not needing glasses for distance after all is finished). I'll probably still need glasses for close work. Wearing glasses after isn't a problem; not being able to see how much salt I'm putting on my food, or having to retrieve a flashlight and hand lens anytime I want to read small print while I'm wearing glasses will be nice to leave behind.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 24 Mar 21 - 08:44 PM

I took the tax stuff to the accountant today. When he’s done his magic and I’ve paid what we owe, that will be the end of my obligations to the government with respect to Edmund’s death. I’ll be able to close the estate account and make the bank happy.

Booya. Hoop-dee-doo.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 21 - 06:11 PM

It took three attempts to find the best position for this bookshelf. The job isn't finished, but it's much tidier and there is room for more equipment on the shelves. I moved the UPS onto the bottom shelf, along with a separate surge protector for things that don't need to have time to shut down after a power outage. There are still a lot of cables, but as I plugged in each device I made a little label that I taped to each cord near the plug identifying what it went to.

Two years' worth of receipts and papers went up in smoke in the burning barrel, and that is now disassembled, the ash in the compost and the barrel back in the greenhouse.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Mar 21 - 02:22 PM

Beaver:

I do love the improvements here. I wanted the realtor to come see it but she is always too busy. When everything is working, as it now is, it is cosy and comfortable. I really do prefer it to the big house in QC. Closer to nature.

A few days ago I finally figured out how to get a signal when a message comes in! So great! Expecting a message from a friend to meet in town so I will not have to check every few minutes!

Seriously wanting something dif to eat; considering take out of fish and sweet potato chips - when I get to town. Also need to pick up package at "post office" - bloomin' Shopper's Drug mart. I resent having to go into a bloomin' store instead of the post office. This is for 20 loaves of good bread which will go into the freezer. LOTS of bread!!! About 20 weeks worth! But not available locally. I could have done with 10 but wanted two dif sorts - 10 each is how it comes!

Today, a heavy, gonna rain day - the energy is not there. Read all morning. Did one tiny potting task and have decided I do not need to push myself. The kiln is loaded but for two tiny pieces I will use to test a couple iffy glazes. Tomorrow will do. Iffy = "What is that?" Keeping records is not my strong point. Walked around yesterday stirring glazes with a RED marker in my pocket! Made sense of most of them. Anyway, they are OK in the wood shed - with chunks of wood holding the lids down! Maybe tomorrow I will mix the two needed ones, if it is not windy.

I did vacuum the loose stuff in studio; the wand for the shop vac - after I found it! - was long enough to reach all the way in and with the vac outside, it did not blow anything around! Opened window and door and let the air settle for awhile.

The snow is going! I can get to the water barrel easily but not to the back sheds yet. Will soon be able to pull grass shoots out of the raised beds. The impending rain will do the job. The sorrel is coming up nicely.

Still 10 days before shot and I may stay a couple days after so I can go to the Bakery on the Thursday - on way back to Quebec. Hopefully with all the pots ordered by the woman in Quebec. Focus, Dorothy, Focus!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 21 - 11:02 AM

Late yesterday a flat box arrived with a three-shelf folding bookcase. I've unpacked it and am now about to disturb some dust. I'll wear a mask to spare myself some sneezes.

I have a six inch deep stack of paper to put in the burning barrel today, so between dust in the house and smoke in the yard, the mask will be very handy.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Mar 21 - 09:57 AM

I still feel rather iffy from both the wheezing and coughing and the drugs to control the wheezing and coughing. After a drug-free year, I'm back on Zenhale, a puffer that combines a steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator. The steroid is comparatively benign, but the bronchodilator makes me twitchy. I may have to give up coffee until I get used to it again. Not that I drink much coffee any more.

Not fair.

I talked to a landscaper yesterday and asked him for a quote on spring-cleaning the flower beds in the garden and some preventive lawn maintenance -- aerating, dethatching, over-seeding, stuff like that. He just sent me an email with a whole new take on my name -- Tonya. I guess a change is as good as a rest.

As Dorothy points out, this is the halcyon period of spring before the bugs appear. I had better get out and enjoy it while I can.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 11:10 PM

Dorothy, I remember when you were first looking at that little property. I'm impressed how you've made it into quite an interesting and adaptable space.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 01:48 PM

Beaver:

Very tired! I guess I was overly optimistic about how much I could do, not remembering all the intermediate tasks - cleaning pots that are to be glazed, wax bottoms. DONE! But only 7 got trimmed yesterday and none thrown. This am, I cleared some space in the "Wood shed" and put up two TV tables, brought all the glazes out of the studio and stacked them on table and on the swept floor. All the debris that fell off the wood while stacked, is now in a lined banana box bottom - the one I kept moving from place to place, not wanting to burn it but wondering what to do... Almost full of burnable debris that will go into the woodstove over the next while. Maybe by that time, I will be able to take the box to the back shed to await a new use. Still too much snow!

The woodshed is actually a solidly built roof over that end of the deck, open all four sides. It is largely empty of wood now, leaving adequate room to organize a glazing area.

The sorrel is coming up in a cleared raised bed! And I raked the debris from the comfrey. The nearby, original, sorrel is starting to look useful. The best news today was being able to get to the south rain barrel and get rain water for the studio. The iron water here is BAD for glazes so I keep it out of the studio generally, using rain water for throwing, etc. So I schlepped two small buckets. More later. I need to do a bunch of glaze related work: wash buckets, mix a batch of yellow, clear and translucent green, ORGANIZE!

The studio is really not big enough for all I am trying to do. The woodshed is a big help! I can run an extension cord over to use the drill for mixing glazes. A better table would help. I was able to get into the storage cabinet at front of house this am but the tables I thought were there, are not! Improvise.

Giving thoughtful consideration to vacuuming the studio with shop vac, wearing respirator and goggles. Now needing to weigh available space with tasks to be done. Glazing paramount as there is no more room for new work... Hmmmm!

Today is gorgeous and warm, and no bugs yet! Another factor to consider! And today I am in get out and push mode; work a bit, rest a bigger bit. And rain in a day or so... ... Do not try to vacuum; glaze like mad.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 11:19 AM

Ooooh, Charmion! Stay safe! Do you wear a facemask when you work in the yard? It used to be you could buy the N-95 construction masks at Home Depot; that's what I used to work in the attic dust and the downstairs room after the ceiling fell in. Now it's a crap shoot whether they still have any in stock.

I bought a bathing suit in preparation for returning to the gym after the knee surgery in February 2020. It still has the tags on it in my dresser drawer. So much for those plans! (I bought a 1-piece black Speedo, conservative cut around the legs, at Academy.)

Rain is in the forecast to day and it's good timing since I have a lot of in-the-house stuff to do. I did make one dash up the street a few houses; the trash company routinely changes the route when the days get longer so they switched from late afternoon pickup to early morning pickup. They'd been on my street already but were coming down the hill on the intersecting street so I dropped my trash next to the bag at the house kitty-corner from me that block (the street intersects with mine across the street from my house. I worry about someone slithering through the stop and landing on my front lawn). Note to self to now start putting out the trash the night before.

I just looked up kitty-corner, wondering about it. Turns out it's English mangling of quatre corner. Makes sense.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 10:59 AM

Last night featured my second asthma attack in a week. It must be Spring.

The garden desperately needs attention, but leaf mold is a major allergen and the flower beds are full of it. I can probably risk picking up the deadfall branches the trees shed over the winter, however. It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood!

I must also buy a bathing suit. Ordering on the internet isn't working -- two returns is all the pattern I need -- so I'll have to bite the bullet and go downtown. I just hope I don't have to go all the way to Kitchener or London.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 21 - 01:06 AM

I didn't pound the fence posts yet or string out the chicken wire, but I did some preliminary work ahead of that. I figured that the easiest way to haul brush from the front to the back (where it probably won't go in the regular compost pile, but it still needs moving to the back) is with a tarp, so I found one for less than $4 at Harbor Freight that will be my dedicated brush-hauling tarp. There's no weight to it, just bulk, and I have a lot to trim this year.

Today I actually paced myself pretty well, doing some yard work then coming in to do some sewing or some picking up, then cycling back out to the yard some more. During the sewing stage I realized that despite having bought almost five yards of flannel last month that I'm almost out. That's the common fabric in all of my masks, and I go through it pretty quickly. Tomorrow will be a run to Joann's with a coupon and for efficiency, a couple of other stops on the way.

I also finally made myself sit down and just watch a movie, not do something else while it's on. Now to mail it back to NetFlix. I don't really get my money's worth from that, but my son watches it all of the time and we share the account (since I rent two DVDs at a time there can be two streaming accounts with it.) In a world with all of the trauma of COVID and post-Trump, it was nice to watch The Muppets.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Mar 21 - 10:29 AM

The sunshine is piling up in deep drifts here, Dorothy! ;-)

I know it's spring when I wake up planning how to do some task or other out in the yard. I need to prune a bunch of stuff today and I'll be dragging some old fencing stuff out to the curb for trash pickup tomorrow. And I'll be using the two-pound sledge hammer to drive in the metal fence posts for the next compost challenge the dogs will take on.

My mower needs an oil change and I might have to change the spark plug; will consult the owner's manual.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Mar 21 - 09:27 PM

Beaver:

Due to staying here until the vaccine shot, I have time to pot!!! BUT trying to wedge the used clay was wearing out my shoulders and my patience. So, carefully looking at the weather forecast, I phoned the potter supply early Friday morning and put in an order for NEW clay! The glitch was that pick up is by appointment and the only time left was 4 pm! With a 3 hour trip back home... But I took a rest, had lunch and set off cross country - byways, not hiways!

Arriving at 3:25, I backed into parking area and phoned as required: "I'm early but no one else is here!" My order was beautifully loaded by a young woman who did not weigh much more than the clay! And a couple other staff came out to say "hi" and wish me well. I was back on the road by 3:35 and home just after 7, with a 40 minute stop at a terrific grocery store where I could - safely - obtain items not available in my other shopping spots.

Part way back I realized - WOW! there was no snow at all down there! It re-appeared as I drove north, but observed some glimmerings of spring! Still almost two feet on yard but I see one raised bed is starting to come out from under!

So, today, I threw 20Kg of the wonderful new clay into 12 large objects! Happiness!!! I did have to go back to bed for a mid morning rest and then lunch before getting started.

Today was a lovely warm day - exquisite! I had the studio door open due to solar gain! Warmer tomorrow so I look forward to more of the same and, hopefully, enough energy to unload the bisque firing -after throwing and trimming- wax bottoms and consider glazing options. Maybe even mix a needed glaze. My goal being to use all the new clay, fire, glaze, fire, etc. and have lots of pots done before 5 April! 14 days- well, maybe I can or at least come close. Nothing else to do but bring in firewood and not too much needed now!

Meanwhile, R actually commented that watering the plants took him half an hour! I told him that without me there, he has time! He has not yet eaten all the food I left for him. I am eating healthily and happy to have maintained my 15 pound loss. I am looking forward to the sorrel coming up out of the snow! Maybe even tomorrow!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Mar 21 - 09:14 PM

Work accomplished on the pantry shelves and I picked up a couple of one-pound bottles of propane to go with the new Coleman stove and all are parked in a cleared shelf. A large flattened box is on the floor under those wire shelves and I slid in various cases of canned goods, now easy to slide out when needed.

The really ugly compost enclosure that didn't do a thing to keep the dogs out of the contents was mostly disassembled this evening. Some of the rusty old chicken wire will leave with the trash, some of it is rolled up to be given another purpose later. And I bought a four-foot tall roll of chicken wire to try again. I am not in love with chicken wire, but the other fencing things would have been too easy for dogs to climb.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Mar 21 - 11:47 AM

Fourteen months after my last haircut I have my next appointment. In early April I'll get several inches cut off, my bangs trimmed, and decide if I want to return to the highlights I have done for a long time. Or something else. The entire world hasn't opened for business yet, but with the vaccine and the precautions they're hopefully still taking at the salon, I'll get my hair back under control. I'll still braid it, but without the long straggling section at the end.

I've researched the "how to make the gate stay locked" question to I advance with my double gate (details needed for construction so someone can't simply push it forward and open). This way I'll have an easier route back to the compost when I work on the garden to grow my own healthy food again. I do need to find some of the clamping hinge parts so I don't have to drill holes through the posts.

I'm resuming alternate-day fasting to drop the pounds I picked up during a sedentary winter. Add to this the hair and an appointment to discuss cataract surgery and I seem to be decluttering my body this spring.

The house hasn't been very tidy since Winter Storm "Uri" hit; I need to rearrange my pantry shelves to create a space for the new propane stove that is on my kitchen table and get the fuel bottles to run it. And I need to do a couple of more things in advance of the next power outage (more candles, charge batteries, etc.; and find a large power supply with a solar charger).

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Mar 21 - 11:11 AM

CosyFeet ship to Canada, according to their website. I might just give 'em a whirl if (when?) I get desperate for something to put on my feet that isn't sneakers.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: keberoxu
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 10:12 PM

As to CosyFeet, the site has multiple pages, try this one:

Cosy Feet USA

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 08:21 PM

There's a popup in the middle of the Cosy Feet screen telling me they ship world wide! Good to know.

I am careful about my shoes since having bunion surgery a dozen years ago or more. No more heels, making sure they're not too snug. I occasionally still get narrow shoes, but mostly wear medium width.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 07:55 PM

Mum really struggles with footwear with her arthritic misshapen feet. She did have an NHS pair made for her a few years back but they were heavy and didn't work out.

The best she has found are CosyFeet but I don't know their availability in other countries and don't think they run to walking shoes/boots.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 07:41 PM

I stick with PCs and don't (usually) miss Windows...

We've had another delivery of logs today which we'll get Jonathan (yep he has the same name as me) to stack at the weekend.

I think I might need to correct the way he's stacking things (A couple of rows in the shed I'm taking logs from collapsed and I'm taking logs off 3 layers because I fear the back row could come down on my head when I take logs from nearer the floor with the way it's leaning. That and the first row he started in the other shed is leaning) but that's maybe a minor detail. We should have a good store of logs for next year.

A first for this year: We had tea a bit early and I took mum's down the field for her to have outside. I wouldn't have guessed we'd be doing that before the clocks go forward at the end of the month but at about 4:30pm, conditions seemed perfect.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 05:54 PM

Today I bought new brown leather walking shoes — in a men’s size seven, to accommodate the increasingly warped shape of my wonky foot. Once I got used to the idea, I was thrilled. Still am.

New Balance makes essentially the same shoes for both sexes, but their women’s shoes are proportionately narrower in the forefoot. So, once I found out which men’s size is equivalent to a women’s 8.5, I was amazed at how much more room there is in the toe box. This solution works only with lace-up styles, as other kinds of men’s shoes are too loose in the heel for me.

So now I shall walk downtown for dinner.

Stilly, your computer trials make me love my Mac more and more. I so don’t miss Windows.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 04:35 PM

I think the Windows update corrupted the Bluetooth software. I turned the computer off, unplugged, pressed the start button for 10 seconds (this completely discharges the power), then restarted and looked for the device information and deleted the unknown one. Dell has a system to survey the computer to see what's missing and offered up the drivers for the WiFi/Bluetooth combo card. I then had to let Windows do it's big update again, but the Bluetooth stayed put this time. No dust disturbed.

I've taken the step to get my hair cut (finally!) and to set up a consultation as far as the cataracts. There are lots of ducks to line up for the surgery, the haircut, not so much. Short term and long term goals addressed in the same day.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 01:10 PM

I'm probably totally wrong but maybe if its a BIOS/Operating system type thing, you could try to enter the BIOS (often F2 or Del) and poke around for onboard peripherals. Maybe disabling some device that looks appropriate then rebooting, followed be a re-enable there might trigger something? You may also see if the "unknown device" remains while disabled.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 12:52 PM

I think I'm closer to a solution; I've done a system restore (didn't help, but now it wants me to reburn a disk that I burned several weeks ago), updated all of the Dell drivers (still doesn't work) and in the device list there is an "unknown device" that I'm pretty sure is the bluetooth/WiFi card. In the knowledge base I found some techniques to restore that include going back to Factory BIOS, to clearing the NVRAM cache (that remembers what all devices are installed for a quick startup), or opening the cover and removing the coin battery for a few seconds then restoring it. Anything that involves opening the computer involves moving the desk, disturbing the newly-settled dust (I dusted last month), and wouldn't you know that when I start fussing about how peripherals are arranged something needs work. Or maybe something needed work so I started thinking about moving peripherals?

I'll try the turn off, unplug, discharge power, and remove and reinstall the unknown device showing up in the device list.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 08:49 AM

Oddly enough (again…) I paired my phones with my desktop PC yesterday. I’m not sure that I’ve ever really used the PCs bluetooth but at least it’s there and working if I do want it.

None of the PC motherboards (all similar Gigabyte AM3+ boards) here have bluetooth support onboard but I’ve a USB dongle plugged in the back of mine. I’ve also got a combined WiFi and bluetooth one plugged into dad’s Lenovo laptop but that’s for a different reason. Bluetooth and Wifi are both built into the laptop but I was unable to get either of these to work properly under Linux.

The most common use for bluetooth here (and even that is rare) is between an Android device and an audio device. Both the Yamaha sound base under the tv and Pioneer amp can work that way.

Coming back to cables (of which there are many here…), I’ve just remembered I’ve got a job I ought to do. Largely as I ran the main Ethernet cables outside for ease of installation, I use link aggregation (or doubling up if you like). I noticed when looking at a switch the other week that one of the links is down (probably a broken cable). In one sense, it seems to be doing exactly what was intended (ie a single failed link won’t take things down) but I should restore the redundancy.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Mar 21 - 12:37 AM

I killed time this evening trying to restore my Bluetooth on the big Dell, but even System Restore wouldn't revive it. So I'll figure out if it is a card and arrange to get under the hood to replace it. I didn't used to use the Bluetooth much, but I've started and find I don't want to give it up.

I'm looking forward to that new little bookshelf, but am not so excited for it to rob Peter to pay Paul. I could take everything off of one of the others here and put it in, but then I'd have to deal with all of the current contents sitting out in the way until the new one arrives.

I don't care for garage sales, but it is beginning to feel like time to start setting stuff aside for one.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Mar 21 - 10:56 AM

All of these wires and cords are connected to things peripheral to the computer, and I decided I need to organize upward this time. I have some smallish much-used and loved bookshelves (two 4-shelf "baker" racks and two 3-shelf cases, all folding and all in the kitchen) that are in use, so I ordered another 3-shelf one (Amazon) and next week it will arrive and be set on the desk against the wall and the various devices (battery backup, VHS, Canopis, scanner, other scanner, hard drive, etc.) will be placed on those and their cables running out the back or side of the shelves, giving me more desk space. Just as well I haven't hung art on that wall yet. I moved a troublesome hard drive (if I leave it plugged in and turn off the computer, the computer then won't start because somehow this drive becomes the reference point but there is no OS on it so it hangs.) It's the backup of work from work (photos, mostly) and one of these days I'll wipe it clean and use it for something else. I also moved a couple of small lamps, everything extra that sits and collects dust and has a cord was a problem. With those three things gone four wires were removed.

In my eBay work I often times need power supplies or cables for things, so I think the time has come to empty the extra wall warts and cables into a box to place in the eBay room. And do I really need all of those xmas lights that I have in the closet? The train set for under a tree that I didn't use often and I never have trees now? I think it's time to offer to one of the kids or the thrift store. Etc. I'm making those kinds of closet decisions. There are more papers for the burning barrel as well.

Dorothy, April seems a long time off, but it actually isn't, is it? My ex gets his first Pfizer vaccine today, the second in mid-April. This allows our little family, spread out as it is, to get together after the end of April, a time that can't arrive soon enough! I have until then to clean house so they can come in and we can share a meal.

We're due rain next week, so the week after that I've tentatively scheduled with my friend who does odd jobs and owns a tiller to return to till up the other side of the driveway. It was fallow last year after knee surgery. This will be my opportunity to reshape the soil over there and build raised beds that I'll keep in place. I need to mow before he tills to keep the amount of stuff we have to rake out to a minimum. My to-do list is growing for outdoor stuff.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Mar 21 - 10:07 AM

Beaver:

Have appointment for vaccine 5 April! R agreed that I stay here. I am happy to do so - as long as he cares for the plants! So I can focus on pottery. Weather is going above freezing and I have good access to studio. Gathering energy for a kiln firing - moving pots to the kiln room - tray by tray OR push the entire baker's rack...? When I decide, I shall do. Heavy weather yesterday = no energy. Went for groceries but stuff I wanted was not there. Ordered block of cheese and organic whipping cream from a special shop. Got home and had a sudden NEED for BOOKS so I went back to town (5 minutes) and went to thrift shop - gained 7 to read and one -expensive!- one for R. That will be his B-day gift. Then, I read two - one is tiny, the second not so tiny but fascinating novel. Now on third, also a novel, also intriguing. I wonder about the people who donate these interesting books! I also purchased a useful pot for a potted plant and a nifty small pot for a succulent, a beautiful blue/white dish towel (I am a sucker for blue/white or just cobalt blue.)

All safe places to visit. There have been no cases in this area but that does not mean someone might not bring it with them. Otherwise, I hacked at ice and brought in more wood. Hacking at ice does not do my shoulders any good. I realized that has impeded my potting energy. No more needs to be done. Later today I shall try for the groceries they did not have yesterday.

I ordered a full set of supplements as what I brought with me will not last. And will order one for R - same reason. The "cotton" socks that arrived as polyester are - after strong complaint - being replaced with no charge. I told them the polyester would be donated to a thrift shop. I hate to even give them away but I guess some people need socks, even polyester. In the process, I have received a full refund! AND they are replacing. This, Oakley, is making an effort! I am looking forward to seeing what the cotton ones are like.

Then, I thought to look at the "diabetic" socks I bought locally and just love. Polyester! I feel mortified. They are kind of fuzzy and not at all constricting and stay up nicely. I was going to get more! We learn by these things.

The sky is lifting and a glimmer of sun (10 am) and temp just above freezing. Maybe now I can feel inspired to go to pot!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Mar 21 - 10:06 AM

On the other hand, we've got messy tangled wire corners that I've never worked out how to deal with and prefer to sort of pretend they don't really exist...

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 18 Mar 21 - 09:11 AM

Do it, Stilly. I have streamlined my computer set-up to the extent that I need only one power bar — and that’s really for surge-suppression — and all wires are off the floor. I can now whisk the dust mop or the vacuum cleaner around the desk without moving anything, and my neatnik soul is happy.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Mar 21 - 03:15 PM

Thinking about rearranging my office. And looking at the mass of cables and wires and cords. Maybe this is something I should go away from for a while and let the feeling pass.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Mar 21 - 12:03 AM

This morning I had an email that my ILL request was in, and this is the book I've been needing. Lots of descriptions, diagrams and the "exploded" view of sewing machines (the kind if a diagram used in patent applications). I scanned part of it but I'm not sure if the scanner was doing what I wanted it to do (this is an overhead variety called a "KIC" scanner). I'll open the files later. I have the book for a very long time so can work on the particular chapter I need.

I met friends for lunch; we ate at an outdoors table and talked for a long time, then I picked up the book. My retiree ID got me into the library and checked out my book, then I visited an old friend and gave masks to her and to another former co-worker (like so many of the guys with full faces and beards, he has a difficult time with masks fitting well). It's spring break and it was late enough in the afternoon that there weren't many people on campus.

Mary, it sounds like you made good progress, and Dorothy, it sounds like a good time of year to stay hunkered down and read a good book, but you're getting a lot done anyway. Good for both of you!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Mar 21 - 07:44 PM

Beaver!:

Heavy winds Thurs night resulted in power outage of 7 hours here (I get text notices). Larry checked Fri am and found no frozen pipes - no water spewing! And pulled the plug on the water pump - in case. After brief consideration, and a weather report for more winds, I pulled together a trip back. Arrived about 5 pm and turned on electric blanket!! and started wood stove a goin';, had a bite to eat - toast and cashew butter - and went to bed by 7.

Total exhaustion but glad I did it. Cold nights and below freezing days. After getting back up at 8 am - that's 13 hours! I went back to bed at 10am! At 1 pm I was almost ready to face the world. Cleared path to wood shed AGAIN! Threw a few pots - with well wedged clay! brought in some wood cooked a good meal and ate lots! Went back to bed at 8 pm.

Pots are trimmed but no more thrown. plenty of wood in, trip to grocery - not really dangerous here as barely anyone in store! Visit from Larry. Reading, resting and breaking up ice on walkway to studio so I have safe passage to load kiln. On schedule for tomorrow when temp is going up a few more degrees above freezing. Need to clear the shelves to make room for more fresh pots. (bakers rack on wheels.)

Stopped at Community Trust to give good donation, partly in thanks for Larry and Mike doing chimney - so I could come home! Otherwise, reading and computing. And resting. AND managed to get appointments for vaccine - 5 April and 26 July. Talked to R about staying here until after first shot. He is having to keep the 100+ plants alive. That will give me time to accomplish the pots on order and some more for the shop, rather than make another trip back and forth. Best to go back to hot-spot Quebec with at least one shot. Then it will be time to start seeds for both gardens - and that bag of soil should be out of the ice!

Only yesterday did the sun reach an angle that shines on the walkway - between 5 and 6 pm, then it is gone. Very helpful as the ice is at least 3 inches thick and I have not been able to break it. By Friday, I might be able to get to composter! In any case, I love being here.