De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Sep 21 - 08:32 PM

Dupont:

Still grieving for the situation of my friend and I sent en email to son expressing my sadness.

But today was a time to get out and do things on this gorgeous day; a planned route:

Drove down to the mill and removed the remaining clothes to sort and keep or not.

Stopped at pottery customer; she, her two Dghtrs and a friend chose mugs with delight! And she took me into her new home - beautiful, comfy, totally tidy! to see her pottery collection on its own open shelf in the K!

Went to an orchard and purchased apples, pears, raspberries and local maple syrup.

Had a great visit with Rita; she introduced me to a marvellous little country cafe/shop: La Boutique Fermière/The Farmhouse Boutique (on FB!). Had a scrumptious strawberry/choc tart and brought one home for R. We sat at a table outside under the trees, in view of horses, sheep and chickens! Very in the country!

I am exhausted but cheered by the folks with whom I visited. A good day- de-cluttered the pottery, added to the wallet and added a great deal of good feelings to de-clutter some of the pain!

Tomorrow I de-clutter Dupont of a number of plants - taking them to ON for the plant sale or the shop. AND!!! WE have had rain!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Mrrzy
Date: 07 Sep 21 - 02:18 PM

I have started volunteering at a thrift shop. I try to take them donations every shift... But then, I shop. Bought a couch, but I like it, *and* they took my old one. New one is smaller. Living room is now larger. I count it a win.

Today I am taking a lot of things I have ingrown (my term for They are too big for me now). I hope to return with less than I take in!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Sep 21 - 01:44 PM

I won't be recommending that t-shirt company to anyone else; they are licensed to print the school logos and messages, but they do it on demand, and they did a sloppy job of centering and making the print level. Just because my chest is lopsided doesn't mean they need to print the shirt that way also.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Sep 21 - 11:49 AM

After a particularly awful night's sleep I missed our first morning temperature under 70^o in weeks. Months, even. The cool time is fleeting, by 8am the temperature climbs steeply. Too much caffeine in the afternoon and evening was the culprit (via chocolate birthday cake.) As I tossed and turned I resolved that I should go ahead and call this a no-spend month; I have been shopping early for xmas for family, but so far its research and I can add the selected items to my private Amazon wish list and pick them up later. The fridge and freezer and pantry are crammed full, the wardrobe is in pretty good shape with the move similar to Charmion and her sheets; old underwear discarded and replaced with new sale-priced items. Last month I bought two t-shirts from my undergraduate alma mater so when they arrived it's time to discard a couple of my more worn shirts (or put them into the "yardwork only" part of the clothes rod.)

This also needs to be the time to up the exercise level—this first cool morning is one of many and I'll take advantage of them. I recently ordered an ankle band with a Velcro close to use with my fitness tracker (when I walk the dogs holding leashes my arms don't swing so not so many steps register). I need to add a small sleeve over it because it was made for the narrower Fitbit and I use the Withings Steel HR watch, and once that is ready I don't need to worry about tucking the tracker into a sock. (It was all of $5 on Amazon, any more of these I'll make myself now I see how this was put together.)

The house is lovely and clear with exposed countertops and table in the kitchen, the sink clean and empty, all benefits of having guests over occasionally.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 07 Sep 21 - 11:09 AM

I am back at home and relieved to be so. The drive was longer than usual, and more tiresome, because somebody made a bad mistake on the 401 about half-way between Napanee and Belleville and probably paid with his or her life. The traffic was backed up for miles and miles, and everyone in the westbound lanes was stuck in first and second gear for more than an hour. Ya gotta hand it to Canadians, though; nobody honked, hopped lanes or ran the shoulder of the road to skirt the blockage.

Delighted with my return, the cats greeted me with song and upright, quivering tails. The state of the house indicated that young Georgia did a good job minding them for a week.

On the other hand, Revenue Canada sent me a form letter that says I never paid Edmund's Harmonized Sales Tax (GST plus provincial for a total of 13% of fees) for 2020. I did so, but now I have to prove it. Sigh.

And of course I now must read the stampede of email about the last week in the life of the choir. That will be an hour of my life I never get back.

My next big task is preparing a presentation to the Annual General Meeting about the outcomes of our strategic planning session. For the first time since I left government (in 2013!), I would like to use PowerPoint, but I'm fairly sure the locus in quo (hotel dining room) won't run to a 21st-century slide projector. Also, I don't possess a laptop computer any more, either ... I guess I'll have to do it the old-fashioned way, depending on the power of my personality and the magic of a flip chart.

The next decluttering task is the linen closet. I bought three sets of brand-new sheets for my aged "double/full"-sized bed in Ottawa, where the selection is much more generous than it is here. The so-called Queen bed is now the most popular size in Ontario, but queen-sized sheets trail on the floor when I put them on my Victorian bed. The new stuff should last the rest of my independent life, so I intend to render unto Goodwill all the sheets, pillowcases and towels that are now excess to requirements, which should free up about two closet shelves.

It will be hot and steamy today, but Perth County Particular thunderstorms are in the forecast for tonight and the rest of the week is supposed to be cool and damp. Just right for dusting and vacuuming. Whee.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Sep 21 - 05:44 PM

Dorothy, we just spoke. I'm going to take photos and put them in a Google album and send him the link. His partner was also on the call, as is their friend and roommate, so the topic got a good airing. I told him it's remarkably easy to cram a house too full of stuff, so choose what they want that they can use. He lived here long enough to know most of this stuff, but the photo reminders will help.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Sep 21 - 04:30 PM

Dupont:

SRS: I would ask son to visit and see if he wants anything and let him cope! But, I am tired of coping, and need to care for my energy. I keep meaning to ask Taun if there are any small things he might want: if so, come and get them! Troy and Julie are so minimalist ...!!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Sep 21 - 03:25 PM

Thanks, Dorothy!

My son just closed on a house, and now would be a great time to send some of the antique furniture his way, if he wants any of it. The question is - the most economical and efficient way to do it, and even if it is moved, is it worth moving? A small U-haul would still manage a fair number of these pieces, but I'd have to board the dogs or take them with me. Hard work and/or expensive. Have the ex stay at the house with them? Or would the son fly down and drive a U-Haul truck back with what he wants? All things to consider - if he wants any pieces from here. For now, the thing to do is enjoy living with them and if any of it can be moved along locally, do so. What we have is three siblings with three children among them who are going to end up dealing with this stuff if we don't.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Sep 21 - 02:31 PM

Dupont:

Well, not much progress on my depressive reaction to the situation. But I did walk down to the one neighbour I know, and found the wife at home. Asking for someone to move wood, she phoned someone but his back... Alan came home with Aussie - such a treat! and suggested someone down the street near the church. I went home and exchanged slippers for sandals and walked down - about a half block - did not see a place as described but heard a thunderclap and went home. I'll try again with better info and less rain.

Lots of rain - finally!!! Over an inch last night. And the cooler weather is wonderful. Plans: trip to the mill tomorrow to pick up pottery stuff to take to Beaver, and, in the area, deliver mugs, and visit with a friend - in reverse order!!

Not going to think about making mugs here - keeping things simple. Try to prepare some food for R - after doing some shopping. Also not going to think about the garage; it won't happen! I will simply spend time at Beaver to make and fire pots. So: consolidate stuff at Beaver (from Mill) and organize studio better. Also bring a bunch of clothes back to Dupont from mill and consider their fate; room in the closet for them if I want to keep them all. Also want to bring back some DR and K stuffs if I have the energy. Too much of that ilk. Considering getting rid of set of "good" china I bought since moving here. It takes up a great deal of room in the beautiful china cabinet which could contain other, more important, treasures.

Reality check: R is never going to order glass shelves for curio cabinet; I shall have to figure out how to do it myself so I can clear the DR table. Need to focus him on "The eaves need to be repaired in September!!!"

I sometimes wonder how I can sit in the TV room facing the huge stack of sewing to be done; I just don't care. It is not essential. My sudden fits of desire to "do something" last a few nano-seconds! A friend has offered to put a nice patch on a blouse; it is pinned in place but my brain/eyes are resisting. I am too big for this once fav blouse and wonder if anyone would want it; I shall let Leslie decide. Now to find it - NOW.

Oh! and Happy B-day, SRS!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Donuel
Date: 06 Sep 21 - 01:46 PM

The news is particularly grim and depressing today.
Fox weather channel should cheer people up with fair weather stories 24/7

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Sep 21 - 11:10 AM

A friend here shared a house with her grandchildren for several years - she is about 80 now, though, still ambulatory and drives some. It isn't an easy choice. Most recently she moved back in with her daughter. She tried a retirement apartment but during the 2020 portion of COVID she was so lonely she couldn't stand it.

The lovely thing about the preparations for having guests here is that for the next few days the house tidier than usual. I wash the dishes as I work leading up to the meal, so the stand mixer and cake pan were washed and put away before I got out the food processor to make the falafel, and that was put away before the small deep fryer came out. The sink wasn't heaped with cooking stuff and everything that was in the sink went into the dishwasher last night.

We had a good visit, the friend who is most susceptible to being knocked over by the dogs wasn't able to attend so at the point when they started fussing in the back yard because it started raining, three wet dogs came in and enjoyed visiting. (They were just damp and I toweled them dry.) One of these friends is so in love with the dogs I think he'd come over to see them even if I wasn't home. :)

And speaking of guests and going out, I'm back to my personal contact-tracing notes for each occasion I'm indoors with people, and we talked about the types of COVID-19 tests out there. One of the guests here still teaches in person so the couple have decided to set up a voluntary twice-monthly rapid COVID test. It's done by a company that sends nurses out to do the tests at your home and is funded by the federal government. I think that might be a wise move for me if I'm going to be volunteering at the museum twice a week.

This morning I've had to turn off the public radio station in favor of classical music. I need a news-free day today, and I need a no-spend month this month. As Dorothy mentioned, it's part of a self-care strategy.

I'm going to make more granola this afternoon, somewhat modifying the recipe I used (adding more seeds and nuts). More self-care - my future self will say "thank you for the breakfast!"

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Sep 21 - 12:56 PM

Dupont:

She could but she won't. 90 years of doing what she is told. She told me, with hope, what she would like to try doing - to stay near home and then, sadly ... "the family wants me..." The son had left the premises after the first while and did not return. But before I had left, he had phoned someone and told her the "plan". I suppose he was phoning and planning while D and I were talking. This plan was not even mentioned while he was with us. We talked about her sharing a duplex with her not-yet-30 GS! or with him, which he clearly did not want. I can not imagine a GS wanting to share his home with his 90 year old GM!

The social workers/ health care workers have done testing. Now that the family knows she might be on the beginning of Alzheimers, what she thinks or wants is irrelevant to the family.

I fear they do not want to spend their inheritance. The son is executor, yet told me she could "not afford" a seniors residence. And did not say a word when I pointed out that Bill said she could - easily and plenty left over.

On Tuesday, I will vent to my trustworthy, caring, knowledgeable friend up there. Her weekend is full of family. I need to let this go but I am 100% tearful with a sense of caring and failing. Bill and Terry have been through it and done their best and can do no more.They are sad but are doing self care. I thought I had more respect from the son, more credibility. OMG! A basement apartment -from living in a home on top of a cliff overlooking a large lake. Cruelty!

Still managed two more loads of laundry - that's all of it! And I finally managed to cook a good meal - a few days worth - and ate last night. After snacks all day. So a good lunch - slightly burned - awaits me.

Now, practical - I need to find a helper to move the firewood. And I am going to have to contact persons I barely know to see if anyone has any one. I just wish I could crawl in a hole and pull the hole in after me. But I shall just muddle along.

Sorry, guys: this is a safe place to vent! TY!! I need to figure out how to get to making pots; it might cheer me a bit.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 05 Sep 21 - 10:31 AM

Dorothy’s friend could/should give power of attorney for personal care to Bill and his wife. That would cut the son out of the loop.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 21 - 10:09 PM

Dorothy, that sounds horrible for your friend, and it sounds like it's time for some agency social worker to step in, if there is such a thing up there.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Sep 21 - 07:29 PM

Dupont:

Three loads of laundry later! I am gratified by the indication that R did change clothes regularly - at least the socks and underwear! apparently I had stayed away the longest possible time! Two more to go! But his drawers are re-filled and the sheets are clean!

The visit with my friend turned into an emotional upheaval. I realized she had reached out to me in hopes I could speak for her. She told me clearly what she wants for the remainder of her life and what she does not want.

I visited with her nephew on my way back to QC, serendipitously en route! His wife has been handling the finances. Doris had no idea what her financial state is and was distraught at having to stay with her granddaughter again this winter. She is in terrible health as well as depressed from death of husband and the living situation during the winter, down to 110 pounds - after spending the winter in the home of a nurse.

Bill assured that she could afford a good quality seniors residence for ten years and have money left over. I visited with Bill for 3 hours - talking must be a family trait! Arrived at Dupont about 6 pm exhausted. Went for take out to feed both of us - and a lunch for me.

Thurs, I phoned the son (60), whom I have known for 36 years, and tried to tell him what his mom wants. The family had already made up their mind - a granny flat in the basement. How awful for her! He asserted that she cannot afford a residence and I told him what Bill said; he made no response at all. I fear the family is protecting their inheritance instead of Doris.

Sent him an email this am, reiterating my feelings and referring to the disregard of his mother's wishes - "considered elder abuse". ... He is adamant and Bill, his wife and I have given up - a sad de-clutter - "know when to walk away". But I have two new friends: as soon as I heard a dozen words from Bill, I knew; and his wife, as she drove home - before she even was out of the car! Hey, a retired librarian! We will grieve together. We did our best. The more I think about it... definitely abuse but they do not see it that way. "She agreed" - just as she has felt constrained to agree to whatever for 90 years! I have failed her.

I managed to care for plants while waiting for firewood - all afternoon - and it is dumped in a difficult place. I really need to find a helper to move it. And a helper to fix up the garage so I can use it for a studio. Looking at sheds again yesterday: the cost of a shed would repair the garage and that seems a better deal! But I need to find help. If I wait for R, I could die waiting. 6 months and he has not finished the bathroom sink. I desperately need a Dan here.

Well, I had better pull myself together and get a good supper.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 21 - 11:42 AM

I've picked up two or three recipe books on the recommendation of Mudcatters over the years - I don't think I have that one but I must look at the bookshelves, because I know I have at least one that features freezing. I just pulled one called Heaven's Banquet: The Maharishi Ayur-Veda Cookbook that a Mudcatter (all I remember is his name is Steve) talked about on a food thread because the author is his sister. It's a vegetarian book, and when I looked at it online I saw some very nice recipes, most of which are things that never would be cooked with meat anyway. (I'd much rather have recipes that are standards on their own than recipes that struggle to replace some "missing" ingredient like meat.)

The heat continues here; the humidity is what really knocks it out of the park. This morning when I went to pick another quart of okra my next door neighbor was out (I'd texted her yesterday with the offer of more okra) so I took the new stuff into the house and brought out a couple of bags of yesterday's pods (already washed and ready to go) and poured them into a flat box - she ended up taking all of them and is planning to do fried okra for her extended family for a dinner this weekend. Good use!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Donuel
Date: 04 Sep 21 - 09:49 AM

Here is the new hot/cold cookbook 'Its always freezing
season'

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 21 - 11:19 PM

Keeping track of my activity these days from a contract tracing aspect; I visited with friends indoors without masks this evening. We have all been vaccinated, but it still could be considered living dangerously.

Dr. Fauci is speaking out for children these days, but still, 1,000 people a day are dying of COVID-19. Most of them are adults who weren't vaccinated.

Having a few friends over for lunch on Sunday sounds like living dangerously in this time and place. One of those friends has already had the booster (third vaccination shot) and the rest will be eligible soon.

Such times we live in.

My Middle-Eastern recipe book refers to okra as "lady fingers" or I'd think you were talking about cookies. :)

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Sep 21 - 01:44 PM

Those lady fingers have a source of potassium that is 3/4 of bananas

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 21 - 01:03 PM

I just packed the last six jars of pickled okra into the case and will now switch to plan B with the okra crop: Give more of it away, eat more of it now, and freeze the rest.

The neighbors on both sides and across the street all eat okra. They're going to be getting more this month. And it's so incredibly fresh instead of what you see in the grocery store so it's a real treat for people who love okra.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 21 - 11:49 AM

Picking up pita bread at the Halal bakery today for lunch with friends on Sunday; for that occasion I'll make falafel and while the oil is hot maybe a batch of fried okra. This afternoon and tomorrow will be busy picking up and dusting in advance of the event.

This evening Friends are doing a garden party (it'll be a warm one as we will all be in the yard): a stop to make after the shopping. This is the first "First Friday" since I think November 2019. The winter holidays interfere (this is a couple who teach at the university where I retired) so they hold these during the academic year. The first one in 2020 would have been February, but COVID was a thing by then.

I have sweaters and vests in the hall closet here that have on occasion been loaned to visitors who found themselves without adequate warm apparel. Hopefully someone loaned you a sweater or a zip hoodie to tide you over. And as I was just telling my daughter as she plans for a fall trip to Italy - if she doesn't pack enough warm clothing, they sell clothes in Italy that are just normal-person garments. It isn't all Gucci.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Sep 21 - 04:54 PM

I wanna go home.

Everyone is very nice to me and I’m achieving all the objectives set for this trip, but I miss Stratford’s peace and quiet, the neatness of my own house, and the cats.

The weather turned cool and, of course, I brought only hot-weather outfits — it was blistering when I left.

As I rattled over the potholes on Crichton Street and struggled with the rush-hour crush on the Queensway autoroute (as usual under construction),I swore never to complain about Perth County roads ever again.

Finally, the in-laws changed their plans and forgot to tell me, so now I’m double-booked on Sunday afternoon.

On the other hand, I’m missing another chapter of the on-going choir crisis. No cloud without a silver lining, right?

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Sep 21 - 10:58 AM

I am gobsmacked by the flooding in New York City as Ida remnants pass over the region. This will end up being as destructive as Hurricane Sandy a few years ago, a huge setback to a city that has struggled with infrastructure since Sept. 11. There are some businesses that have been so hampered by all of the security requirements that they never recovered. A particular old friend there is like so many New Yorkers - many side gigs to try to pull together the rent every month.

But my mood isn't down just because of New York. The state of things in Texas has also suddenly turned grim, and there isn't a simple remedy of picking up and moving away. That would leave family members here still facing the political fallout of Trump and Abbott. So it's time to assess the volunteer activities for now and become more politically active. Donate more to the causes that caught my eye the day after Trump was elected (Nov. 9, 2016 was a really awful day).

Finally resuming work on clearing out the eBay stuff will serve two purposes - give me more income for donations, and clear out stuff for the long chance that I do decide it's time to move. I live in a state now where anyone can be sued by total strangers if they think you supported someone's abortion actions, and if they win, they get cash and their legal fees paid, but if you win, you still pay all of your legal fees. That is the part of this new "law," the preordained outcomes, that I think will be what get this taken off of the books, but apparently not any time soon. Heaven help the court system in Texas, there will be lots of random lawsuits by opportunists.

Add to all of this the heat and still-high humidity and it's a pretty miserable place right now.

In a funk in Texas. Time to roll up the sleeves and get to work.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 21 - 10:17 AM

I'm doing an exercise app that has a double set of squats and my hip has been more sore, I think they're the reason. I should shift my position to a less broad base to avoid that (I'm guessing). I'm getting closer to the idea of calling the doctor and setting up a steroid shot in the bursa. This really gets old.

We're into what I hope is the last really torturous week of summer, highs near 100, and mornings would be walkable if the humidity wasn't so damned high. Walking really is the best exercise for what ails me these days.

Last year I made a lot of jelly, but I'll be sending some of it to family and friends soon. I do need to keep buying new jelly jars when I mail them away. I often put a couple of tablespoons in a custard cup and microwave it to pour over pancakes or French toast, but I don't eat those often enough to go through a lot of jelly myself. Jelly on toast is good, but again, not a frequent breakfast.

I'm still making some pickled okra and giving more of it away. Once this last heat wave passes the plants should slow production.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Sep 21 - 08:48 AM

After a week of epic walking my hip suddenly and dramatically stopped hurting also.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Sep 21 - 08:40 AM

I've got some more jam making lined up. Our Victoria plum didn't do as well as I thought it would. Only one part of the tree had fruited well and I'd failed to notice brow rot setting in. Still, I got 7lbs of jam which, given there is still plum jam over from last year, is enough and I have a small quantity to stew and freeze.

The gauges and the damson failed but, as damson jam is mum's favourite, we bought (came today and are now in the freezer) some frozen damsons to try. While at it, we also got some frozen raspberries.

With luck, I should wind up with 6-8 lb jars of jam of of each of these and I think that should leave us reasonably set until next year.

I also need to make some more marmalade for which I'll use mamade. I find you get a very nice Seville Orange marmalade for little effort with this. It's funny as both brands (Robertons and Hartleys) that Mamade has been sold under do have off the shelf ready made marmalades but this comes out so much better.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 01 Sep 21 - 08:06 AM

I had hampers full of stuff to deliver to The Brothers and to Edmund’s nephew Patrick, so this is a road trip, Stilly. When I come back at Thanksgiving for the interment, it’ll be by train.

My hip joints have finally stopped hurting.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 21 - 10:48 PM

Those visits with elderly friends and relatives are so important, and carry more weight, than visits of 25 or 50 years ago. On the occasions when I've been able to visit with very elderly friends and relatives every word is precious - there are so few visitors as people get older. The last time I saw my 94-year-old aunt in Connecticut (she lived very near Jerry Rasmussen, who knows many of the same places where he used to perform - small world!) I arrived at her nursing home kind of late because I'd been driving all day. She was finishing an evening bath when I arrived, and she told the attendants "This is my great niece, who has driven here from Kentucky!" (where I was living and working at the time) and it was clear that she would visit exactly as long as she wanted, no visitors hours were going to shut us down. And it was a nice long visit. You learn to take your opportunities to visit and let people know how important they are to you with each occasion. Funny, I don't remember much at all of the rest of that day, or even where I spent the night, but I remember that visit with Josephine.

There is an open invitation to any of you who are regular declutterers (so many have gone, since Katlaughing, and I fear WYSIWYG) who should ever find yourselves in North Texas - please stop by and plan for a couple of days at least for a good long visit. And in particular there are friends who are living in a conversion van and for the time being are in New England, and there is #PattyClink who is somewhere north of me now (Nebraska?) who are always welcome to spend time here parked in the driveway, a calm port in the storm of travels.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Aug 21 - 08:44 PM

Beaver:

I was also hoping Charmion could take the train but, of course, there are so few these days. LONG drive. And a long and stressful event, I might think. Thinking of you as I drive the 402 tomorrow to QC trying to beat the long weekend traffic!

Visit with friend lasted 5 hours and it was a lesson in what it can be like to be 90 and lacking independence, wanting to do what seems right for herself but the family wanting her to do otherwise. A great deal of repetition as she forgot what we had already addressed and it all changed between repetitions. Bottom line might be, "I just want to die" but there is depression and the lack of autonomy, loss of husband, and what the family is pushing without, apparently, offering any realistic solutions.

I am tired.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 21 - 08:09 PM

You told us about your arrangements a while back - did you take the train to Ottawa? Will there be music at the pub lunch (impromptu or planned?)

I pulled up Google maps and found the military cemetery in Ottawa and was able to do a street view tour. What a beautiful place. I see copper beeches there - such lovely trees - along with a nice mix of deciduous and evergreen, meaning in winter it will have the green to sustain moods (so important in cold seasons, the reason I planted pines and junipers here). There are lots of another of my favorites, spruce. I see people walking in there—is it considered appropriate to ride bikes through this park setting? Would Edmund and his bike might have enjoyed this area? I don't want to make any assumptions, not having been around that many cemeteries beyond the ones were family members are buried (small church yards not large enough for much more than walking among the headstones). Here's wishing you the best as you navigate this ceremonial goodbye. ❤ ❤ ❤

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 31 Aug 21 - 07:07 PM

I’m in Ottawa.

The drive was just as exhausting as I expected, and today I ran around doing funeral organizing stuff, not least buying a suitable dress — not something I could do on line. On Thursday, I shall go to the National Military Cemetery with the priest (a retired army chaplain) to do a site recce. I will also book space in a downtown pub for lunch after.

Apart from that, I have some more visiting to do and then I can go home.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 21 - 04:50 PM

It was the right call a couple of weeks ago to put the non-convection toaster oven into the pantry; this afternoon at lunch with my daughter I told her about the oven for her father and my new one and she announced "our old one died. We need to get a new one," so I offered my nice little pantry one. Accepted and text sent to roommates about the new oven, to be taken to volunteer with me on Thursday for the handoff. Done and dusted!

I had been puzzled by the need for the oven by my ex - he talked about setting his bagels on top of his toaster to heat them. He was here visiting the other day (and to give me cash for the oven) and said the thing is he wants to heat the whole bagel so the outside is crisp, then cut it open and the inside is hot and softer, not toasted. Now it makes sense! You can take the boy out of New York City, but you can't take the New York City bagel-eater out of the boy.

I'll go put the oven in the SUV now before I forget.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Donuel
Date: 31 Aug 21 - 12:46 PM

Dean helped with the painting and the epoxy is hard enouth to take on the remnants of the Tropical storm. Next week touch ups with black and tileing should be done in time to cover for the winter.
Last year felt like procrastination was justified but not anymore.
The difference is obviously the miraculous vaccine.
For now my attention can return to some decorating projects, interior decluttering and disposal.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 30 Aug 21 - 08:06 PM

Beaver:

Taking a break after several days of stretching and bending exercising! - putting things on floor, picking things up, moving trays of pottery in progress from shelf to shelf as it progressed from bisque to glaze ready to glazed to fired to LR to label and pack for shop. I am feeling more limber - after I manage to get out of bed and get moving in increments...

I took the last boxes to the Shop yesterday just in time to find a customer liking a teal/white bowl and was able to show her the new ones "hot out of the kiln". She bought several! And Pat gave me my $$$ for the last while. This is working so well! People come in to see pots "They really like your pottery!" and the shop is full of a huge variety of stuff! And I can enjoy making pots without them filling my home! Labour Day weekend should be good as cottagers and travelers are heading home.

And I have 8 beautiful mugs to take to my customers in QC! Improved tech skill: photos with name of colour written on pic! Text to person! Plan to do more pics like that! Also figured out - finally!!! how to move pics from phone to computer! After two years of frustration!

Did a last bit of trimming today, an hour or so and a bit more organizing of clays and studio and QUIT! Have a plan to organize studio better but next trip! A couple errands in town, including finding 3 more books at thrift shop, then home and resting up.

Cooler, less humid and the next few days are looking good. Hope to be able to throw some mugs in QC.

An hour drive tomorrow - each way - to visit a 90 year old friend and her son, friends of 38 years - 38 years of visiting her and husband on Elephant Lake! With the thought that this could be the last time; she is moving back to winter quarters, farther away. Almost a year since husband died... She is so fortunate to have family to care for her! She says she is "confused" all the time. Covid or not, I shall be giving her a big hug.

Then back to QC on Weds. Starting to pack the car -after I get back tomorrow; most is stashed in a corner of the LR, ready. Wonder what I might forget this time!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Aug 21 - 12:19 PM

Covid really started for us in March 2019. The group of people from Strabane Northern Ireland were over and mum and I (who already were not getting out much and mum, the only qualified driver of the pair was on the verge of stopping driving) debated whether or not it made sense to taxi to and fro (actually, the way things worked our, Sean, the landlord ran us back). It was nice meeting up again and playing some music but that’s the last musical contact we had.

It might seem odd but we were already sort of winding down before Covid. One point along that line could be the weekly grocery shop. We’d long used Tesco but, at one point, found it impossible to book slots with them (so much for caring for long standing customers and 80+ year old account holder…) and someone else who seemed better than us at reserving slots from 2 or 3 possible choices helped us out a few times until things settled down again.

I suppose another thing I could mention was experiencing a 7 week hospital stay. If I’ve got my colours right I was on a blue ward. I think that meant it was believed to be Covid free. No family visits were allowed and other people (in my case, that would include a weekly visit from a chaplain to have a chat with (as well as one of them getting me a puzzle book) as well as the physio (not that I got out to walk much) and other medics like OT and dietician) had to visit my ward (Or I guess another blue ward if there were any) first. They weren’t allowed to enter my ward after visiting other wards.

A North Wales (some mix of a brother (I’ve 3 brothers), his wife and their 2 adult offspring – I’m not sure, apart from my brother, who’s coming) is due to visit 6th Sept and I think that will be the first time we’ve seen any of them since Covid.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Aug 21 - 11:31 AM

Adding dates to the bullet journal for September 2021 and again, as with each month we've been under the influence of COVID-19, I enter "COVID-19" atop the calendar page as a reminder to myself when I look back in the future. I started in February of 2020 when I jotted down "Begin COVID-19 precautions" and as I look through those next few months there isn't much activity except notes about shopping for my ex, grocery deliveries, the few appointments I had, and mostly cancelled appointments. Lots of notes about shipping masks to people. Lots of household tasks taken on as something to do (rearranging furniture from one room to the next, furniture repair, reupholstery, etc.)

My few trips out are also noted in there. We were living dangerously when I cared for a friend's cats (after her father died) even though she was isolating and getting tested before going to stay with her elderly mother and I was wearing a mask the whole time I was in her house. Notes about meeting friends in carports (bring your own cloth folding chair), notes about meeting my daughter for lunch in her parking garage. Some days were very hot, others quite chilly, but I did curbside pickup and took it along for our precious meetings. The complicated plans we went through for our delayed xmas when we did a trial run, then all met later at a drive-through restaurant and did our gift exchange outside between the cars after eating our takeout meals.

So many things have changed since 2019. I see an appointment for taking one of the dogs to the vet for her annual exam. They used to accept a few walk-in appointments, but when COVID came along it was appointments only, and they're not going back to accepting walk-ins - it was just too hard on the vets and their days were very long. There are a few parking spaces outside of all sorts of businesses for Curbside pickup, and they're keeping it. Just as well since we're into a COVID-Delta surge and back to wearing masks indoors all of the time at places where I still cautiously go for volunteering.

There are notes about when I had groceries delivered, my delayed appointments, and later in the year finally going in to the dentist and for an eye exam (setting in motion the cataract surgery during a time when COVID seemed to be lifting, we had vaccinations, and Delta hadn't arrived yet.) Notes of when stores had senior hours are for shopping. I went 15 months between haircuts, only trimming my own bangs when they began to drive me nuts.

This is easy stuff, relatively. It's a compressed life to save a life. I realize it was a luxury to be able to stay home, have things delivered, postponed, altered, then eventually shop carefully, mask up at the doctor's, so many Zoom meetings, etc. Those "essential workers" who had to work, and people like Charmion and my friend Ann who had to deal with catastrophic events, will have a lot more written down in their diaries or calendars.

Just thinking out loud as another month passes (as we enter a new season that seems to bring out introspection.) What does the last 18 months look like in your lives?

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Aug 21 - 07:16 AM

I finished mowing and have to epoxy paint before the remants of Ida arrives and finish up next week.
My blintzes were crap except for one, consistancy requires experience.
I need to apply for SSI , return cable equipment and re register the car. Covid allowences are falling away from gov and utilities so I need to be more vigilent. Whenever my wife meets up with her sisters at weddings, funerals and births I face all the sister's concerns when she returns. Last time it was dementia and death. Its always different but inlaw relations were always cursed by their mom, now its a tradition..

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

Last November I rented a snake/roto rooter device to clean out the tree roots at the bottom of my sewer line. Yesterday when the washer ran it backed up into the tubs and I fear it is time again for the device. At some point I need to have the bottom few feet of the sewer line replaced by a plumber who is insured in case they hit a gas line. Most of the line was replaced a couple of years ago down to that point, but since the friend who did it is a public works employee and he couldn't find the gas line so they stopped short of finishing the whole job. I may run a simple snake down there now just to open things up a bit. I did put some Liquid Plumr down the line in case there is a grease buildup impacting things. A human plumber is going to cost me a couple grand for the rest of the job as far as replacing the end of the sewer line to the city connection.

There is a hurricane in the neighborhood - we won't get the wind or rain, but we are getting the overcast and the humidity. This morning it was 89%. Once it moves on it should be more comfortable again and I'll walk the dogs again.

Sunday night noir movies this evening feature Humphrey Bogart, in the background as I work my way through a defensive driving online course.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 21 - 09:10 PM

Blueberries and fish - I will be making blueberry muffins this evening, and my late dinner is haddock. :)

Subject: RE: Food is medicine
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Aug 21 - 06:48 PM

I'm back to eating blueberries and walnuts with fish for dinner.
I feel great for having a cardiac event which tells me no damage was done. BLT's are to die for.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 21 - 10:24 AM

We did walk today, it wasn't quite as humid, but we needed to get out to walk so we suffered through it. This was after I went out to pick to okra that I last picked yesterday morning. Once a day isn't enough, they get too large. (A gardener's nightmare is waking up and realizing the last time they picked okra was the day before yesterday!)

One of the Invisible Fence collars has failed and yesterday Pepper was charging right up to the fence to bark at the next door dogs. I called around and think I'll be able to get the warrantied replacement today, but to stop the fence charging for now I put Cookie's collar on Pepper before I left for the afternoon. That way, the next time Pepper approached the fence she got the shock, and Cookie's is set stronger than Pepper's, so she probably got quite a shock. And if Cookie was out there (they're always together) and saw it, then all she needs to know is that staying back from the fence is still the right thing to do. Good thing dogs are superstitious.

This weekend is one for finishing two online courses. It's hot so staying in isn't the problem, it's sitting too long and having my hip hurt when I stand up. I'll set a timer and move around every 30 minutes or so.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Aug 21 - 09:47 AM

This morning the walk didn't happen - the temperature was 77^o but the humidity is 89%, meaning the walk would be a sweaty slog. I picked okra for 10 minutes and nearly came down with a case of prickly heat (I had to wash my hands and arms and rub them roughly with a dish towel to get the itchiness to go away.)

Fitness stuff is sometimes baby steps; the walk is good general body movement, but also good is the online exercise program that focuses on hips and uses sensors for one leg to monitor my progress, and this week and next it is supposed to have some extra stretches after the workout, but I'm not finding them. Since I didn't get the walk this morning I'll take time and poke around more to see if I can track down the stretches.

Note finished, franked, and ready to go out in the mail today. It helps put the baggage of what evolved into a really awful workplace behind me.

If the humidity drops later this morning I can go mow the front lawn to get some walking around. A lot of that front yard work is in and out of the shade of my various trees so isn't too bad. I'd rather have the heat than the humidity.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Aug 21 - 09:43 PM

The shower was nice, but today was another really hot day and there may be a repeat this evening. We managed a morning walk and I've started the oldest dog on a 2x a day veterinary aspirin to help with some of his arthritis discomfort. He is always the slowest on our walks.

I'm reminded by the Courier thread that when it gets this hot I usually put an ice-filled cooler on the porch with bottled water, so I'll set that up for tomorrow. The rest of the week is supposed to be a scorcher (100^o each day).

I have a list of stuff to do, but it was a kind of lazy day. Some reading, a nap, and picking up a little bit around the house. I have a couple of online courses to take that I'd like to finish by the weekend and I have some research to do for some docent work I'm planning to start in the fall at a local art museum. Today I found myself working on a note of congratulations for a former co-worker who was in the worst possible situation work-wise, such that I didn't even try to make friends, but I always felt like there could have been a friendship under different circumstances. She landed in the middle of a toxic administrative office, and I warned her before I left that if she didn't get out she'd be forever tainted by the other two in her administrative triad. I'm glad to know that she landed on her feet at the top post of the library in the institution she has moved to. This is the kind of note that says "I'm sorry we were never friends but I'm really glad you've moved out and I hope you make new friends." It isn't easy to write, but at the same time, I'm glad to be able to write it.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Aug 21 - 10:14 PM

Whichever of us makes it first must report back. It sounds like it's a savory soup - the only sweetness comes from grenadine, which I never use but when I look it up is both sweet and tart. This is the kind of recipe that brings ingredients into the house that don't get used for anything else, so I hope this is a good soup and I make it more than once. :)

The patio shower is ready for a rinse before bedtime. It's still 90^o out right now (it was at least 100^o today) and it will feel wonderful.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Aug 21 - 10:10 PM

Beaver:

A bit less hot or lower humidity made for a glorious day. I finished a bunch of pots and hope there is a kiln load but will fire regardless, hopefully tomorrow as all is outside in the woodshed (open all four sides) so breeze can do its work. Managed to get up a bit early this am and have BF done by about 9; worked diligently, pushing a bit towards the end.

snack, then off to "get things done": A form to renew health card initiated a trip to Service Ontario without high expectations. The sing on the door stated firmly "by appointment only" but there was no one there but staff who kindly did both driver's license and health card, with alacrity! Saved me going to the post office for a stamp to mail the thing! That has de-cluttered my mind of those two biggies.

Hardware store to find Iron OUT for cleaner toilet; got home and found there was some - right where I put it so this one will go to QC. Also a masonry bit to drill larger holes in flat ceramic bells made many years ago and now due for ribbons to become decorative - for the shop.That is a de-clutter! And clear Gorilla glue to fix sandels before I trip over myself. And a nice chat with friend of 40 years who works there - Nah! He cannot be that old!

Grocery store: frozen fish to do up in toaster over, a la Charmion! I usually like sweet potato fries with it - in same pan - but again there were none of the Alexis seasoned ones - yummy! So I put in a 3 perogies -- slept for an hour or so! Was nice to bump into neighbour/friend of 40 years/ reeve of Twnshp for a chat! It is wonderful to talk to someone(s) other than store employees! Cheered me up! THAT is a major de-clutter!

I also do very little heat producing - cooking. Realized the bathroom is warm from water heater and freezer so I am keeping the door shut. I have a good fan in small K window to exhaust heat if I cook anything. The buckwheat cakes make me feel better so I am back to making them each am. After I cooked chick peas for hummous I put the pan outside to cool. I run the distiller at night when it is cooler. Of course, this house is so small (600sf) that with the two doors and two large windows open, I have whatever cooling is possible. The house in QC is more difficult. Without the a/c in BR it would be hopeless even though I spend my life opening and closing doors and windows!

De-cluttering the heat is paramount. As soon as the sun goes behind the west hill, it starts to cool outside and I can open the curtains and then the doors and windows. Lovely now! (10 pm) Looking forward to the gorgeous -waning- full moon again tonight. A FB friend in the UK posted a pic a few days ago and I rushed outside to have a look! Yep! Same silvery moon!

I am thinking of getting ready for winter!! This next week will be our warning as the temp drops to a more reasonable level. I need to get more wood here and prepare for the delivery in QC. A big financial de-clutter!

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 24 Aug 21 - 11:41 AM

That raspberry soup looks like a good substitute for an entre-mets sorbet. Fruity, not sweet … Hmmm.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Aug 21 - 09:52 AM

Well, then (I didn't know this is a thing), how about Raspberry soup from Epicurius. I always find their recipes to be very good. "Chilled Raspberry Soup is an extraordinary dish with incredible flavors. The tangy taste of raspberries is complemented by sherry and softened with sour cream." Don't drive after you have a bowl of this soup. :)

I filled another three pint jars with okra pickles last night (making one of them with bell instead of hot peppers) so I now have a second full case, and counting. There is another neighbor in the next block up the street from me who I've given okra to, so I'll probably make a run by her house today or tomorrow.

I have some organic chicken manure granules to sprinkle into the garden today and then it will get watered in tomorrow when it'll be time again to water. Speaking of water, down at the end of the street I could see water gushing from the street into the creek, it looks like a broken water main on the Fort Worth side of the street. I have water - this reminds me that I always need to keep bottles of water handy. There are bottles of water ready to pour on the potted plants outside beside the side door, but I'll fill a couple more to keep inside. When it stays hot for a long time the asphaltic concrete can shift and crack, taking pipes underneath with it.

Back to the first topic, I have some frozen raspberries, and am going to print out that recipe and think about making a batch. I have a friend's yard party on my calendar for early September and this might be the perfect contribution to take along.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Charmion
Date: 24 Aug 21 - 09:31 AM

A litre is too much mashed raspberries for any batch of buckwheat cakes I would make, Dorothy, assuming I would make any, which I almost certainly won't. It's way too hot to light the stove today, and likely to remain so for the rest of the week.

I do very little real cooking these days, and no baking. If I'm feeding only myself, steamed veg and frozen fish (cooked on a tray in the toaster-oven) seems to be about my limit. Bread is flat whole-grain buns that I freeze. Protein is eggs, cheese ranging from cottage to aged Cheddar, soup with beans in it ...

Soup. That's real cooking, but I don't do it often. Every soup recipe I know makes a big batch, which I freeze in litre containers.

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Aug 21 - 03:58 PM

Beaver:

78 in the house at the moment and I am fine unless I move - even typing is causing discomfort. I shall soon go back to reading and a wet cloth on my neck. I feel as though I can barely breathe. This is the way my body is and always has been. Get used to it? ...

Woke up this morning (a good beginning!) and thought: I had a good sleep, I could jump up and get some work done before it gets too hot... But no. Needed a bit more bed rest, then needed BF so made buckwheat cakes with 2 cups of thawed field berries and fresh maple syrup and green tea x2... By now I was wondering if I should just give up the day, call the health clinic to find out if I were going to live. Yep, did all that and still felt super useless. Then remembering I had no unsweetened choc yesterday at all; a couple small pieces and everything cleared - I kid you not!! Buckwheat cakes also make me feel good. Maple syrup, also. I will eat the left overs for snacks today - instead of less healthy stuff.

Went out to the studio and threw 35 small (half pound/$10 pots) and one butterdish lid with what was left over. With fan blowing on me and door open. Very happily! I was productive! (for 2 hours.) Then it was lunch time.

Convinced myself a salad was a good idea: a large soup bowl of greens with crumbled blue cheese and oil and vinegar, (all I had on hand) then some already cooked pork, apples and broccoli. Then it was really hot. And getting worse. A bit more choc. settles my gut and just seems to help. Just a few grams. 28 gms = 1 oz so maybe 6-8 gms. Maybe I could weigh it into "doses" - out of curiosity. It has killed my cough and reduced mucous almost totally....

I would put the raspberries into a batch of buckwheat cakes! When we have a pineapple, I puree it and use it in the BW cakes, but usually I use the frozen field berries - thawed!

Bought buckwheat seeds at the farm supply to try them out on the yard here, and in QC - bees love it. I would not try to harvest as I have no way of hulling the seeds. But the critters will! I won't dig, just broadcast it and hope. Waiting for rain!! At worst, the little critters will eat it. Good for the soil also.

FB informs an apartment house fire in downtown (within the hour) so skipping the errands.

Back to book...

Subject: RE: De-clutter & Fitness in a Pandemic: 2021
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Aug 21 - 11:19 AM

I'm three jars shy of two cases of pints of pickled okra. For my friends and neighbors this will be a very good year (they will be ready to open by October or November). I eat some of it, but the locals really gobble up this stuff.

While I've spent time in the yard and the kitchen writing chores have piled up. It's time to thin that list a bit. They won't declutter anything or result in less paper on my desk, but they'll move me nearer to cool-weather projects.

I'll make another batch of babaghanouj today and I need to freeze a lot more peppers. All week it is supposed to be scorching weather, most days topping out at 100^o. I overslept this morning and it was several degrees too warm to walk the dogs, so I'll make a point of getting up earlier tomorrow.

I haven't made a final canned tomato count, because while the height of the ripe tomato season has passed, fall brings the green tomatoes that are picked before the first frost. One year I made nearly two cases of green tomato relish. I'll do the same this year if the crop allows - I love that stuff but it does also make a great gift. If I start putting some of the pickled okra in quart jars I can save the remaining pint jars for relish.

Time to go pick okra then clean and fill the bird baths.