FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Jul 22 - 09:22 PM

Beaver:

Too hot for me but still managed to load the kiln, placed close to the door of the room where the floor is stable. Awkward but... Managed to open the box and change fuses. Looked the the extension cord as I got it out of the way - a large cut in it clearly caused the problem; how it got there may remain a mystery. Bisque firing completed. Will try for a glaze firing early tomorrow.

Went to visit a couple local gardens with horticulture group. Each unique and wonderful in totally dif ways. I have restricted my flower use here, focusing on food. "Astri's garden, with mock orange and some daffies and columbine is confined to a five foot D. wooden octagon that Dan built.

Strawberries look much happier after the rain; before the rain I put a bunch of chicken manure on it to start building up for next year.   

I have lost 5 pounds and kept it off for a month! The ground flaxseed suggested by the dietician has improved my gut but still a ways to go. I seem to be eating less and more carefully, ending most days with popcorn; starting with berry laden buckwheat pancakes, with almond flour and flaxseed, eggs or porridge with same additives, dried cranberries and a whole (cut up) apple. Mid day varies with veggies/black beans/chick peas, some chicken. Less coughing = less unsweetened choc. And I have gained a bit more mobility.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 22 - 10:07 PM

Dorothy, thanks for the reminder! I have some whole grain crackers with flax seed and that is a great one for the gut. (Straight flax can overwhelm). Those crackers scooping up my homemade hummus would be a wonderful evening snack. (And congratulations on the weight loss!)

It's Tuesday evening, regular training night, so the volunteer fire department is outside in the street using the hydrant at the corner between my yard and next door to practice filling the various vehicles with tanks. They're training for off-road driving (to deal with grass fires) and the difficulty of driving with the weight of 500 gallons or more of water. They use this hydrant because we have the highest water pressure in town here at the bottom of the hill, and it speeds up filling the trucks. I loaded a dishpan with all of the cold cans of sparkling water from the fridge and walked out and handed them out and talked with folks for a few minutes. I fought fires years ago (in the 1970s) and one of the things that was always great was if someone came along where we were working and handed out cold drinks. I can finally return the favor. At 9pm it's still 98^o.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Jul 22 - 11:08 AM

Stilly, do you take probiotic capsules? Recurring bouts of diverticulitis made me occasionally miserable for years, but all that ended when I started using them on the advice of the gut doctor who did my last colonoscopy. The best ones require refrigeration and, alas, cost a bomb. I read the labels obsessively to find the kind with the most organisms in the widest range of species.

As for the opiate-induced stasis, I can heartily recommend a potion of polyethylene glycol 3350 made by Bayer and sold in Ontario under the trade name RestoraLAX. "No taste, no grit" it says on the label, truthfully, and it does its job without drama.

My car shed its front licence plate the other day, possibly as a result of an interrupted attempt to steal it (the plate). I bought new plate-holders at Canadian Tire and confidently set out to switch them, only to discover that a "universal" plate-holder will not fit on the front bumper of a 2021 VW Golf GTI. Heigh-ho, that'll be another half-day trip to the dealer in Kitchener ... next week. Until then, the front plate sits on the dashboard and I hope not to attract any more official attention than necessary.

On the housekeeping front, I took part in Stratford's semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Day (dead batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, elderly paint and Edmund's 30-year accumulation of partly-used tins of shoe polish), and swept the garage floor clean of winter grit and dead leaves. Then I washed the car. That's quite enough virtue to be going on with for now.

It's still steamy in Stratford, but we had a bit of rain yesterday and may get more today -- the sky is overcast and a slight, suggestive wind is blowing through the trees.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jul 22 - 11:54 AM

My daily routine includes vitamins the doctors request (B12, D3) and the gastroenterologist suggests daily fiber. I also have simple probiotic. And fruit and vegetables during the day. That mix is ample for normal circumstances, but is put to the test with narcotic painkillers and various other things that all seem to have side effects. Their effect should be dissipating.

The hall bathroom tub is partially filled now because with this heat comes broken water mains; the streets are hot and somehow the pipes shift and break. I have one full kettle, bottles of water, etc. and will fill another kettle next time I pass through the kitchen. It just makes sense to be ready this time of year.

The ex came over and we commiserated on the lack of activities with the heat - after retirement he is sorting and shredding papers but also wants to retrieve things in the uncooled or heated garage, and it's an oven right now. So no work in the garage, slowing the plans for work in the house.

We made it into The Guardian today with the heat and growing populations.

I have an unused pump in the garage, meant for pulling water from the creek at the back of the yard. Perhaps I should take it out of the box and run a hose into the pond back there; trouble is, it's an urban creek and has street runoff that isn't healthy so it can't go on the garden. Maybe parts of the yard around the house to keep the foundation from crumbling. There was a needed pressure gauge (in a cardboard blister pack) to attach to the pump that Cookie chewed up that I have to replace before I could use it. Gotta love that dog and her targeted destruction (particularly odious when she was a puppy).

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 22 - 10:18 PM

I decided to upgrade the power strip/surge protector that my TV and audio equipment are all plugged into, but one look back there and it was a sudden dust storm. I used one of those microfiber dusters (lots of strands) and took it out several times to shake in the yard, then went bigger and brought in the vacuum cleaner and a brush attachment. My sinuses are now aching because I didn't wear a mask when I disturbed all of that dust. While I was at it I put a few DVDs away and a handful of CDs (yes, I still use that kind of media.) Maybe stuff in the cloud doesn't collect dust, but some of these titles are kind of obscure and I haven't seen them on streaming services. Anyway, tomorrow I'll wiggle around the cabinet enough to plug in the new strip then plug in the devices. This also has five ports for charging devices (for 4 USB regular types cables and one type-C cable.)

I landed on this device by using the "Fakespot Fake Amazon Reviews and eBay Sellers" browser extension on Chrome. I found a brand I wasn't familiar with that had a good rating and reviews according to the app, so I'm trying it out. I usually get various named types and I'd have been okay, but this was an exercise in getting past the fake reviews and opening up the possibility of using vendors that don't usually drift to the top.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Jul 22 - 07:53 AM

I will celebrate with chocolate a fundamental victory of being right
For reasons quite different from mine I have been right about there being no such thing as inflation in the cosmological explanation of the big bang. Also there is no current multiverse inobservation of our flat smooth universe. I am very pleased to have been essentially correct all along. It is a lonely celebration since no one either listened or understood what I have been on about regarding inflation theory being bogus.

Inflation theory is ONLY a bandaid, a patch to try to explain the big bang (which DID NOT HAPPEN). Inflation has now been shown to be a fraud by many different explanations in math and by the greatest Nobel Prize winners like Penrose and others.

So Hooray. Its nice to be right about something so fundamental.

What is more likely in reality? It is a gentle bounce universe after a period of slow CONTRACTION into our now reexpanding phase of the universe.

I offer as proof this lecture which can be understood by anyone despite the math barriers. why there is no big bang and how observations prove it.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: keberoxu
Date: 24 Jul 22 - 08:18 AM

decluttering a lecture? Enjoy the chocolate, before it melts in this heat . . .

we got the household garbage thoroughly cluttered up last night
when a bear overturned the garbage can in the dark
and strewed the contents all around the parking spaces and lawn.
Then the crows arrived to strew it around even further.
It's a sorry sight in bright sunshine this morning.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Jul 22 - 08:42 AM

opps I forgot the
E pluribus Unum proof https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7-HNi2ne44

Keb its mentally healthy to feel a victory even about being right about something that was wrong. Ego? Perhaps. Feel free to demand removal of the post if your sensibility to 'decluttering purism' is offended.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Jul 22 - 03:03 PM

Sorry keb I didn't mean for that to sound so sharp.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 22 - 03:23 PM

I have to be careful putting out trash because dogs, coyotes, raccoons and even foxes will sometimes attack if it is just in a bag at the curb. I either put the bag in the large Rubbermaid can (I don't bother with a lid) or put the bag on the curb the morning of pickup. But when it's hot they start really early so I miss them if I try that move.

I've realized that while I did a lot of good exercise before the surgery, I've been almost sedentary after it and I can feel it now in my hips. The physical therapist confirmed that last week. I've started up my Hinge Health program to get more healthy movement and I think I'll visit my gym and walk on the treadmill. I could do the recumbent bicycle again, but simply walking is what I need. It has been so hot since before this started that I'm not tempted to walk around outside, so the gym it must be. The scar is slowly receding, but not as fast as I'd like. Not as fast as last time, I think.

The Puma slip-on shoes I picked up for mowing are now put to use for PT - my other shoes were a kind of ballet slipper with a flat sole and I slip around in them. I've had to dust off the grass and such to make the Pumas look respectable (they are still quite new, but I did mow a couple of times before the yard became the Sahara-in-Texas).

Yesterday I started loading the dishwasher then realized I'd added a fair number of things to some already clean stuff; I ended up washing all of it again. Lazy me. Must pay better attention. Around the house I've been sweeping and vacuuming; the hair coming off of the Lab is intense; the blue heeler stops to scratch and flings off gobs of black hair. You'd think they'd have finished shedding by now. I brush both and it seems to loosen up what is left. So much for my housekeeping skills.

I need to get back to sewing.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 22 - 10:38 PM

I exercised today as I walked very intentionally upright and placing each foot properly heel-first to remind myself that's how I'm supposed to walk, not forget and shuffle around. That's part of the reason for hip pain. I think I already feel a bit better.

Shopping this evening in the BIG store (where I did some of this walking) to get fresh fruit. The last bag of oranges from Costco was just dreadful and I couldn't pretend any more that one of them was eventually going to be sweet or that every other one wasn't just a dry pulpy thing. Three for the compost. I checked the box in the store this evening - these say "Spanish" so who knows where in Europe they came from? But those South African ones - bleh - picked way too green and don't manage to ripen. For an additional treat I picked up pears and mangoes and white peaches. I know - oranges have a season and here it is in the winter. I'm just trying to motivate myself to keep eating an orange a day as part of my healthy daily diet.

Tomorrow I have museum stuff, and it's a good thing they have folding seats to carry around with you for tours. I'll need it. Maybe I'll put on regular tie-up shoes, my most comfortable pair would be a help. Why is it that museums seem to have the hardest floors around?

I did some sewing this afternoon, a nice start back to working on some of the projects that await.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 11:00 AM

I'm still struggling to find pants that don't irritate the scar on my left knee. The curbside pickup of Bermuda shorts three weeks ago helped for dressing for PT, but to wear to the museum I want something long enough to cover the knee but that is so loose to not rub and irritate. This time I've searched Kohl's online offerings and found one I think will work for now. (Before you ask - skirts and dresses aren't part of my wardrobe.)

Life after COVID offers such perks as curbside pickup at just about any store you can think of. Actually, the only place that still doesn't do it at the brick and mortar location is the post office. US post offices aren't like the Canadian ones scattered around the landscape in different businesses (as it appeared to be last time I was in one, which was a very long time ago). They're a standard-issue government building with a service desk and a lobby with lots and lots of post office boxes. Having someone retrieve the contents of the box (once it is considered "delivered") is a head scratcher. I wait and go in after hours so the building is empty and I still wear a mask while inside.

We're in the Sargasso Sea of becalmed hot weather; every day this week is forecast to be in the 102-104 range; our "cooler" Friday has been pushed back to Saturday, a trend that isn't reassuring. The "dog days" of August loom; I always associate that term with the last hottest month of summer, but a friend has argued that dog days have been here for all of July. I don't know; I am assuming August will find its own unique way of making us particularly miserable. Like adding humidity back into the formula, as the ragweed bursts into bloom and hits our poor sinuses with its obnoxious pollen.

Pardon my raving.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 12:06 PM

Rain yesterday in Stratford, and blissfully cool today with a forecast high of 20C. The hydrangeas look perky for the first time in days, and the grass is not quite as crunchy as it was on Friday.

I’m expecting visitors today — eldest SIL and her grand-daughter — so I vacuumed the parlour rug yesterday and cleaned all three bathrooms. I feel positively virtuous now.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 01:14 PM

The dog days are the 40 days between July 3 and August 11. They begin when Sirius, the Dog Star, rises with the sun. The ancients believed that Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, combined with the sun to produce the greatest heat of the summer. Nothing to do with hounds lying about, tongues lolling out, panting in the heat, though they may well coincidentally be doing that during the dog days...

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 22 - 01:24 PM

Good to know, and it rings a bell. I may have known and lost that piece of information decades ago.

Color me disappointed with Kohl's; I selected a pair of pants supposedly IN their store and ordered, then when I looked at the reply email - delivery to store between July 28 and August 3? Not gonna work for today's outing. I called and they weren't helpful, even when I pointed out that my selection was from their store's stock. I was trying to save myself having to trek around and try on stuff. Now I'll go revisit my closet and see if there is anything helpful but overlooked in there. I could probably sew something faster than that delivery.

And also, I give up on oranges for the rest of the year. The few I bought yesterday are also awful and also not navel oranges. They looked like it from the outside, but that's a clever trick, having the dimple but no wad of small sections. And full of seeds. It's almost apple season, and a good thing, too!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 22 - 10:39 AM

PT yesterday was milder, mostly taking measurements before I see the doctor later this week. And some tips on returning to the gym, what exercises performed in different ways will help the knee specifically.

On my way home I stopped at Goodwill (a small store, good for my amount of walking) and found an older and much sturdier-based version of the Oster blender I have. My current one is making odd noises and is a really cheap plastic (also purchased at a Goodwill a number of years ago after my previous old Oster finally kicked the bucket). This newer one will go into service and I can set aside the last base and one of the jars and probably donate those back to Goodwill. If I stick with the same brand the glass and plastic container tops are interchangeable.

The heat misery continues. The 10-day forecast has a high every day in the 101-104^o range. We're in an Exceptional Drought range and there is an Extreme Fire risk. I have my hoses in position front and back if I have to put out a burning fence or yard, or even spray up on the roof to deal with embers. The volunteer fire department was training here last week and there is a hydrant in my yard so that's also a good omen.

I bought barbecue (meat) yesterday on my way home and my ex came over for dinner. There's enough brisket left over for a couple of sandwiches and a plate of sausage and beans. With this heat it is a personal goal to keep eating chilly or simply microwaved foods. No real cooking for now.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jul 22 - 08:27 AM

Fortunately we have mornings in the seventies. I am evolved for Nordic climes and wilt a bit in afternoon heat. Yesterday I fell on some government steps and hit my hip so I may have a hitch in my step for a couple weeks. I missed that last step 'by that much'. A mailman got out of his truck to ask if I was OK in a way as to not poke fun at my tuck and roll concrete uni pedal fall.
I will 'get smart' and rely on yin instead of yang for a while. Translated that means while forcing as much walking as possible, I'll limit it to nuanced low stress activity. At least that's what my body is telling me "you're ok stupid" on this worst day after assessment.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jul 22 - 10:46 AM

It's hard to know which was hurt worse sometimes, your butt or your feelings for having taken a fall in public, eh?

Last session of PT today - Dr says the leg is good to go and just continuing exercising and time will take care of the last few problems (not stretching out completely flat, and not bending at an angle quite as acute as the other knee yet). And that pesky swelling will eventually go down.

As the 10-day forecast advances into August territory there is no relief from the heat in sight; every day is predicted to be over 100^o. I would happily forego some meteorological heat record if it would just drop down into the "average" 90s for this time of year.

A note from this week's Goodwill finds - I also picked up a nice clean little HomeMedic sound machine (normally they cost about $20 on Amazon) for $3 for a friend who expressed an interest in one. It has a feature I've been thinking of adding to mine - a wad of duct tape over the LED light that is a bright green in the dark bedroom when the device is turned on. I usually just prop my phone over the top (because the timer - 15, 30, and 60 minutes) also has a light. But that tape is a better low-tech answer.

We have reached a stage in this drought locally when fires are started from things like wonky lawn mowers and whole neighborhoods are torched before the fire is put out. In the Dallas area 20 homes burned, 9 of them completely destroyed that way. Closer to here a little area was burned, 3 or 4 homes, because a window unit air conditioner caught fire and spread. Vigilance is they key to surviving the rest of this summer. I need to put the dogs' leashes out next to their food trunk and be ready to load food and dogs and a few things of mine if need be.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jul 22 - 11:41 PM

Physical therapy is finished and I have a set of exercises to do at home and at the gym when I get over there to continue my progress. For someone who is just six weeks out from knee replacement they are saying that I'm doing very well and they are sure that once the swelling is down on one area in particular it will be easier to loosen the scar tissue so the knee is more flexible. I'm so far ahead of my cohorts that sometimes they kind of pause and just say "you're doing great, the exercise and work before surgery really paid off."

This afternoon I set up a kiddie pool in the front yard with stones and bricks in it and set up some broken bricks to keep a floating solar-powered fountain thing in the center of the pool. It came with several types of spray spigots, and I may put one of the others on it to get more drama from the spray. Using it in bird baths didn't work because it sprayed water out and soon they were empty. That shouldn't happen with the pool. This is in addition to the saucers and bird baths out there already. The stuff in the water works for birds to land on for getting drinks. The side of the pool is curved and too slick.

After participating in the tips to the UK from Texas thread I was reminded by Leeneia of something I'd planned to do for some time - replace the pillows on the bed. Every so often I've put them in the wash, but I think it's now time to replace. Costco had a package for a reasonable price so while I was in looking for mangoes and nectarines I also got bed pillows. Reading too closely about dust mites and eyelash mites and all of the microscopic stuff that lives on us can really creep you out. Fresh pillows help.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Jul 22 - 10:38 AM

Beaver:

Had a marvellous deluge today! and it is still coming down in bits. The biggest netted at least an inch!! And it was just warm enough for me to get a shower on the back deck! Feels so good!! (Shower in house does not function.) Now have a mini sound and light show; I love it.

We have been taking probiotics for years. Currently, and for a long time: Progressive 60 Billion of a wide range. Expensive, yes. They now say it no longer needs refrigeration - but it is a habit; even R can find it!

Got two amazing "heads" of leaf lettuce at the Farm market on Sat. I shall have to eat lots of salad to use it all while still good! Put each in a bowl of distilled water, in frig, to keep it as fresh as possible!

Pottery is all fired, less the few pieces that did not fit. Time to start throwing again - new batch. BJ may come tomorrow to fix kiln room floor; I am hopeful, like to have it completed.

Need to make trip to Toronto to deliver pottery to my friend and pick up clay and other needful things. 3 hours each way - Bleech! Can have lunch with friend and return! Then rest for a couple days!

The "grass" situation reminds me of working with a PDD 4 year old years ago. Asking him ordinary questions..."What colour is grass? "Yellow!" Yep! It sure was. PDD my foot! I got his mom to send him to regular kindergarten - that had a dynamite teacher. She phoned me when he was in grade 3 to let me know how well he was doing!

Oops, guess I forgot to send this! Have been to Toronto, picked up clay, delivered well received pots to friend and had a great visit with another friend on the way back - sitting on her back deck in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by lovely woods and many birds at the feeders and a wee chippy on the deck. A nice break before 2.5 hours more on country roads watching for deer! I have rested for two days and almost normal today! BJ ripped out floor of kiln room yesterday - ROTTEN! He will get to replacing in the not too distant future. In the meantime, I will soon be heading back to QC; no need for kiln until I get busy and make a whole bunch more pots. May start today...

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jul 22 - 11:54 AM

I made 6 necklases (mens, ladies and child size) of crushed black opal in glass heart shaped bottles and a large Coober Peddy vintage cabochon necklace of intense color. Also finished details on the 5 lbs opal seascape. I found that sealing the black opal in clear detergent allows the vivid fire to move in a slower motion. I do the work standing up and it quiets the mind like cartooning.

The good news about the pandemic is were down to only 400 deaths per day over here. Yaay! I have no fears of the monkey pox epidemic. Whatever Hirshall Walker has, I hope it doesn't spread. He said people are worried about gas and high groceries. Why are groceries getting high anyway and what are they taking?

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 29 Jul 22 - 12:32 PM

Wednesday was spent in the company of a fellow chorister who had a malignant breast tumour removed at the Stratford General Hospital. She's 80 years old with heart problems and lots of arthritis, but the hospitals are such risky territory these days that the surgeon decided she would be better off as a day patient -- as long as she had someone to ferry her to and from the hospital and stay with her overnight in case Something Went Wrong. That someone was me.

Nothing went wrong, thank God. Mary Lou's house is so cluttered I would have had a hell of a time doing anything effective if I had had to. My need for neatness seems less obsessive-compulsive this morning than it usually does.

Much of what remained of Edmund's accumulated office supplies has gone to his university-bound great-niece, Faith, leaving my six-foot folding table almost clear. (I can't believe he had four paper punches: two three-holers, a two-holer and a one-holer.) Faith was also glad to accept a briefcase, reducing the household strategic reserve to five. Alas, she did not want a stapler, so I still have three.

The next class of items to be rehomed is old spectacles, of which I have about a dozen pairs. In these parts, the Lions Club collects used specs for a charity that takes them to places where opticians prefer not to go. I should be able to unload all the excess by Sunday, keeping only my back-up bifocals and one pair of non-scrip Ray-Ban shades.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jul 22 - 10:49 PM

Charmion, good deed accomplished by helping your friend. Does she have someone to help her around the house for a while? There is a fair amount of recovery one has to go through, as I recall from my mother's surgery.

I also take glasses frames over to an optometrist business I don't use any more but where one of the guys delivers them to the Lion's Club. I've finally weeded out most of them.

Dorothy, you've been busy! I'm glad the floor has been looked at and will be reconstructed. You were lucky it wasn't discovered under more drastic circumstances!

Don, I hope you're feeling better after your fall. Your jewelry work sounds interesting; I Googled Coober Pedy - I knew opals often came from Australia but didn't know any specifics. Astonishing that some of them live underground - something that would be sensible here if it keeps getting hotter. :-/

We almost got rain here this evening; I could smell it in the air, but nothing materialized. I hope anyone who got it went out to dance in it. Until that point it was too hot to spend long hanging laundry today so I put most of the clothes on hangers and hung those on the clothesline (I should put a short line for this kind of thing up under the patio cover). That left just a couple of sheets and a towel and not much else. Dried very quickly in 100^o weather. Up till now I wasn't comfortable hobbling around out there with the knee, but it is getting better every day.

Next week gets a lot easier (fewer appointments) and I'll decide about when to start the new heat pump installation. I wanted to be clear of some of these medical appointments before I started a new project.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 02:57 PM

Today's forecast high is again around 102^o but it's overcast, making it somewhat easier to go outside. I have shopping to do nearby to get myself a long spare hose. The other hoses are in use right now and would need disassembly in an emergency. Well, there's a 50' hose in the front that is for dragging around, but the back yard needs another 100' to add to the 50' one already there to reach the back of the pie-shaped lot.

Out of the blue this afternoon I decided to make a batch of carrot salad—the family recipe is peeled ground carrots, enough mayonnaise to hold it together, and raisins. I had just enough raisins for this batch. They were a bit dry but will moisten in the salad this afternoon. I think I'm visiting this childhood recipe because I crave a variety of cool foods now.

Supposedly a 15% chance of rain today but I think that will work out to none. I'm not going to consider the odds in my favor (that's also why I didn't go buy a MegaMillions lotto ticket yesterday).

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 06:27 PM

I just heard a lonliness researcher Marissa something author of Platonic on npr today.
The imagined rejection from lonliness can compromise the immune system which ties in with Pandemic behavior. The feeling of being isolated from the herd makes for a more stressed vigilance. She seemed quite credible to me.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 07:07 PM

The author Donuel name-checks is Marisa G. Franco.
The story was recently re-broadcast on NPR;
it came originally from WBUR's Here and Now.

Making Friends As An Adult

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jul 22 - 11:01 AM

My neighbor across the street called yesterday to check in - how am I doing, but also how she's doing. She sounded stronger than the last call after a recent hospital trip. I wish she could eat more, I used to take food over to her, but she's careful due to surgery for diverticulitis. Surgery should have fixed it, but still she's very careful. I note this because it isn't just making friends, we need to remember how to keep them.

This morning my legs are achy, telling me I didn't do my exercises yesterday. I took a shower on the patio yesterday, the tap water is very warm now, but I think a soak in a hot tub will be a good start to the day. Must pamper myself along with doing the PT exercises.

I haven't talked to a Canadian cousin for a while but we were both on Instagram messages this weekend comparing notes on knee surgery (she is just 2 weeks out, after flying to Colorado to get the surgery instead of waiting years, an unfortunate characteristic of the Canadian health care system) and I realized there is an Instagram camera and phone icon now, so we turned it into a call. We moved our phones around to compare scars and such and then I turned the phone down to show that Cookie was hanging out with me on the bedroom carpet. "Oh, I know Cookie!" she said - as an Instagram follower she's caught a lot of Cookie's antics. She has a beagle but it has never occurred to her to post the dog on her account—I'm sure a beagle would love to be a minor internet celebrity. :)

I picked up the 100' hose and now I'll take the 50' hose off of the hose reel and see if the reel itself needs work before adding the whole length to it. I think there's a leak that I hope will be fixed with a washer. Otherwise, it might be time for a new reel or a stand that it can be coiled up and hung on.

Yesterday's carrot salad was just what I needed for a cool dinner. Alongside a little piece of chicken the rest of the meal was salad and fruit.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 31 Jul 22 - 08:20 PM

Beaver:

Long time recovering from trip to Toronto. Now gearing down for going back to Quebec on Tuesday - 3 pm teeth cleaning appointment an hour along the way, maybe a visit before that, and starting with the library to print out ballot for primary as I finally tried and realized I do not have cord needed for computer/printer connection.

Steve still has not cut the very tall grass; if he does not show up tomorrow I will have to cancel as I want to be there when he is doing it to give direction; do not want flowering "weeds" cut; the bees need them.

Car is half loaded - except food stuffs. May make some small pots tomorrow in the cool of the morning. And another stab at butter dish lids - still trying to get ones to fit the bottoms. And some more bottoms in an effort to fit the tops!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Aug 22 - 11:33 AM

I hope you got to instruct your mower guy on where to take out the grass and leave the flowers! My lawn is mostly straw right now, except weedy grass in the garden. I'll use the string trimmer on it one of these days.

This weekend I read of a friend's (former coworker) injury - returning home from the dentist, a bit light-headed, missed the step and fell backwards smack onto her head on the concrete. Turns out her electrolytes and such were all out of whack; she had to lie on the hot concrete until the ambulance arrived. A head injury like that all by itself can be fatal. If you ever look at the coroner's reports in your area, you'll see any number reported as "a short fall." I'm hoping they pay as much attention to her head as her blood work. I lost a great aunt that way, and with all of my homeowner projects around here, it's something I keep in mind.

The weather forecast for the next 10 days is unwavering; all days are 100 or higher. Very low chance of precipitation in view either. All of August and even the first half of September could stay this hot. [sigh]

Time to get some things ready to put in the mail. Some in anticipation of listing on eBay, other things to mail as soon as the package is complete.

Starting up alternate-day fasting again today, keeping in mind protein for the still-healing knee. My diet during the six weeks recovery period was varied and ended up with sugar in it. That is the hardest thing to get off of - sugary cereal, in this case (granola) - one I thought wasn't going to be as sweet and tasted wonderful (of course it did - it was full of honey) - boosted the sugar cravings. I paced myself (a serving was 1/2 cup) but now it's gone and now I'll get the sweet from fruit.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 01 Aug 22 - 06:29 PM

Beaver:

Achieved my goal of more butter dish lids and bottoms and a number of other items to utilize 20kg of clay- one NEW bag! Threw in am and trimmed in late aft. Now I am about ready for bed! Hungry but not feeling like cooking or a salad... Would love to pick up a meal but don't even feel like driving 5 minutes to pick up! Grilled cheese sandwich may suffice - or cheese and chicken grilled sandwich, chick already cooked! With some salsa. Then collapse with a book and a feeling of accomplishment.

Since that ankle broke, 5 years ago, I have been VERY careful about where and how I step. Railings are important. Every step with mindfulness. I detest being incapacitated!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 11:14 AM

To save myself the bother of going to various stores and looking for loose fitting Capri pants to try on I have ordered another pair, this time from Amazon. Amazon politely hints to me that I should choose the next size up based upon my order history, but I've lost 25 pounds now. Those should arrive tomorrow; the Kohl's pair of pants are still in the wind somewhere. They only charged my credit card over the weekend (I ordered them last week on Monday.)

I dressed this morning in a pair of cotton twill Capri pants hoping they would work to go do volunteer work at the museum, but being seated for two hours in pants that put pressure on the scar isn't going to work. I can pull the hem up over the knee but then it's too snug to be comfortable. I think I'll have to wait till Thursday to do that work, once at lest one of the baggy legged pants arrived. (I wore a pair of lined slacks last week on Monday to a museum training session - they fit ok but were a linen/wool shell over an acetate lining and every time I put much pressure against the lining of the pants I could feel pricks come through from the wool.)

This morning I took a nostalgic tour through three covered plastic bins from the closet top shelf. No short pants in there, and some I saved were from back when I was working so they're more office attire - those will go to Goodwill soon. There are some good blue jeans to put back into service. I wondered why I'm struggling so to find shorts - I had knee surgery two years ago, didn't I solve the loose short pants issue then? But wait - COVID. I didn't go anywhere two years ago so the question never arose. Who knows what I wore, but it didn't matter.

Tomorrow is my first long day out running around since surgery; every other month it starts with my haircut in a town on the north end of the county (following a hair dresser over the years has you sometimes discovering new places) then back down into the town where I used to work for several usual stops. I've asked my ex if he'd like to go on a field trip tomorrow. This tour stops at several stores I usually buy stuff for him, so he can do his own. It also means if I overdo he can drive home. I do need to caution him that an SUV doesn't drive like a Toyota Corolla, and if he takes turns in it the way he does in his car he'll roll the SUV. I also frankly want to keep him engaged; now that he's retired he really doesn't have many outside activities. We're best friends when we're not married to each other. :)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Aug 22 - 10:58 PM

I nearly missed a day of dragging the hose and several plants were in a desperate wilted state. I got out there just in time.

The Kohl's pants arrived this afternoon; they're not the best fabric but they will do. They're longer than I hoped so I'll probably have to hem them.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Aug 22 - 09:18 AM

Field trip today, with shopping list.

This morning I went out to the fence (where the neighbor gives the dogs their morning treats) to find the dogs because they weren't in the house waiting for me to feed them. (I could see that Cecil was out in the yard, so they were watching in case he decided to give them something extra.) Once I caught Zeke's eye (because he's deaf) he perked up and all of them started moving around the greenhouse and to the back door of the house. Cookie started playing with Zeke - she gives a chew on the leg, a chew on the collar, she nudges him, she gets him stirred up and the old Lab lumbers along happily with the little dog keeping to his pace and skill set. It is wonderful to see; I'm sure that a younger dog engaging in this kind of play is just what he needs. (When Cookie and Pepper go at it they're really rough and will at times draw blood. I have a wound care kit I use on those two.)

Pepper doesn't play with Zeke so much as she keeps an eye on him. She has this loud growl bark she does right in his face to get his attention. And she offers him lots of kisses.

I ran out of corn oil over the weekend and at Aldi I picked it up and OMG it was like $1.50 more than the last time I bought it (I had a spare bottle or two, so it has been a while.) These little reminders that manufacturers and all are seeing scarcity but also some are gouging. I read a Jean Chatzky economics column about changing brands to see if sticking with the original way-more-expensive one is really worthwhile (she compared her old brand of coffee with a less expensive brand and found the new one to be quite good). An expensive bottle of oil does not a recession make (and gas has come down at least that much a gallon between the last time I bought it and what I paid a month earlier.) I stuck with the Aldi corn oil; I'm not interested in rape seed (Canola). It isn't good for you. I buy olive oil that gets used for most things at a Halal grocery in 3-litre bottles. There may be sticker shock the next time, but I do switch brands there (I can't help it, they rarely have the same brands from one trip to the next.) As long as it is from one source and is green EV olive oil I'm set.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Aug 22 - 10:40 AM

The pants from Amazon were strange and not at all like the photo. They are in the bag to be returned later today (dropped off at Kohls where they maintain a drop-off desk, and how ironic is that?) The pants seem to have been designed for a giant - the crotch hangs down around the knees. No self-belt as promised, and alas, they reach to the floor, so the Capri pant photo cannot be presumed to be part of the description. The fabric is nice, but at this point I think I should probably buy my own fabric and make myself a pair. After I snug up the elastic waist on the Kohl's pair of pants (that are the correct length but a little too big at the waist.)

I kind of overdid it yesterday. I could tell about 2/3 of the way through the shopping expedition that the rest was going to be a struggle. It was a combination of knee stiffness and the heat; without the heat advisory it would have been easier. Other than that we had a good trip, and I think my ex had my knee in mind when I offered a couple of other stops and he said no, he'd had enough, knowing in fact that I had. (I was to the point where I'd wait in the car with the AC on full blast.)

Now isn't really a good time to be buying or making many new clothes, because if/when I manage to lose the last 15 of this goal I'll be in yet again a smaller size. Time, I think, to dive into the closet and look for something pants-wise that is too large that can be modified (cut and hemmed to accommodate the knee). I got rid of a lot a while back, but still have some to work with, dressier loose pants in particular. I can re-do the waist to make them fit correctly then do the length part. And this project should give me enough time to listen to the audio book that is due in four days. (I do some calculations while I'm sewing and miss passages, so I'll be repeating some sections, but that's ok. It's easy now with the phone app.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Aug 22 - 11:56 AM

Dupont:

Yep, I made it! the dentist cancelled while I was in the library working with Shirley to print out my Primary ballot - last day! We won; it's sent! Then went home and put the food in the car and left with a planned stop over to visit a fav musician. We had never really talked before but we have friends in common and met at the 50th Yellow Door party. We spent about an hour chatting on his home hill surrounded by TALL grass, lovely breeze, interesting house. Interesting person. By the time I got home, there was a sweet email thanking me and "visit any time". I shall. I see lots of good conversation in our future. He also suggested the phone; I may try it to see if I can understand him on the phone. When I am feeling more recovered. There is another resting aft in my future!

Upon arrival at Dupont, I phoned R and asked him, "Where are you taking me to dinner?" He came home and we went to a middle of the road place five minutes away. Shocked the waitress by asking her to keep a distance due to perfume - a toxic substance for me. The meal was as good as expected. We had eaten there a couple times pre--covid at a dif locale. The new one is very nice, and closer! Without covid, we would only eat out a few times a year. Love the Greek potatoes but gave R most of mine. Still holding at 165... Just!

Back home, we proceeded to get used to sharing a house for the first time in two months. Only a few plants died of neglect. The back garden - tomatoes and veggies - was dry!!! I told him he would have had more tomatoes if he had watered. We watered some in the am, trying to get the system to function correctly. I cannot turn it on or off so could only water when until he went to work. Rain in the night has prob helped some. R is NOT a gardener. He likes to pick the tomatoes...?

So with encouragement from those of you who have ordered clothes on line recently, I spent most of last eve looking at shorts at The Bay, on sale at 4x what I would have paid the last time - 20 years ago! I ordered 3 dif pairs to fill the need for cool and comfie, with hope they will be comfie. Hope I do better than SRS!

Spent yesterday aft in bed, resting but not really sleeping; too tired to do anything - even read! Then did two loads of laundry including sheets and re-made bed. Also have washed the entire collection of cutlery; it was ALL in the sink but unwashed. I explained to R that it is easier to wash right away before things adhere! And I found the source of "smells like a mouse died in here" when I opened the toaster oven and there were 3 extremely moldy, fuzzy pork chops that he had "forgotten" to cook - I would guess at least a week ago. I was so exhausted I just put them out on the back porch and now have to deal with FLIES when I go out to move them to..Where? The garbage I guess. Maybe I shall ask R to do it tonight! "Not my monkies..."!!!! It is too hot to go outside.

SIL phoned a few days ago; her daughter/best friend has Breast cancer. As a top notch nurse she will be getting top notch care. I talked to her yesterday and and testing shows it less horrible than first thought. I gave her permission to phone anytime of the day or night if she needs to talk - after commenting to her recently my annoyance with a friend who phoned after midnight.

The oven seems to be malfunctioning and 3 of the four range top "burners". So I need to take that into consideration when shopping and thinking about what we will eat. Too hot for the oven anyway! But We have to consider a repair - It's a Jennair and has very nice features but I expect a repair will be $$$$$$! But taking it out will not be easy as is has an exhaust fan that has a tube to the outside - under the porch! R believes Dan can look at it and figure it out; maybe he can...WHEN! I have been spoiled by 3 years of this magic stove!

I have not watched TV in two months and have no wish to do so now that one is available again. I did message the chimney sweep for here and did message Steve re the pink flowers - just do the part he did before and some of the tall stuff. I really did not like having the back unmowed all summer;I could not walk out there, could not see my beautiful bridge or any of the wee stream! Next year it all needs to be cut in May!

My dear 90 year old friend for whom I pushed the family to put her into a proper long term care home - a good one - last fall, has not phoned. I connected with her ex-DIL and find: she has good days and bad days - Thankful she is is a good place! - and her dear house is for sale. I suggested the whole family could get together and buy it and rent the cottage and the house and designate one member - the accountant grandson? It is just under $500,000. The son is upset about it but his alcohol problem has seriously affected his quality of life - that leaves the three competent kids. K thought it was a good idea; I hope I did not open a can of worms!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Aug 22 - 12:08 PM

Dorothy, if you're buying from a known place like The Bay hopefully their pants will fit as described. I usually head over to the thrift store to shop, but it's so hot I haven't wanted to go out much, and at a thrift store it is a difficult place to find specific things unless they're terribly generic (black t-shirts, blue jeans, etc.)—everything is a moving target depending on what is donated.

I took the back waistband on the Kohl's pants apart this afternoon and cut out 2" of the wide elastic then overlapped 1/2" pieces. The hard part was reshaping the back of the pants, it ended up with a long dart right down the back middle next to the seam (not noticeable) and an odd tuck at an angle between the dart and the waist stitching. Won't be noticeable because I always wear a shirt out over the top of my pants. They fit much better now, up around my waist instead of hanging on my hips.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Aug 22 - 08:55 PM

Dupont:

This is the first time I have bought clothing other than at a thrift shop, for several years, but I also could not deal with the heat, even in Ontario where there would have been few customers. I am hoping for something suitable to wear to the grocery! I have "pedal pushers" from thrift shops which are just fine but wanted something even cooler. I can return them not too far away. Maybe also go to the friend who wants to peruse the box of Quaker books I want to pass along. When it is cooler!

Started to recover today; found a spot for the distiller where I can use a small fan to send the heat out the window. Cooked chick peas when could not find black beans. Wonder if I still have some in the car but it is dark now. Or left them all at Beaver. I stock up on those things at the bulk food store there; loyalty to the wonderful woman who finally was able to buy the store she had been managing for years!

Tomorrow groceries.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: keberoxu
Date: 04 Aug 22 - 09:58 PM

Some much-needed undergarments, an order of new ones, were delivered in the mail to me this month.
Now I must de-clutter the undergarments of ... the brand tags.
Why, o! why attach, to a perfectly good full slip,
a tag on the back collar that is harsh, stiff, jagged, and scratches up your neck and your upper back?
Off it comes!

(No such dilemma with the care-instruction tag,
made of a different material and located on an inside seam.
A mystery.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Aug 22 - 10:23 PM

I did the same recently. A lot of these garments have the information printed inside on the back now; much better than scratchy tags.

Another item listed on eBay. I do all of the preparation ahead of listing so they're packed (but not sealed - sometimes someone wants another photo) and ready to ship.

I should have mentioned earlier that these quiet tasks, sewing and eBay, are my way of accomplishing something today because I took an easy day after overdoing it yesterday. Dorothy sets a good example! Instead of driving to the museum and the gym (my original plan) I just stayed home in the cool house. It's still well over 100 every day this week.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Aug 22 - 09:58 AM

The famous august humidity is here as well as the peak hurricane season. There is a dewpoint in the area of 79 degrees! I plan to hedge awhile and carve out walkways from the jungle.
Even a small start will encouraging. My morning glory vines are almost 20 feet long.
I got a music/keyboard blanket that adorns the back of the sofa that matches a wavey keyboard piece of small furniture and hanging stained glass music picture in front of the window. The rest of the front room is a moon theme. I also got vinyl tile for the half bath makeover project. It was best rated and half priced compared to others on Amazon. The upstairs bathroom door I tried to hang myself isn't closing. so much for DIY. I better call Saul the contractor or call
'up Chuck' and he'll 'throw it up'.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 05 Aug 22 - 01:46 PM

Dupont:

My shorts arrived and one pair is being very comfortably worn. Each of the three is different: one dark blue and almost dressy and comfie; one light denim looking soft cotton very comfie; the ones I am wearing are nicely on the longish side (as are the blue) but the same colour as my skin! I am pleased with my expensive @ at least half price shorts. This should do me for the next 20 years. And each has two good pockets!

Watered garden for a while this am, after BF, did some sorting out, some phone calls, and organizing. Feeling much better but may yet need a nap. Another phone call is next.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Aug 22 - 02:36 PM

I disturbed a mourning dove on the rock in the kiddie pool when I went out to fill the birdbaths just now. It will be back. There are lots of little flurries of feathers around the area so they're making a habit of visiting. In the bird baths I find bits of things left over from food they brought along to eat there; grackles in particular do that. They seem to be eating a lot of caterpillars.

Yesterday I meant to add a note to my already published post and think I dropped in on Don's next message instead (so have trimmed it.) By starting eBay now I'm entering my stuff just before a prime holiday shopping season. I need to choose what I list so it fits this season best. One item a day will add up.

Dorothy, those shorts arrived quickly! I'm glad they're working! I had noted that I might need to hem the Kohl's pants when I first got them, but instead I shortened the waist elastic and had the same effect. I do have another pair that I bought at Costco last year that are shorter but also have good pockets. They have a waist tie (I had to reattach it a while back) that helps against sag as I lose weight. I have a couple of mid-calf-length skirts I'll be able to get into one of these days.

Right now with this high heat I'm not getting a lot of exercise, and that hastens weight loss. I'll get back into the gym somehow - an hour at a time on the recumbent bike really helps. I wear yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt to the gym and I'll try on all of my yoga pants to see how they fit; I had some that were at one time too small that might be perfect now. I have some that might be so loose I shouldn't wear them in public. :)

The dog hair this summer is unbelievable. The dogs with thicker coats (Zeke and Pepper) are still losing it in hunks, way past the normal time for spring shedding.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 01:49 PM

Please, someone, write to tell us you've had rain lately. Down Texas-way is the summer-from-hell version of Groundhog Day.

Keeping an eye out for Charmion - last we heard she was handing-off Edmund's office supplies and caring for a friend (with a very cluttered house) who just had surgery. There are a lot of possibilities to consider if the clutter is stacked precipitously. I know of people down here who have had the fire department tell them they had to clear it out (if she ends up with anyone calling in a welfare check for her from a city agency, be prepared to start moving stuff.)

Yesterday I took two-days worth of harvested okra to my neighbor next door. I'll save a few of the next ones for me to make some fried, and as the season progresses if there is enough I'll make more pickles. I also picked eggplant and will be making a batch of babaghanouj later today.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: keberoxu
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 01:58 PM

What we have here in western Massachusetts, Stilly, are teasers.
The heat took time to get as close to Vermont as this, but now it's here.
Suffice to say that it has been almost as green as Vermont here.
That could change, because with the higher heat, for some reason,
we get thunderclouds in the sky,
gusty winds, lightning, and thunder --
and no rain, as it blows rapidly overhead and past us.

Thursday evening a household barbecue grilling was planned outside,
and we went ahead and grilled and ate, with no rain.
We had black thunderclouds, we had lightning, we had gusty winds . . .
but not a drop of rain. So we didn't get rained out.

So at last, in August,
we are discovering how the rest of you all feel every day. (Limp.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 02:09 PM

We had rain last Sunday or there abouts Mum said it had been tipping it down when she woke up at 6am. It was easing off when I got up at 7:30 and the rest of the day just had bits of drizzle. It seemed like the first rain we'd had in ages and we could do with some more.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Aug 22 - 03:26 PM

Dupont:

We had a bit of rain a couple nights ago and some is predicted for M,T, W - in mm's! as in 3-5mm! Just a tease. The river is down noticeably with lots of algae. We watered the back garden - veggies- as long as R was able to stay this am. Previous waterings were shorter but have definitely made a difference. Then I carried water out to the poor tiny pear tree - soaked its little concave area and then soaked it again. I am sure it will say TY!

It is "only" 32C here - about 90F. Far too hot for me and I keep trying to lower the interior, or keep it as cool as possible - opening windows as the night cools and closing them and drawing drapes in the am. R is totally un-motivated to deal with the air conditioner that has quit - He only comes home to sleep! But tonight the temp is NOT going down much. I will be finding every possible fan to bring in a little "cooler" air tonight. There is another air conditioner at the mill - an hour away! 2 hours there and back. And more energy than I am willing to expend - and too heavy for me to get it in the car! Cooler on Monday. Survival is probable!

Did a major grocery run last eve - both stores were almost empty - and cooked a new stew. Made the chick peas into hummous. Changed next dentist appointment to a bit later; 12:30 means I can leave here at 8 and be on time. Seven was too early for me!

Currently enduring. Hoping it cools enough soon for me to weed wack some of the yard. R has not been motivated - in 2 months- to repair the lawn mower he found somewhere! It is time to start making the place look a bit civilized for my son and Tenley! Only a month to go!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 12:21 AM

Thanks for the reports of precipitation! It's feeling like we're the epicenter of heat that is spreading and making everyone miserable, though this evening cooled off faster than usual (nice! only 94 at 8pm) and there may be a couple of days under 100 this week.

My stitches are starting to dissolve, meaning the remaining bits poke out through the scar. It doesn't hurt but it is a distraction.

I've selected several more items to list on eBay. I'll keep plugging along, one a day, and this stuff will eventually start selling. Unless it's something scarce and underpriced it usually takes a little while to be discovered.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 12:39 PM

Dupont:

HOT! but only 39C! And there is a bit of a breeze. Rain is predicted... I watered the back garden with the hose this morning, then R turned off the water and fixed the outlet (outside) so I can use it and it does not leak - just outside the cellar wall! No outlet in the front so I took "gallon" jugs of water out and soaked a few specific plants: pear tree, hibiscus, and canna and pulled as many weeds as I could before coming back inside where it is not sunny! The first floor is tolerable - if I don't move too much! The second floor... But about 11pm last night, R finally got around to fixing a portable AC and sleeping became tolerable. WE had two of these things but one had started complaining vociferously; the other needed cleaning but he hooked it up anyway! It did not cool off much out doors during the night.

I do not like needing to be a squeaky wheel in order to get things done! But now I can water the gardens and have one cool room for escape. I made a serious point of the fact that the garden would be producing considerably better had it been watered.

Squeaky does not approach my threat to cut up the desk in the guest room with a chain saw if it is not removed in the next two weeks. (We do have an electric chain saw.) IT takes up 1/4 of the room and offers no place for guests to put things!

And I am looking to clear the back deck of dirt flower pots et al to make room for chairs and a table. May even spring for a carpet. Just for my son and Tenley! I even have a frame for a "craft show tent" and a cover for it to provide shade. Just need it a bit cooler for a day.

Hoping for the chimney sweep to come soon, so that is done before it suddenly turns cool! And will take the Quaker books into the city this week in hopes of not bring them back! After I give R a look/see.

Sort of "counting down" to arrival and Taun and Tenley, in case you did not notice!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 03:06 PM

Dorothy, you remind me that there are some pots out front that are kind of a mess; the soil is compacted so it's difficult to pull grass that has established around the plants. Time to repot. It's so unpleasant out that I haven't weeded between the flagstones (gravel) where the pots sit, so it's a bit of a jungle out there. Meanwhile shrubs out there need trimming as the dry branches show the lack of watering all season.

I've shifted my library borrowing of e-audiobooks from Overdrive to its spinoff Libbey. Apparently my library is discontinuing Overdrive at the end of the year. I suppose this is virtual decluttering, or swapping. Gone are the days of running to the library every week or two (though I still enjoy browsing when I get a chance.)

I have located both items that get returned to Amazon via the drop-off desk at Kohls. Do I have enough other errands to do while I'm out there to make the trip today? I think not. Tomorrow is lunch with my daughter and the rest of the errands can come after that. (My priorities are clear! And Dorothy, I fully understand your planning for the guest room.)

I talked myself out of a trip to Costco that could include a slice of pizza for lunch and then finished leftovers of the latest iteration of crustless quiche Lorraine (half-size). It was a little odd in that the cheese cubes didn't all melt. What I've learned from making this size is that I need a better way to mix up the ingredients in the pan (and maybe set the small bundt pan in a shallow pan of hot water in the oven?) I've also proved to myself that there is such a thing as too much bacon.

It's an eBay afternoon.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 07 Aug 22 - 07:04 PM

Dupont:

IT'S RAINING! Well - it rained hard for a few minutes and now it is dripping. Better than none!

After hours of seeking on the Web, I finally went off to Home Depot - with directions that I failed to understand or follow so it too me about 15 minutes longer than the 24 stipulated. Never found the roads mentioned but did find HD - rather obscurely situated. Hmmm, staff was not bi-lingual, nor am I! Finally found someone who spoke English and was helpful! They did not know why garden stakes were not in the Garden area but on the other side of the store in the wood dept. On the way, I found the outdoor rugs and, eventually, someone who could, and did, help me with prices; this bunch was clearly the remains! I chose two black/whitish, 5x7s. The only thing there were 2 of but just what I need! The trip back, well known, was quick and easy. Now I know! The directions on line were...!!

Now for a couple moderately cooler days to clean up the porch and, when dry enough, whack some weeds before the heat returns. R is still trying to repair a lawn mower he may have found in someone's trash. Nothing has been cut since I left at beg June.

The rain is at drip stage but more is predicted and a thunder storm.

The river is totally cluttered with boats, and various docks. As it is all summer. I am glad when it de-clutters even though it means winter is near. The river is so much more beautiful un-cluttered.