FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 10:31 AM

Good news about the matches, Dorothy! And yet, you are unmatched! (Gotta love the English language!)

The portable air conditioner season is over here in North Texas and I removed it from the window and rolled it to where I can give it a once-over (drain, if needed, dust out, if needed, etc.) before stowing. I'm waiting for a few stars to align before making the next move to install a new heat pump. Today in the yard I will be clearing the space where the tech indicated they would install a new system and get brush and tall grass out of the path of that area. Yesterday I took a hose to a few spots to soften them ahead of digging I want to do today, clearing soil from trees planted too deep, and transplanting a couple of things. I sprayed Bt and Spinosad on the garden yesterday to preserve the tomatoes that are finally gaining some size (green tomato relish this year? Maybe.) And to kill off the stink bugs that are overrunning the okra. If they're here when the first freeze hits then they'll overwinter in the mulch and soil and be pests earlier next year. I'm hoping to reduce their numbers now.

Steadily drawing down the freezer contents to use in meal preparation, after filling one of the door shelves with jars of beans. It would be smart to plan menus for the week; must work on the discipline to plan meals ahead. I have the ingredients for making more granola, but the last batch was way too sweet so I need to modify my recipe. Making a batch of that would be nice for fall breakfasts.

I started walking the dogs again yesterday, and need to keep it up, for their sake as much as mine. It reinforces to them who is in charge (and lately we've had a few discussions about that - looking at you, Pepper.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 18 Oct 22 - 05:10 PM

Dupont:

While waiting for car to be serviced, I walked up the street to a major drug store and bought MATCHES! Took 3 people to accomplish it: one I asked, one (customer)to translate and one to wave his arm -"Over here!" I bought 3 boxes! One and a spare for here and one as a spare for Beaver. I HAVE MATCHES!!!!

Spent about 1.5 hour this am looking for R's glasses, without which he cannot drive. Had them to get home last night but, in spite of our best efforts...!!! He used a pair of old ones, missing an arm. This is a prize-winning event - after 13 years of trying to get him to put them in the same safe place... "trying"...! ................

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 03:11 PM

Dorothy, I should mail you a box of matches, I had to buy a bundled set of three and that is a lifetime supply here.

The beans came out great and I emptied several fridge containers with things that went into the recipe. It's like making soup when you have veggies in the fridge that need using (see Mrrzy's post in the "long recipe" thread). Five servings are in jars in the freezer and several servings are left in a container in the fridge. I expect I'll be sending a container home with the ex one of these days—the recipe I've been modifying originally came from his mother. I did a much better job on the sofrito seasonings than usual because I prepared it ahead while the beans did the boil for two minutes then soak for an hour gig.

There was a bag of red beets in the fridge forever, but they were still in good shape and have now simmered for an hour to be soft enough to peel and dice. I keep a variety of fruits and vegetables in my diet, for general health but also for the fiber, and find in general that oranges are the best for keeping the gut regular. I've given up on oranges out of season and lately have gone back to a bowl of raisin bran and it does as well. Now, can I find some bran to add to the oatmeal when I make that for breakfast? I don't see why not. Or I could add ground flax, I have some of that here.

Trash goes out on Monday and I emptied the shredding bin contents this morning. I've been doing more shredding lately, not the kind of stuff that needs burning but it can't go to the curb intact. The files are looking better.

A friend made a remark today in an email that I found thought provoking - he said he's going to stop taking the New York Times back to bed to read in the morning, he's going to "follow my mother's dictum - no reading till work is done." I read all day, I start the day with a cuppa tea and email, then into social media and online newspapers. That would completely turn my day on its head but it seems like an interesting experiment at least.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 17 Oct 22 - 01:28 PM

Dupont:

I generally avoid gadgets; shall keep looking for matches! Seven left! I am doing pretty well at reviving yesterday's fire from mini coals.

Stove wood delivered this am, just as we are down to a few days supply. Big chunk de-cluttered from wallet. Finding someone to stack it on porch will be a further de-clutter.

] R spent all day yesterday in his library - sorted out four boxes for thrift shops and one for cousin! Took a whole bunch of cardboard to re-cycling! And he feels better for having gotten "things done".

Meanwhile, I spent the day, and recovering still, from a call that one of my dearest friends (73) not only has Parkinson's but also a fractured pelvis and stage 4 kidney cancer: watch it on Caring Bridge - not my happy place. I drowned my sorrow computering and reading a lousy novel and finally went to bed and pulled the covers over my head.

Did get up this am and moved car to make way for wood delivery, and finally had a good lunch. Next trick today: car to servicing and tire change-over - further de-cluttering of wallet. Good to have something which must be done or I might continue to wallow in the abyss.

We will then be ready for winter here. Beaver was ready when I left.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Oct 22 - 10:33 AM

The gentle scent of wet dog wafts up from the three happy faces awaiting a share of my apple this morning. It rained overnight, something we haven't seen in over two weeks. It won't be enough moisture for parts of the garden the sprinkler doesn't hit adequately, so I'll go out later and drag a hose to water the sweet potatoes and the peppers. It will be a help with a couple of plants I've been watering this week to soften soil so I can transplant them out of the yard into pots.

There will be some cooking today, to use things I've thawed and to create a dish I've run out of. I usually make a batch of beans every few weeks, storing it in single-serving jars that go in the freezer, but I haven't made beans in ages, it was just too hot to cook. I have some tomatoes and sauce and chunks of onion and such in the fridge that will all go into this. And the beef will come from a package of frozen steaks I picked up for my ex that he never ate so he brought back to me. They were too marbled for him, so I'll thaw a couple and grind them for the hamburger I usually add to the recipe. This will clear out enough containers so I can wipe down the refrigerator shelves.

I also need to draw down the okra supply by pickling it. I looked at a box of cucumbers at my favorite grocery warehouse yesterday but they were a little too soft to use for fresh pickles, so it's just okra this weekend. I've eaten a lot of my pickles this fall and am almost out of the first batch. I need to research it, but I think eating fresh pickles, like eating fresh sauerkraut, has a probiotic effect because of the way those pickles work. Not the same as cooked pickles.

It's a day to start a new sewing project, and it's also a day to take a nap at some point.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Oct 22 - 09:08 PM

I will report in general if we're able to meet. More specifics via messenger. I like those piezo-electric wands for fire starting (the sticks you mentioned) but I get them at the dollar store for next to nothing each. They're supposed to be refillable but I've never managed to do that. I did find matches in the grocery store earlier this year in the seasonal housewares aisle.

Here at the house I finished a few projects. The grill is in good working order, the wheels were easy to install. I had help loading the sewing cabinet into the SUV and one of the guys at Goodwill helped me unload it. Oh, and I found a lovely heavy ceramic pie pan for my ex that I delivered today (along with some of the produce mentioned below) - we have this issue in the family of pie plates disappearing, most of them vanishing into our daughter's house and never returning. He had some nice ceramic pie pans and over time they've been broken or disappeared. I love shopping at Goodwill.

I went to my discount gourmet warehouse store and found lots of good produce - came home with Envy apples (bagged for Costco but at about 1/3 the price), pineapples, sweet potatoes, lots of small avocados, a beautiful cabbage, onions, and I'm probably forgetting stuff.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Oct 22 - 04:23 PM

Dupont:

Went out and did some garden clearing up, then to groceries: I have not been amused by the meme seen on FB about grocery stores re-arranging things when we figure out where things are. Someone actually took issue with my comment that it is "contemptible." Well, I could not find black pepper. Not in the aisles marked spices, and just try to find an employee! Finally interrupted one putting together a display - where chocolates used to be. "Aisle 4". I went off in search of aisle 4 where the spices were placed from waist to floor level. I cannot easily see floor level labels but a lovely young woman stooped to the occasion - I would have needed a hand up. And found what I wanted. Thanked her profusely and checked out, then told an employee (male and on the upward scale) what I thought of this contemptible foolishness. Getting tired from looking and no place to sit - NONE! ... And came home eating mini muffins which I had put in the cart when I realized it would be a lengthy process and I would NEED something to get me home. Tried to find a way to express my fury to the corporation but none available. So I wrote it out and put it aside for Monday.

NO matches for starting wood stove; grocery store man said they are a "summer" product??? Hardware store tried to sell me a plastic/metal thing... Found it quite peculiar that I wanted matches! instead of the waste of materials that I knew would not serve well, and take up twice the space on the mantle.

After fighting to find a way to communicate -have to wait til monday to phone, I eased my pain by going through emails, even thinking to unsub from a couple. While eating a chunk of cheese and more mini's. Just about ready to make a decent meal! Hoping for a CD launch event in the country tonight -with mask!

It can be really nice to meet these online folks in real life. we have met a few, mudcat and/or FB. I worked hard just to get to say hello to one in PA! That was all I had time for! It was worth it. There are quite a few I would love to meet... I hope you report on how Lily is doing, SRS!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 15 Oct 22 - 01:00 PM

Dupont:

Finished the 7 volumes of the Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer; cried, still feeling sad, dysfunctional. Trying to get inclination to go for a few groceries...

New underwear/socks arrived; all fit nicely; R was hard to convince they were really cotton but agreed that they were so labelled and Jockey would not do that erroneously! He is happy and will be throwing out any old ones that are falling off! We agreed that the cotton blend socks are not as nice as the ones in my drawer; I could not find any but will try again. Maybe even try LL BEAN???!!!

Weather is holding above freezing and beautiful! Wood stove and cooking still heating house adequately. New batch of wood arriving next week; hope I can hire someone to stack on Deck. It is the 5 steps that make it too much for me.

This morning a squirrel was treating itself to the ripe kernels on the buckwheat! I will go see if it left me any to try out - see if I can de-hull some. ...Then groceries...

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Oct 22 - 11:37 AM

Thank you, Patty!

I've learned that this week Lilyfestre may be in the vicinity, relatively speaking. Just a few hours away on vacation. Fingers crossed we can work out a time to meet, either where she is or somewhere in the middle. You know those explanations we all have made to friends or family about the person you've known for 20 years on Mudcat but never actually met? I was talking to my ex about maybe feeding the dogs one evening if I know I'll get home really late, and there was that explanation.

This week I gained a new old side job: I will be resuming cat sitting for a friend later this year. For a while she had a former vet tech doing the job because one of the cats has started needing an injection every 3 days. I've done injections and IVs but not very often, but since that other cat sitter finally became too bizarre to work with I have the job again, with a little training from her. Whatever! It means I can put my fence repair back on the calendar (I decided a while back to use the proceeds from this work to replace the fence around the yard and I have about four panels left.)

I found the casters for the barbecue grill and will make the swap this morning. By the time I got home yesterday the mosquitoes were out and there are few jobs that get done outdoors at that time of day.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: pattyClink
Date: 15 Oct 22 - 11:08 AM

Congratulations on reaching your goal, SRS!!! Well done!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Oct 22 - 12:24 PM

My morning weigh-in finally landed in the 150.1 to 150.9 range - I am there! No quibbling about tenths of a pound. I am now officially in the maintenance side of things - 1200 calories a day and occasional alternate day fasting for general health purposes. I'm thinking one day a week to start with and see if that's enough. As I recall from before, my ideal weight was about 148, so if I end up there it will happen very gradually. No more steady alternate fasting. This represents about six months of work. I will continue to go to the gym and do exercises (Essentrics and Hinge Health) at home. Essentrics in particular is helpful - I used to feel like I had a stiff neck when I was driving and looked over my right shoulder for any maneuvers and wondered if I was looking far enough. It's not uncomfortable any more. And balance improves with those exercises.

I mentioned before the old swim suit that is the right size but still a little snug on the shoulders. I'm thinking maybe someone's observation about the elastic is correct and it just isn't as stretchy as before. The other suit I have (that still has tags) is too big, so I will be replacing the size 12 with a new size 12.

I moved the sewing cabinet into the sun room, next stop outside into the SUV. That will go as a donation, I'm not trying to sell something so big and heavy. I've worked on new eBay listings for smaller electronic items here at the house and will spend the next month in a no-spend way so that if something sells on eBay I have wiggle room and that can go toward new purchases (I have a couple of fabric pieces I would like and the grill castors mentioned earlier), but try to otherwise restrain spending to essentials like food and gas. Oct. 15 - Nov. 15 target period.

I do miss the weather in the Northwest - getting out the flannel shirts already, lightweight jackets. We're still in t-shirt weather here except for the earliest pre-dawn period when it's a little nippy.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 05:15 PM

Dorothy, I thought about all of the repairs and restoration work that R does around your houses as I worked on my grill. Keeping it in service means I'm not encouraging the BBQ grill makers to build any new ones on my account. It isn't pretty but it is well-designed, is cleaned up and ready to go. I'm doing a couple of upgrades - I'll put new castors on one side because the original ones are old and clunky. They're inexpensive at Lowe's. Meanwhile, I'm thinking that over the weekend I might spatchcock a chicken. I need to draw down the freezer contents also and there are two or three chickens buried in there.

On the COVID masking I've been wearing them in public all along. But lately if I'm talking to a small child I've got the trick of kind of holding my breath, popping my mask down and offering a big smile so they can see who I am before I put it back in place. This done from several feet away, of course, but it makes a world of difference to what a child understands about me.

I'm thinking about buying a leg of lamb (Costco has some nice sized ones). I always disassemble it by muscle pieces and freeze them in portion sizes. I've never thought of what to do with the bone itself, maybe I'll do some research on that. Anyway, the lamb can go into the freezer after a chicken comes out of. I realized I hadn't made some of my favorite lamb recipes for a long time. There is one that is seasoned lamb pieces, spinach, and pine nuts, served over rice with yogurt on top. The pine nuts cost the most of any ingredient, but they do freeze and I can buy them in bulk so get as much or as little as I want.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 Oct 22 - 12:26 PM

Dupont:

Sad that so many people are letting go of concern re Covid and putting themselves and others at risk. I used recent stats to encourage a friend who was complaining about being in lockdown: one in 40 people are infectious; be glad you are safe! I am still being careful and using mask in public/indoors.

Wonderful windy morning - lots of neg ions! So I cleared and battened down things on the back deck, moved some things to garage. Just before the rain came. R and I also got a bunch of cardboard into the recycling bin and, rain coming, put a tarp over the rest. The cardboard is a sign he is de-cluttering the library and basement!

I may have mentioned that I have realized the more expensive underwear has outlasted by far any lesser sorts. And I have managed with the same size for 20 years. The new order is for one size larger just so it does not feel tight; hope it is ok. I am no longer concerned about losing weight but am trying to eat moderately and, as usual, healthy food.

Awaiting: order of supplements, order of socks for R and underwear for both of us so he can throw away the ones that fall off! Appointment for car on Monday and snow tires! And phone appointment with Dr on Weds re last week's ultrasound re hernia.

Also awaiting a burst of energy to throw pots! In the meantime: watching the trees dancing frenetically, waving their lovely fall colours.

R initiated making soup out of remains Turkey. I need to put together a whole bunch of turkey meals for freezer --- but need to sort out freezer to make room!!! Still THAT bread! This will be a juggling act! At the rate of one slice/day it may be another year! R does not care for it so there is also the bread he likes!

Fire in stove in den is still keeping house warm enough not to turn up thermostat, even though we had frost one night. The Chimney fills one corner of the room and goes up through a 2nd floor room, appreciably warming that room (the wall is warm to touch) so I keep the door open to let the residual heat permeate the whole second floor. Also have solar gain from large south and west facing windows. Another couple weeks at least.

Then I plan to go back to Beaver for another chiropractor appointment, hopefully firing pots and just Being There! for 2-3 weeks then back here. Lots happening in R's business life and support is needed. Guess I had better see if I can sort out the freezer situation!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 05:50 PM

Another bulky item to deal with today - the barbecue grill. My neighbor let me have his solid old grill several years ago and I refurbished the insides. It works well, but last time I used it the fuel barely reached the flame bar. I thought perhaps wasps had fouled up something with their mud packed nests. Today I decided to look at the hoses and see if it is fixable or if I should drag it to the curb and start over (new ones start at about $300, so I'd have to plan for getting a new one). As I prepared to remove the LP gas tank I realized that the puppy had bitten through the rubber hose from the LP tank to the cooker. That was when she was chewing everything a couple of years ago. So I'm out to replace that hose, clean the racks, and start grilling again.

Damned dog. She doesn't do that now, but I should have realized if there was something there she would find it. I was storing the grill under its cover outside at the time. That's how she got to it, crawled under the cover.

Omicron COVID has finally reached the immediate family. My daughter thinks she got it Saturday at work, yesterday she started feeling the sore throat and had a light positive test when she got home (she'd been isolated in her office - good thing). Today she got the PCR test and an Rx for paxlovid. It's helpful that the major pharmacies are still doing the drive through testing, since most of the governmental sites have shut down. She did have to go in the building where most others weren't wearing masks and got too close. She told several to back off, she had COVID.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Oct 22 - 12:49 AM

Yesterday saw a lot of puttering that resulted in papers filed, new files created where needed, papers shredded (x-cut) and various other small chores. The one large and one medium-sized restaurant-supply plastic dogfood bins were cleaned and refilled. They rarely ever end up empty at the same time, but since they were, I washed out both then swapped the food in each so I could completely empty the bags that come in different sizes. Three dogs and two types of food.

Dorothy, one of the satisfying aspects of going on a diet is an excuse to buy new undergarments. I also tend to wear them till the elastic is shot, but, pun intended, now have drawers of fresh underwear.

No takers so far on the sewing cabinet. It's in the den for now but after the weekend if it isn't taken plan B sees it go to Goodwill. Another obstacle to move soon is the office's portable air conditioner that compelled shifting other furniture. Once it's tucked away in a closet I can see about restoring my workspace, or I may leave it so I can see out the window again. Trouble is, if I can see out the window, the dogs also want to see out the window, and I don't need them racing in and competing for space to bark while front feet scratch up the sill. They're not sedate like cats with soft furry butts sitting at the window looking out.

I have done some of my holiday shopping, but probably have more to do. That said, I'm contemplating what a no-spend November would look like. Maybe I need to take a page from the Hispanic Month folks and run it from mid-October to mid-November. It would accomplish the same thing, but allow me to pick up the turkey and fixings for the US Thanksgiving holiday.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 06:34 PM

Dupont:

Arrived back last Tues. Trip to chiro on that Monday, did a miracle of less pain and more energy. Instead of 3 days of rest, I was able to do stuff and feel good doing it. Cleaning up from R's time alone for starters. Tripped around south, visiting Geri and Rita, picking up turkey, and going to bakery -Nice apple crisp for thanksgiving BUT guests brought a crappy cake, too sweet for me to eat. Still have crisp which will get eaten by R and me! I managed a nice Thanksgiving dinner with everything properly cooked and we used the DR table for the first time! (3 years!) Been so long I forgot cranberry sauce and managed to find cranberries in freezer at 11th hour and nuke them into sauce! Guests a bore; I wondered if there was something wrong with me - what would be interesting?

On Monday, we went to a terrific end of season celebration at Le Jardin de la Resistance. Terrific conversation with our friends there - AH! THAT is interesting to me!

Covered remaining garden veggies with plastic in hopes of prolonging the season another week. Mostly done! House plants in. Boats starting to de-clutter the river, which is beautiful after the fall rains! Fire in wood stove is adequately heating house - for now. Another week of not too bitter weather ahead. 22C for tomorrow!

No pots made yet - maybe tomorrow. De-cluttering cobwebs is a chronic situation! I think I've "got 'em" then the light or sun hits yet another spot! But the house is clean enough!

Order of supplements; had to struggle to obtain 10% Thanksgiving discount - phone calls never answered and three emails ... And the phone waiting noise gave me a headache - I suppose some think of it as "music"!

Waiting for an online order of underwear after R informed his were falling off - from worn out elastic. Hope it is suitable - Jockey cannot go wrong???? Not cheap. That plus supplements - a large de-clutter of wallet! Gee, so dust and money is about all I have managed! And the aching back!!!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 11 Oct 22 - 09:12 AM

The cat visitor wrote to report that Watson got himself shut in the box-room and Isobel, of all people, came to the front door to fetch her to the library to release him. I guess they’ve finally mended the rift in their lute.

I spotted the tabby interloper who started this series of fracas. He sauntered up to the patio door, meowed loudly to attract Isobel’s attention, then swatted the glass of the door to set her off in a tirade of hissing, spitting and lashing her bottle-brush tail. Then he walked away with a smirk on his face, the lout.

The visit to the cousins went very well despite many hours on the road with both The Brothers packed into my small car. Dai gets to ride shotgun because his legs are ridiculously long — the man wears a 36-inch inseam. Andrew politely took the back, with his knees under his chin like a passenger flying steerage on RyanAir. I think he could have used a skyhook to extract himself.

Our aunt is quite frail now and deaf enough to avoid situations in which more than one person will talk at any given time, but her eyesight is excellent after cataract surgery and her mind as sharp as ever. She lives with a daughter (she has three, and four sons) in a madly cluttered house in a tiny village on the bushy bank of Lac Brôme, and spends her days sitting beside a huge window knitting, reading, listening to the CBC, and riding herd on Otis the cat. Her hearing aids don’t process music well, which irritates her no end, but she can do without them in the quiet house.

The cousins are repopulating the earth, and the family Thanksgiving dinner was a mob scene of three generations guzzling wine and talking over each other. The youngest — four kids under five — helled around under everyone else’s feet. Many photos were taken, especially to showcase the “family sweaters” — garish Icelandic-style creations by my aunt, who is their mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother. I, too, have a family sweater that is so warm that I can wear it only in deepest winter, so I didn’t bring it and therefore missed out on that photo op.

Back in Ottawa, I am putzing around until the high-school reunion on the weekend. The weather is generally glorious.

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

Indigenous Peoples Day here in the US, hopefully to eventually completely displace the appropriation by Columbus of the Americas landscape. Banks and the Post Office are closed because of Columbus, though. Must fix that so they're closed instead for Indigenous People.

I have lots of little post-it notes for myself on my computer table, they start out stuck to the bottom of one of the monitors and eventually fall off. I need some kind of a board nearby to attach them to so I won't loose track. I bet there's something around here I can set up, and it must be in easy sight to be noticed, and easy to reach.

I'm reminded by a note from the daily ZDNet email that I can turn the old TV cables through the house into ethernet (use those cables to pull new CAT 5 into place, use the kits to wire the data port.) Good timing on that reminder, because I had put off finishing the last couple of rooms on the bedroom side of the house. I have to go into the attic to do the work and for a long time it was too hot and for a long time I felt too heavy and inflexible, especially with the bum knee. October is here and the knee and the weight in good order so I might finish that today. This would help with using the Amazon Fire Stick in a couple of rooms where the WiFi seems a bit slow; they sell an ethernet adaptor they to connect the Fire stick to the data port. Or I could use a straight data cable and plug the TVs directly into the data ports and bypass the adaptor. I'll look at those two options (the cables are cheaper than the adaptors, but will the attached stick use the data port through the TV?)

What else can I do in the attic? I have some Attic Dek plastic decking that is strong but lightweight that is put down and screwed onto the joists in the attic to create a walkable surface in areas where I want to go to work. Except for a narrow aisle made of plywood through the middle of the attic, you have to step from floor truss to truss to move around up there. Facemask and safety goggles in place, this is another one-day job I could finish. (When the attic is made with trusses you can't just put a wood floor over the whole area, it's too heavy.) I already have the decking and the cables, so these are two projects that don't require any more shopping, unless I'm out of the data port thingies. I can get those at Home Depot same time I go looking for my strong vinegar.

Outside yesterday I continued the work to repot plants, start some new plants from sprigs, and in general give an inviting look to the front patio and clear out the area next to the side door. I'm about 10% into that project now.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 11:01 AM

Perhaps there will be détente in the house with a cat sitter coming in to feed the cats. It might have blown over by the time she returns.

My next door neighbors left town this morning for a week on a cruise; this means my dogs won't have anyone to offer their pre-dawn treat over the back fence. I'll put the bark collar on Pepper to nip her barks in the bud, but they'll still all loiter out there wondering where Cecil is. My solution is to set my alarm for 5am, to go out and offer each of them a treat (from my own stash) then everyone come back in the house and I go back to bed.

The box of okra arrived in Michigan within 3 days and were in perfect condition. I think this is the beginning of something that will benefit us both - I can offload the okra surplus and she can have fresh organic Texas okra. The stuff that arrives in the store has been off of the plant for quite a while.

I'm within a pound of my weight loss goal, so once I land on 150 I'll switch over to 1200 calories a day to maintain that level and use intermittent fasting days if I need in order to maintain that weight. I'll probably have a range of three to five pounds in either direction. To celebrate I'm going to buy a bottle of my favorite Scotch. I've stayed mostly away from alcohol for 2022, but I can add back modest amounts, as with other favorite foods. Portion control is important.

There are a lot of things in my closet that I never got rid of because I really liked them (jackets, vests, blouses) that I can now wear; I kept them with the hope that I'd eventually get back to my old weight. Escaping a stressful work situation, repairing the knees, and taking control of my diet are all parts of a process. It isn't like a young woman losing weight and suddenly becoming more noticeable to her peers and the world around; at this age I'm still invisible, and thanks to COVID and 18 months of no hairdresser, I have grown out my own ash/gray hair color. Now it's about how I feel about myself, not about what the world thinks about how I look. Now it's about building up stamina to go along with the slimmer self. And I need to get back to my dancing classes.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: keberoxu
Date: 09 Oct 22 - 06:52 AM

Charmion is taking a two-week break from cat hostilities!
We'll see what it's like when she gets home . . .
I spent the Mudcat hiatus waiting with bated breath
for the outcome of the cat conflict.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Oct 22 - 10:33 AM

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Charmion. I wasn't able to make another trip to see my mother's sister before she died, just a couple of years ago (she was in Calgary).

Care package going in the mail this morning, four pounds of okra from my garden being mailed to a Texan who now lives on the shore of Lake Michigan.

There were two reasons for emptying the kitchen waste compost bins - three, actually - they were full. And they were heavy and blocking the path to get into the area where I have potted plants I want to move to other areas, put in new pots, and in the case of a couple of vines, put them in new beds in the front yard. I couldn't get to my basil and chard past them. And third, while working on the compost pile yesterday at the very back of the yard I noticed a stack of commercial buckets in the next door yard behind her garden shed, and asked her if I could have the smaller (about 4 gallons) one. The lid of my 5 gallon bucket fits on it, so this will become one of the kitchen waste bins (and when it's full it won't be so heavy). I always intend to stop filling them before they're full, but never do.

The now-empty black 5 gallon bucket will become another mosquito trap. Fill it about 3/4 with water, toss in a few handfuls of weeds or grass to help it become a stagnant bucket of glop, then drop in a mosquito dunk. It attracts mosquitos to lay eggs but they don't survive the Bti in the bucket. This will mean a second trap on that side of the house. I do need to add a paint stir stick to the bucket so it reaches from the water to the rim - this will let the occasional lizard escape if any fall in. It happens.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 05 Oct 22 - 07:48 PM

I’m heading out tomorrow on a trip to Ottawa and the Eastern Townships of Québec. i’ll be gone for almost two weeks.

I haven’t seen my cousins in Québec for years, and my aunt (their mother, my mother’s sister) is now 92 years old. This will probably be my last chance to see her on this side of the grass.

I have packed up a dozen bottles of wine and enough underwear for a fortnight. I don’t need much more than that.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Oct 22 - 07:28 PM

Five days later and I've accomplished a lot. Lost another pound - seem to be back on track there - and now need to work on stamina. I can do the recumbent bike at the gym and listen to a book but it is a bit more work to push the mower and drag the hose and dig out gardens.

On Sunday I did a slow dance with the heavy glass door as I removed it, replaced the cartridge on either side of the bottom to put in new brass rollers, and then got it back into place. I have bruises that won't fade for a while, but the door works.

On Monday I made my rounds after my haircut (every other month) and found a heavy-duty HON 4-drawer dresser for my ex, who has a lot of papers to hold onto from the old job or life in general, and once those are all filed he can reclaim the sideboard in his dining area after 2.5 years of working from home during COVID. (I walk in and see cooking implements on the hearth in the living room because they were evicted from the sideboard). So - that was delivered, and at the same Goodwill I found a treat for me - a vintage Parson's sewing cabinet. It took a bit of effort but we got both of them into the SUV (the Goodwill helpers and me.)

You can see the hinged leaves on the top so when fully extended it ends up being a large sewing surface. Parsons sold a lot of them configured different ways and the one I found won't actually fit my machine as far as screwing it into place and lowering it out of sight inside then closing the desk. It has a recessed platform for the machine and will still work beautifully for sewing. No longer will I need to worry about knocking stuff off of my tiny work surface. I've swapped out my small sewing table (it was given me by a neighbor about 25 years ago when she was moving). That one will go to Goodwill or on Freecycle soon. It didn't fit my machine either, it just sat on top. This new table has a hint of old furniture smell commingled with a hint of cigarette smoke. I'll finish cleaning it and hope to remove the rest soon.

I finally emptied my kitchen waste compost bins today - which means I turned the big compost pile and after mowed the lawn with the bag catching clippings to pour on top. It has a sprinkler running on it now - all measures to keep the dogs from being too interested in it.

I made a list of fall projects, and on the top of it is finishing a few panels of fence on the north side of the yard. In the next few weeks, if I can manage it. I can fit the materials for one panel at a time into the SUV with a tarp spread out over the seats when the back and middle rows are tucked down.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Sep 22 - 11:00 AM

I've tried for a couple of weeks to "reauthorize" one of my banks (credit card) with my Quicken account. This morning the alert came up again so I bit the bullet and briefly changed my default browser. I use secondary browsers for some of my accounts and any time Quicken tried to make the connection it went into a browser that wasn't working with that bank. Even logged in, it didn't connect. This morning it worked, and since they tell me this will happen periodically, I know what the future drill will be. Also got the doctor's office and the pharmacy finally on the same page as far as a compound I get every 90 days. It has been a morning of virtual decluttering.

Lunch with friends today. I've hit a plateau on the weight loss, just a few pounds from my target, which isn't unexpected. Since I'm going to be near the gym I'll make a stop there, giving me an extra workout this week. Maybe that will help, and I'll stick with the 1200 calorie days alternating with 500 calorie days. Yesterday was a bit over 500 because I had fried okra for dinner, so this isn't really a mystery.

Two boxes must go in the mail. One more batch of bulky tree trimmings out to the curb for next week. I need to mow. I need to sweep and mop and dust. I need to list more eBay stuff, and I have to make more pickled okra (and start sharing some of the fresh cucumber pickles I've made). I did order the dog heartworm medicines (from Australia) so I have crossed one thing off of my list.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Sep 22 - 11:01 AM

I think you're right, Charmion, and I know there is a connection to the later work - when I was out on trails lugging a backpack or climbing glaciers doing the rest step in the quiet of the wilderness I'd be thinking in a way that was essentially composing essays, making notes at rest or in the tent. I didn't start carrying a camera as early as I was carrying a note pad (Rite in the Rain, of course) but it's all there in the early days. There are journals also.

Twenty-some years later when I applied to go to graduate school in English the graduate advisor was puzzled that someone with a park and recreation/ranger background would want to go into English and he initially denied the application. But I used as a reference a professor I met - I'd started taking classes post-baccalaureate and that professor told him I'd do fine and let me in. Type casting rears it's ugly head (and hasn't he heard of Edward Abbey or Gary Snyder or Jack Kerouac or Terry Tempest Williams?)

Three month check on the knee today. And I'll ask them to weigh and measure so my height is on the record. Must choose light clothes since I'll be dressed when weighed.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 29 Sep 22 - 10:24 AM

I am a week into my latest attack of low-back muscle spasms and definitely not having fun yet. The cats are still engaged in low-intensity conflict despite Feli-Way pheromone treatment since Tuesday. But the sun is shining today for a change, so I think it’s time for me to buck up and make an effort to be normal.

Stilly, it occurs to me that you and I had very similar starts in adult life, bashing our way into highly physical work in male-dominated fields, you in forestry and I in the armed forces. I think we both also found our way into work that was not only more woman-friendly (at least ostensibly) but also more intellectually satisfying, in academia and editorial shops respectively, while watching younger women flow into the work cultures we left and change them utterly. When asked “What was it like?” about my military years, I usually say something to the effect that a life on the cutting edge of social change can be painful …

It’s almost time to pack up the stuff stacked in the basement and take the lot — probably three large bags full — to Goodwill. By the time my back is ready for the challenge, we’ll be past Indian Summer and into the chill of autumn sliding toward winter, and the sweaters and lined jeans in those bags will be more attractive.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Sep 22 - 04:17 PM

I have carefully distributed garden produce to friends and neighbors this month, trying not to overwhelm anyone with the volume offered. Two eggplants (aubergine) and about a pound of okra given away to two friends on Monday. Six jars of okra pickled now in my pantry. Today I'm headed to a reception where I know there are a couple of okra eaters so I'll put some in quart zip lock bags and take them along. The anecdote about dragging a wagon full of large zucchini (courgette) down the street after dark and stashing them on people's porches probably isn't an urban legend. ;-)

The ex came over so I made lunch of leftovers. I was running low on lids for my little Rubbermaid storage containers and realized they were all in the fridge. Assembling a small eggplant Parmesan and a small Caprese salad emptied two containers, I emptied one with a single hard boiled egg (a snack for the dogs since it was a bit old), etc. Two more eggplant out of the way after I roasted them and made a batch of babaghanouj that we sampled then I put in the fridge in a larger Rubbermaid container. I still came out ahead.

A friend shared an obituary from National Geographic about Hilaree Nelson, who died this week in Nepal. My friend shared this because what we see here with Nelson's full and vigorous life as a climber and ski mountaineer is the culmination of a struggle that Jane and I struggled to achieve in our late teens and 20s - making mountaineering (climbing, backpacking, rock climbing) a regular sport hobby at a time when mountaineering was still in general considered a sport for men. We had the same technical skills as the guys, but had to adapt it to our size and pace. At the same time I lived an active life as I worked in the woods as the only woman on the crew most times, and took a lot of grief for it. These days there are easily as many women working fires and forestry as there are men, and a lot of competitive climbers. It's a shame that Nelson didn't live a good long life, to retire and reach the time to have her worn out knees replaced like I did recently, because chances are really good that she was really hard on them, as I was.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Sep 22 - 03:18 PM

Beaver:

FLOOR is in!!! And most stuff is back in it. Still wrestling with getting the guts to repair the kiln - a simple project with instructions - the brain fog is holding me back. And the rain. But also replenished the in-house wood supply. I am waiting for the spirit to move me to continue!

House: on Whidbey, on hill adjacent to S. Whidbey State Park. High enough not to be washed away and to have an unobstructed view.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Sep 22 - 11:05 AM

I hoped by complaining enough in the Amazon review that the company would offer a refund or a deeply-discounted coupon, but they seem to be standing firm that I'm stuck with this little box of expensive probiotics. I have no idea how this came to be ordered.

Dorothy, can you name the location or community where your son is building his house? Whidbey or one of the other islands? Olympic Peninsula or along the I-5 corridor? I'd love to have a house out there, not too close to the beach, paying careful attention to access roads so hoping to avoid flood washouts or landslides. Something that can resist earthquakes. There are several important factors to consider when building in that Ecotopia of ours. (I'm still a Washingtonian, even though I've been away for a long time.)

This has turned out to be a busy week so it's a good thing gas prices have come down some. It has finally turned cool enough here in the mornings to do yard work, but I'm called away. After next week it quiets down so I'll plan to tackle the mowing and planting. I like to have a balance in the week where there are a couple of days with activities and the rest can feel like a long weekend. Even to retired people the concept of "weekend" is a welcome one.

I just noticed a pile of papers in need of filing. After clearing out a lot of bulky older paper in my plastic box of hanging files I now need to start filling it again. And we're almost to the last quarter of the year. Wow. Time flies.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Sep 22 - 08:01 AM

I cannot survive without a backscratcher. There are several square inches I can't reach and the law of sod dictates that any and every itch will occur right there. As for that box, it might well have been big enough for a microwave oven but it was a flimsy ould thing that has already gone to the recycling. I agree that you can't beat a good box and I generally hang on to them.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 27 Sep 22 - 07:49 AM

A box that size could well come in handy, Steve, and Amazon boxes this end are usually sturdy. You might end up liking it better than the back-scratchers.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Sep 22 - 05:34 AM

Speaking of Amazon, last week I received a box from them containing two backscratchers, each the size of an average tin whistle. The box was easily big enough to have held a large microwave oven and was padded out inside with huge amounts of scrunched-up brown paper.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Sep 22 - 12:43 AM

I realized there were no black slacks in the closet so again pulled down a bin from the shelf to try on pants. There were two pair of dressy slacks and one of them fits so I've saved myself a shopping trip. I also hung up a few more pair of jeans (good brands that I held onto even when they didn't fit). I didn't buy the LL Bean jeans but I have put a comparable Eddy Bauer pair into use.

Today was an eating day and a special event day - a friend and I went to dinner then to an evening lecture. I would swear this guy knows every wonderful little restaurant in town so it was pleased that I could introduce him to a New Jersey submarine sandwich shop (in business since 1980). It was a delight to see him read through the lists of all of the sandwiches they make (they have names and/or numbers) with the usual sandwich meats, but also peppered beef, salami, pastrami, sausage, pepperoni, and other named meats, mostly Italian, that I couldn't tell you what they are except they're found on antipasto trays. Cheeses, marinated red bell peppers, topped with "the works" - onions, tomatoes, spices, oil and vinegar. This is a gift that keeps on giving, because I know in the next few weeks he'll go back to try other sandwiches.

A delivery today of a phantom Amazon order - something I never thought I ordered (I was looking at the category to find the size bottle I've previously ordered), and not a quantity or price I would consider. It must have been a misplaced keystroke, and it seems it can't be returned, so it got a really scathing review. Really odd.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 26 Sep 22 - 04:44 PM

We’re having a domestic Cold War, now, keb. I think Isobel wants to apologize, but Watson won’t let her; when she gets close, he growls and hisses. He spends most of his time on my bed, and I play Berlin Airlift a couple of times a day, carrying him down to the kitchen and feeding him on the counter.

The vet prescribed a tranquillizer for Watson, but the dose is two capsules twice a day. I can get one capsule into him, but not two — even Watson won’t tolerate two. The other option is a pheromone treatment called Feli-Way that had to be ordered from Toronto and has yet to arrive.

Détente can’t come fast enough for me.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: keberoxu
Date: 25 Sep 22 - 05:48 PM

Charmion, is Isobel still waging war on Watson,
or is there peace between the house panthers?

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 25 Sep 22 - 05:12 PM

Beaver:

The sub-structure for floor is complete and looks solid. Plywood promised for tomorrow. Woke up feeling good today and did a number of small things that improved things. Things my brain fog could not manage are getting done. Cooked a frozen lasagna and a couple squash for the guys, then they decided to go home; we can eat it tomorrow after the floor is done and the counters back in place - hopefully. Then I can replenish the wood supply in house - just in time! The wood pile is blocked by the counters for the kiln room.

Rec'd pics of Son's new under construction home with great view of Puget Sound. They expect to move in for Christmas, 60 years after we moved into the house in PA for Christmas. They have planned it to suit their aging bodies so we can hope they will be there a long time.

Cleaned up the studio, ready to get potting. Cannot fire until I receive (in mail), and figure out how to install the bent rod. I will start with the less critical bisque firing - with lots of hope and stress.

Heavy frost on windshield yesterday am, but milder today and expected for a few days. Raining steadily all afternoon, expected for next few days. House is cosy.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Sep 22 - 04:02 PM

Since Charmion mentioned looking for jeans at LL Bean I thought I should see about ordering a pair of their flannel-lined jeans while they're still in stock. So many choices, straight leg, skinny leg, "true shape," and whatever the heck "boyfriend jeans" are. And then there are the lengths. So I headed to my closet with the tape measure. I've disaccessioned one pair that fit but was always short (turns out it wasn't just because I was plump and they'd get longer as I lost weight, they were a thrift store pair that were sized petite) and pulled out a couple more size 12 to measure the inseam. 30" is what I've been wearing. Then I poked into the end of the closet shelf and pulled out the folded pair of LL Bean flannel lined jeans. Women's size 8 tall. Probably my compromise to myself when I was shopping and wore size 10 because they were short on my actual size, I would roll up the cuffs (I probably shopped by measurements). But damned if I didn't manage to pull them on and fasten them. They're a little snug but not uncomfortable; possibly relaxed fit. So word to the wise - your "normal size" may be too big in the LLBean jeans.

I just saved myself $79. But they are really really nice jeans.

Dorothy, "puce" is a type of purple.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Sep 22 - 10:15 PM

That tour that has bugged me forever is now behind me. I ended up being a stand-in for the fellow I work for in my other volunteer work at the museum and was able to answer some questions about that end of the museum. It went well. Truth be told, this is a huge weight lifted after dealing with the gaslighting of the staff member who used to be in charge of this program. I took my mask off for the tour, but we were in a big open space and I hope that worked in all of our favor.

I'm finding ways to get out that allow me to still maintain some distance and wear masks when needed. I went to a guitar concert on Friday (where I sat, masked, in the back away from people) and on Monday have tickets to a speaker's series on my old campus. Dinner with a friend and then well-spaced seats will work.

I pulled down another bin from the upper shelf in the closet this morning, wondering if I had a pair of black dress slacks. Nope. Not in size 12 (two in size 10 - I doubt I'll get there, but I'm not tossing them yet.) I wore black jeans for the tour. Slacks may be something I need to buy for general special occasion use; I'll start at the thrift store before heading to the department store outlet. I found some great stuff there earlier this month. Before I shop I need to poke around in the front room and see if I have any boxes of slacks in there—I remember setting some aside to sell but may not have listed. (They may have been taken to Goodwill.)

The next couple of days are for catching up in the kitchen, emptying the big compost bins into the pile in the back, and getting stuff put out at the curb for trash day. I have some extra limbs again this week but think they can go in the can and be picked up (as opposed to being in the stack last week to go in bulky waste.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Sep 22 - 05:13 PM

I hope you get all of that sorted out, Dorothy.

Paperwork from summer knee surgery is rolling in - I didn't use the standard spinal block they usually administer, asked for general anesthesia. And like the first surgery, they apparently don't have time to administer a femoral block into that nerve above the affected knee prior to the end of anesthesia (it gives you a few days free of the knee pain before it is removed). However, I find several notations on the bill regarding that procedure. I saw an xray ages ago in relation to a check before doing it, but it went no farther. Part of the bill shows two "self-injectable" drugs Medicare won't pay for—I think those are part of that block. If I get a bill I'm going to give the anesthesiologist one chance to retract all of those charges and remove my participation from it or I'll report it to Medicare. I wonder if my doctors would ever work with me again.

Box delivered to post office, the last of the recyclables dropped at the city hall bins. I have another box I keep forgetting to send, but probably don't have time to finish it today.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Sep 22 - 03:59 PM

Beaver:

Took off screen doors and stored in back shed; managed to close the two difficult windows, for the winter. Sorted through stuff on back deck (from kiln room) to dry out kiln shelves in the sun! Found the heater for the bathroom. Moved shelves into studio, which is now heated! Today: solar heated! Went to make sure kiln was better covered before rain starts again; found vital piece has gotten seriously bent by someone's carelessness; ordered new piece. NOT happy. So far, this guy who was so gung ho to fix the kiln room floor has cost me two weeks of not being able to work, a warped counter and considerable stress. And the essential piece that I shall have to spend time replacing- after it arrives! Put a better cover over the kiln. Back deck is as good as I can get it without the floor...

Too depressed to work, I tried calling someone cheerful - anyone! One answer elicited both friends have Covid after a trip to Newfoundland. The other told me last month's problems and a very poorly handled attempt to help a friend with bedbugs - repeated 3 times at least....... Gary was more cheerful about the Covid! The bedbug thing has never been a big deal for R - no poison sprays, just DE.

Went to hospital yesterday seeking help to get booster; Very nice woman made the dreaded phone call - I loved seeing her expressions as she listened to the interminable message! But it worked! Today I got a call and an appointment for next Thursday! My call last week elicited naught.

Did laundry and drying it in house as the umbrella thingy is hopelessly tangled; need Robin! My brain quit in total overload.

Never heard of Bix, never saw that TV program - or most others. Will not use borax (ty!). Still have no idea what is the preferred substance. Enzymes are not mentioned on my detergent. I cannot go in the detergent section of the market without a protective mask and, even then, would not stay long enough to read anything. I just grab what I know I am not allergic to and get out! There have been times when I had to ask someone else to do it for me. Is the baking soda/vinegar idea - to clear drain - a bad idea also?

BJ said Sunday but it is going to rain- all week. I will just keep reading novels.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Sep 22 - 11:23 AM

Don, Good for you! I spaced them out over a couple of weeks (the time I got both shots on the same day, one in each arm, I realized my mistake at bedtime when I couldn't roll onto either arm comfortably to go to sleep.)

Highs of 97^o (36.1) forecast for the next 3 days, then a bit of cooling.

I've had one of those three-tier wire basket and chain things around forever that I always thought would be so handy in the kitchen but I don't actually have anyplace good to hang it. I came across it in a cupboard recently and for now I think I'll hang it in the greenhouse. Plenty of places to hang it out there. I remember being pleased when I found it, I think at an import store, and it's one of those items I can't use but am not ready to donate. (I wonder how it would hold up if I added three of those coconut fiber liners and put plants in it?)

I found a good sale online for a multi-pack of the best size of underwear after trying others in the last couple of months. I ordered it for in-store pickup because they gave me extra dollars off (versus walking into the store and buying at the register. Go figure.) I then found another bra in the right size and last night I did another deep dive into the dresser. Tossed all of the old Victoria's Secret undies that are too small (and have been at the back of the drawer for years—I'm never going to lose that much weight - that was an aberration at the time of depression and divorce). A nice but too small bra joined more too-big yoga pants in the donation bin. A couple of the shorts purchased at the time of this summer's surgery are also too big now. I'll split the difference, donate one and pack the other in the bin with a few pairs of that larger size. (I can wear the pants with a belt and they look ok with a shirt covering the waist.)

My Amazon order will arrive tomorrow so I've chipped enough of the pickle crisp loose in the jar to make some pickled okra this morning. It will be nice to simply dip the 1/8 teaspoon measure without having to juggle the little balls of calcium chloride and rounding them up on the counter. It doesn't take much but it improves the texture markedly. And here's a pickle pro-tip: if you use tap water in your pickle brine the chlorine will turn the garlic in the pickles "smurf blue." I have been using distilled water but it finally dawned on me that the purified water from Costco doesn't have any chlorine in it so I can tip a bottle of that in with the vinegar and save myself the trouble of finding a gallon bottle of distilled water. (Meanwhile for small amounts of distilled water I make my own for use in the steam iron to prevent lime buildup on the faceplate. I use the steam juicer with ice on the lid.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: keberoxu
Date: 23 Sep 22 - 10:38 AM

Dorothy,
you never saw the television commercial adverts for Biz?
I remember seeing them, and I was a child at the time.
Eddie Albert was on camera doing the advertising.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Sep 22 - 08:22 AM

Forecast high yesterday was 13°C; today it’s 15°C. Last night’s low was 2°C and first frost may hit us tonight. I arose this morning to 17°C in the house and started up the furnace.

Summer is definitely over.

When the neighbour kid who mows my lawn came by to get paid, we talked about the abrupt change in the weather. I mentioned that Thursday was the equinox (so it should be no surprise), and she asked what an equinox is. Likewise she had never heard of a solstice. I explained, in words of one and two syllables, and she went off shaking her head and saying Wow.

Holy cats! What other basic information about life on Earth are the schools ignoring these days? And what do they talk about instead?

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 22 - 11:00 PM

I looked up Borax - as long as it is for simple household cleaning it seems to be ok, but too much can harm the biological activity in the tank. If borax is sprinkled on soil it kills plants and not much will grow back until it eventually washes away. You can buy a big box of Boraxo borax for a couple of dollars. (Twenty Mule Team is still around!)

Biz. It was one of the very first enzyme products I remember being advertised in the US.

This afternoon I visited a couple of stores and wasn't able to find Ball's Pickle Crisp in stock. Maybe everyone in North Texas is making pickles right now and has cleared out the stores. I have an 11-year-old jar that is caked so hard I have to chip at it to get any to use. It's time for a new one and I had to order it on Amazon. It's granules of calcium chloride. I also had to try a couple of places to get a few ounces of dill seed, but did get some. Again for pickles.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Sep 22 - 09:54 PM

Beaver:

No idea what Biz is! Sorry about Steve's treatise which did nothing to clarify; no idea what it is saying. I only want the basic fact of "this" or "that"! I have no idea what is or is not "bio" this or that! Never use bleach - maybe once in a few years if desperate situation. Chlorine makes me sick! Most household cleaners make me sick. Even ones allegedly "green". Ivory snow used to be my choice, with borax added for extra cleaning power. Doubt it exists anymore. Was it safe for the septic?

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Sep 22 - 08:53 PM

Dorothy, it's like using Biz instead of a non-Chlorine bleach. The enzymes are what make the cleaning happen instead of simply bleaching out stains.

Since this is a regular eating day I let myself have ice cream for dessert in a measured portion. I have to buy it in small containers because it is one of those irresistible foods if I'm not really careful. Part of my "have favorite things on regular eating days so I don't feel deprived on fasting days" plan. But count the calories.

Pickled okra making tomorrow after I bought more vinegar today. I have other pickles I'd like to make also, but okra is most urgent because the plants are really producing right now.

Last weekend I got some fresh ginger hands and am going to start making tea with them. I'll keep them in the fridge for a little while, though they need to go into the freezer soon. I'm thinking of slicing then freezing, and using a slice in with a bag of green tea. The gardening guru I listen to on weekend swears by slices of ginger in his tea. Figuring out how thick of a slice will be the goal before I slice then freeze.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Sep 22 - 08:34 PM

I got shot twice in the back of the Safeway grocery store for flu and Covid Omicron today.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 22 Sep 22 - 01:20 PM

From Persil's website (bearing in mind that they sell the stuff...)

Bio? Non-Bio? What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re tossing up the difference between bio and non-bio laundry liquid or choosing between bio or non-bio capsules and washing powders, you need to first know what defines each of them.

What is biological detergent? Biological clothes detergent contains enzymes that help break down the fatty, greasy, and starchy compounds that are found in some of the most common clothing stains such as pasta sauces, bike oil, and hamburger grease. These enzymes work to lift the stains out of fabrics, making them excellent stain removers and a very welcome addition to laundry detergents, turning stain removal into a quick and easy task.
What is non-biological laundry detergent? Non-biological detergents do not contain these enzymes and can be kinder next to sensitive skin which makes them popular with families who have sensitive skin. Good non-bio detergents, like Persil, still contain powerful cleaning agents that will ensure your clothing comes out of the washing machine clean and fresh, you just might need to use a slightly higher temperature when washing with non-bio detergents – especially when tackling particularly tough stains.
As you can see, the main difference between bio and non-bio washing powders, liquids, and capsules is their use of enzymes.

What are the Advantages of Bio Detergent?

The advantages of bio detergents are undoubtedly their powerful stain removal. Biological clothes detergent contains enzymes that enzymes work to lift even the toughest the stains out of your clothes, like grass or chocolate ice cream. They remove stains first time, even in a quick wash at 30 degrees. This can help you to save time and energy but also helps to powerfully clean your clothes and bedding without turning the temperature high, which can damage more delicate fabrics.

If your kids are active (and messy), you can toss their soiled laundry into the machine with any Persil Bio detergent for a quick clean!

What are the Advantages of Non-Bio Detergent?

While the enzymes found in biological detergents are great at stain removal, they could cause mild reactions in those with very sensitive skin. If enzymes remain on clothing after a wash and rubs against the skin, some people may notice a mild reaction – however, this is rare.

The enzymes used in biological detergents are not used in soaps and body cleansers, etc., only in laundry detergents.

Note that Persil forget to mention that biological detergents are bad for septic tanks!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Sep 22 - 12:40 PM

Beaver:

Dealing with lack of energy, some due to heavy weather,- lots of green tea has helped some. Enough energy today to consider how to get this place clean. May or may not follow through.

Steve: Can you tell me more explicitly what a bio or non-bio is! I mainly use Dr. Bronners Tea tree oil soap for everything but laundry. Very careful not to put anything in septic, paper bag to catch tissue. That eventually goes into fire. Wipe out grease and put it out for critters if there is much, or in fire. Tide Free and clear for laundry - the only one I have found so far that is safe for me. By the way, cuts are treated with a drop of pure tea tree oil first. But this week's - vitamin E oil had to suffice, and has.

Still hoping for new floor on Sunday- which I hope will energize me to do more. Need to go back to Dupont in first week of October. Pick up, and thaw, Turkey for CA thanksgiving on 10th - or whenever we decide to do it!

Cold starting today - not going to 70 and going down to a few degrees above freezing. Will start fire in stove this eve, when solar gain quits gaining! Lots more rain last couple days and sound and light shows.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 22 Sep 22 - 12:02 PM

The war between the cats continues. Isobel just leapt off my lap to chase Watson upstairs to the library where he has been hunkered down since Tuesday. There’s no food, water or litter box upstairs. I have no idea where this will end.