FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 11:27 AM

Got down to desktop, and dusted same! No longer does my laplop linger amongst random papers not even in piles! Papers organized, even, not just piled elsewhere. A win.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 07:43 AM

Jon, you do get a lot of use from that 3D printer! That kind of bag is handy - I bought one for my son for his sheet music when he was taking guitar. I tried to set up a system for a brain-injury friend who kept losing things. Large bright orange melmac bowls for the kitchen island and on her dresser. Put keys and hearing aid batteries, etc. there when finished. Trouble was, a lot of family came through to visit and put things on top of them or moved them to use for something else. #Fail

Years ago I put in a programmable thermostat and since I was heading out to work I programmed it so it would warm the house up to 70^o at about 5:30am. Then it dropped back to 68, and for the hours I was usually absent, down to 62. Up to 68 in the evening, then 62 for overnight. I retired three years ago and never changed it.

I now think that the heater blower is what clues Pepper to "it's time!" to head out for the treat from the neighbor. He rises early and heads out at dawn with biscuits for the dogs. So with a super cold spell the furnace went on at 3am and she was out in the yard and barking, with the other two in tow. I called them in, covered the door, and they fussed and barked and I let them out again, repeat. I got a couple of hours sleep last night.

While lying in bed I used the phone app to program the smart light in the living room and to turn on for five minutes at dawn, and will see about setting an alarm on Alexa to announce they should go to the fence for their treats. I need to figure out how that light knows when dawn is.

Today - two snow day projects in the hall. I have batteries to change out in that thermostat, then reprogram it. And I'll start on the hall doorbell chime and the adjoining transformer so I can put up the new wired video doorbell.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 03:52 AM

I got the 3D printer going for the first time in a while yesterday and had some fun getting things working. The main problem was that I failed to notice I’d not clipped the glass plate back correctly the last time I used the printer. Anyway, all’s working now.

The task was a simple one. Mum has been loosing her diary and address books regularly. Part of the problem is that she uses these in both the study and living room and things get put down en route to her chairs as well as getting buried under other papers and books.

The attempted solution I came up with was to get her a A4 Portable Bag File Holder and ask her to make sure the books (and possibly other things she might need) have the bag as their home. The printer was used for a simple hook to clamp to one side of her trolley and for her bag to hang on.

Not much else happening here except I've ordered (and already have a couple of items) veg things to grow.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 11:02 PM

Skipping the stretching workout, I'll do a gentle Hinge Health routine before bed to give today's steroid shot time to kick in. I'm not going through the whole process of holding off knee replacement like last time. Steroids worked for a while, gel shots were never very very helpful. This summer I'll have the second knee done and look forward to moving forward with two functioning knees. Until then, continuing to get the leg muscles into good shape, losing weight, and preparing for about three weeks of extreme inconvenience with gear and schedules.

Lots of paper needs filing or shredding. The sewing studio is set up for more mask making, and I'm remembering how to do the projects that I haven't working on much for several months. I've made hundreds of masks so it will come back to me. Muddy footprints need mopping (with the newly replaced mop sponge) and Cookie's jacket needs expansion. I should have bought her a new one when it was warm but I forgot.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 05:30 PM

Isobel is all about household routine, and enforcing it. In the early afternoon I’m usually reading, and when I’m reading Isobel is in my lap. Simple.

Isobel never pokes her nose outside voluntarily, so the weather makes no difference to her.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 03:04 PM

The vet called, Zeke's appointment was cancelled due to tomorrow's forecast, but reading the last couple of posts reminds me that I have a sturdy plastic step stool that I could use to get him into the car and take it along for the vet parking lot end of things as well. (I recently read Virginia Tam's Facebook remarks about using a stool like that for getting into her "caravan" - aka "trailer").

I wonder if the cat's rapid forgetting about the morning adventure has to do with how tempting it is to sit in a warm lap on a cold day?

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 01:50 PM

Isobel is, indeed, a cat, and a very intelligent one, as cats go. We have returned from the vet’s office and she is back in my lap, having evidently put this morning’s adventure behind her.

Snowing again, after two days of thaw. Still February.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 10:28 AM

Pet week in the Declutter thread! I take Zeke to the vet tomorrow. He's ok with the ride and compliant about the SUV, but with his arthritis I'll have to do some major lifting to get him in - the body is willing but the back end doesn't cooperate well. And I took that side step off a few months ago, making it much easier for me but much more difficult for him.

There's a very thin coat of freezing drizzle on the ground this morning. I have an appointment at 11 and I'll leave early enough to drive there in slow motion (if need be) on well-travelled streets so it will hopefully be worn off. Tomorrow's appointment with Zeke may end up postponed if there is more accumulation. And the first thing I encounter on my route out of the village will be The "bridges freeze sooner than roadways" at the bottom of my street. That's the test - turn around and go home or continue onward.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 09:47 AM

Back when we had cats (I’m assuming your creature is a cat), we had a good plastic coated steel wire framed cage for at least 10 years and may still have it in a shed. I don’t remember getting any of ours into this as being a problem and it was easy enough to close the lid and push the “bolt” back in place. It was much better than the flimsy plasticy things we'd had before. Their reaction to being in there did vary though as did their response to being driven in the car. I would sometimes go with mum to the vets just as a passenger to try to help keep at calm.

I wasn’t involved in this one (a brother helped with that) but mum’s journey here when she moved from N Wales (W coast UK) to Norfolk (E coast) would have been a bit more interesting. I think there would have been 1 (or 2?) cats, 1 dog and at least 4 chickens in her car.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 09:21 AM

Isobel is due at the vet in 25 minutes. Getting her into the carrier is a stealth mission; at the critical moment, I put the habeas grabbus on her slumbering form (currently on my lap) and drop her in. The hitch is always maintaining my grip between the comfy chair and the carrier, which sits on the parlour floor over by the window, for Isobel is at one with that 19th-century naval officer who declined to surrender because he had only just begun to fight.

Here goes nuttin’ …

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Feb 22 - 10:20 AM

It seems that a clean dog is a happy dog—Zeke has been quite frisky since last night, and his coat is so soft today. He regularly requests cuddles anyway, but they're easier to give when you don't have to wash your hands after a back scratch and an ear rub.

More mud in the den this morning, tracked in after a gentle overnight rain. Combine this with the short dried out Bermuda grass beyond the patio that clings to their coats any time someone rolls and you have the makings for adobe bricks coming in on their feet and coats. Spring will relieve this, but we're weeks away yet. At least with snow all of that is out of the way for now (though yes, I know about the consistency of mud after a thaw.) A modern-day version of the Housewife's Lament. (The thing I will never forgive my mother for is she finished her family genealogy and mailed it out to 70 family members. I got my copy and instead of listing me as a park ranger, a forester, an interpretive naturalist, or a writer - she said I was "a housewife" because at the time I was raising kids and doing freelance writing. Something I never in a million years would have used, and I confronted her about it, I even sent her sheets of stamps so she could mail out the corrected version. She died before she got to it.) #rant off

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 22 - 06:33 PM

One 75-pound chocolate Labrador retriever has been bathed. The dog, the bathroom, and I are all a bit moist. He looks good and didn't seem too upset about it (it has been a long time since he had a bath.) I'm not doing the others today, I'll stager this chore over a couple of more weeks.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 22 - 11:15 AM

I have one of those large cast iron skillets with a cast iron lid. It came from my great aunt's house where a friend was helping me with the estate. When she saw that she said "you have to keep that, it's great for frying chicken!" I rarely fry chicken (I can count on one hand the number of times I can remember making fried chicken) but it is good for other things. And yes, very heavy.

I've started using the pressure cooker because it's here, and it really is much faster than boiling beets till tender. Once they're cooked, peel and slice. I'm trying to use the various pieces of cooking equipment that have been stashed in the pantry to see if I want to keep them or not.

Another dose of wintry weather is headed here after a warm start to the week (it should reach 80^o today.) I don't believe this is a named storm. But wait! I just pulled up the forecast - they've named it "Oaklee." [sigh] I will finish my running around today and plan to hunker down the rest of the week if need be. I have appointments on Wednesday and Thursday that I'd like to keep, so we'll see if it's just cold as can be or if it precipitates and makes travel dangerous. I think we're at the bottom edge of a southwest-to-northeast-oriented storm predicted to form overnight.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 21 Feb 22 - 11:01 AM

"Family Day" in Ontario, a recently established provincial holiday that features patchy availability of goods and services. A fair few people don't really believe in it, notably us Olde Phartes who grew up without a statutory holiday between New Year and Easter. The groundhog, St. Valentine and St. Patrick still have more pull with most of us.

The snow has stopped (for now) and we're having another bit of thaw -- high of 7C and sunny today, high of 11C tomorrow and rain. Before the rain starts, I shall unwind the Christmas lights off the mulberry tree and maybe take a little stroll downtown.

Beets are excellent roasted, Stilly, especially if you give them a light coat of olive oil and a good dose of garlic and thyme along with the S&P. I've never bothered pressure-cooking them; like potatoes and carrots, I cut them up and just boil them in a saucepan.

Supper today will be the third round of Norwegian braised lamb and cabbage, and it's definitely better with time in the fridge. I made it in Edmund's enormous cast-iron skillet, the only pan in the house that accommodates an entire cabbage as well as the lamb and celeriac. That's the first time I've had that brute of thing on the stove since Edmund died, but I hadn't forgotten just how awkward it is, mostly because it has only one handle. Nowadays, most large skillets also have a "helper" handle on the opposite side for cooks who do not have hands like back-hoe shovels.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Feb 22 - 05:35 PM

I mailed my ballot, then someone piped up and said it should have two stamps. It didn't say it needed two stamps, so we'll see what happens. (There was a long panel of barely legible print down the left side of the envelope front and I didn't read it. I glanced at it and thought it had to do with how to deliver your ballot to the county, in person, drop box, but no one else can deliver your ballot crap.) If I look up my ballot online and it doesn't show as returned and accepted by election day I can go vote in person.

I'm going to attempt pressure-cooking beets again, this time staying in the kitchen during the whole 18 minutes run. Last time the weight must not have seated properly and it dried out and scorched. This is part of my "eat a lot of colors" diet that I've been on since last fall. With that last beet setback I've avoided them for a while (and when I looked in the store I didn't find canned beets. I should have tried a bigger store; Aldi doesn't carry the whole rainbow of foods.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 12:57 PM

I called for a vet appointment partly by way of apology to the old Lab - I'd covered the dog door because he was out barking, but this time staying inside had him really distressed. I uncovered it when he wasn't going to settle down and go to sleep and realized later that I'd probably brought him in before he took care of business. Poor guy, and once again, reminding me that what I require (not barking at midnight) is not necessarily what he needs, so next week I'll ask about how to keep him comfortable.

About a week before Poppy passed away we were on a walk and she was so slow I returned to the house and let her in then walked the others; when we returned she was still sitting in the same spot. I felt bad - I probably shouldn't have tried the walk to begin with, but didn't know she was so close to the end. And I should have walked her into her bed when I brought her home. Reading what they need* and getting it right is a challenge.

The house is disorganized and there is a lot of paper that needs filing. It's time to start my income tax return and I need to mail my absentee ballot and hope it is accepted. These Texas GOP politicians are doing everything they can to reduce the turnout.






*If you reach the stage where you have to offer canned food, it is the end.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 12:26 PM

Dupont:

Charmion and I are having the same wonderful weather! Might go back above freezing an a couple days. LOTS of snow. And the snowblower?? maybe tomorrow? I'm not going anywhere no matter what we "need". I can barely stay awake.

Just cooked another small pot of rice - without burning it, more by luck than design. We agree the "better" salsa makes a big difference and was worth the effort of finding it! I have made room in the hall closet for the dozen bottles! More "extras" can go in there and de-clutter the pantry.

Had company yesterday: Rita and PUPPY! and her daughter and SonIL. The LR was bright with sun at the time! Daughter, a grad of Julliard, founded and is director of a org that provides free music lessons and instruments in NYC (all five boroughs). Over 150 kids with parental involvement required. opportunitymusicproject.org Great visit, esp the puppy!

Phoned #1 son last night - and got him! He sent pics of the beautiful lot on which they are hoping to someday have a small home, with lots of light on one of the highest points on Whidbey, with a view across the Sound to the Olympic Peninsula. The ever increasing price of building materials is daunting.

14 is a good age for a lab! You have done well, SRS! Many years ago we had a shepherd/collie mix live to 18; she was an only child (of our runty little shepherd) so we kept her; her mom took care of her until she died at 14. "Baby Dog" did not seem to miss her mom and decided to herd the farmer's cows in our "back yard". It's in the genes!

R left before BF so I made myself porridge with ground almonds and dried blueberries, and cinnamon, with plain yogurt. That was good. But now it is lunchtime...

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 09:35 AM

Our mid-February thaw lasted precisely 24 hours followed by snow and more snow. In fact, it’s *still* snowing. The wind is blowing great billows of it down the street and the neighbours’ dog (not a small animal) is up to his armpits in their driveway. Neil-across-the-street will spend extensive quality time with his snowblower today and I am under house arrest until the Nick the plow guy comes.

So I might as well cook. I have a cabbage, a celery root, and a kilo of stewing lamb, so Norwegian lamb-and-cabbage stew is on the agenda. Pity I don’t have any bacon, but I’m not going out in THAT if I can possibly avoid it.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Feb 22 - 10:48 AM

The chocolate Labrador retriever is showing his age more this winter, but he still has a good appetite. I'm entering "watch the dog closely" mode to respond to his 14-year-old needs.

This week I've decided to kick out the junk food and to continue the strategic draw-down of food in the freezer and pantry. I made a batch of spaghetti sauce last night (splashing tomato around the kitchen and on myself) to keep a jar in the fridge and freeze the rest. It looks like the looming shortage we'll be dealing with is chicken, so next shopping trip I'll get some and freeze portions—I don't use that much meat these days. I usually bake a single breast or leg quarter and it goes for a couple of meals at least.

I'm still adding software to the rebuilt computer; last night I downloaded Adobe's DNG (Digital Negative) software, and it appears to be working. In the last build it didn't like my older version of Photoshop. That makes it easier to use the big Canon camera (and not just rely on my phone camera).

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Feb 22 - 04:19 PM

Yesterday was lovely, today is wretched, a windy day that started at the day's high at midnight and is progressing to the mid-20s by midnight tonight.

As I drove home from museum scanning job I debated about a trip to the grocery store, involving another cold walk from and to from the SUV. The wind is cold enough to have me mentally cataloguing what I'd recently seen fresh in the fridge. I have enough vegetables and fruit and there is frozen chopped spinach and lots of frozen garden stuff. Today I finished the large Costco bag of fresh baby spinach before it started to rot, something that I rarely manage. It's a combination of being too slow to eat it OR storage in one of the really cold spots in the fridge that sometimes freezes part of the contents. Anyway, I figured I'd head home and eat what is here and not worry about topping off the supply. I can live without sweet potatoes and asparagus for a few more days. (Though the sooner I get a sweet potato, the better. I'll use one of the Beauregard ones for making slips for planting in the garden this year.)

Sewing this weekend, several projects. And after a hiatus I think I'll download another audiobook. They go well with sewing.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Feb 22 - 10:18 PM

Dupont:

SRS: you got the sink part correct! It is good! One of these days R will get around to the fiddly task of cutting a piece of lino to fit the floor of the cupboard so I can put things back in!

Feb thaw! About that bread what has been frozen on the back deck ... It is now safely in the indoor freezers!! YAY!!

Been busy renewing acquaintance with an important friend of 50 years via emails. Went into shock at the passage of time, after my brain fog cleared and I was able to do the math. Back on track; a good track I think.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 16 Feb 22 - 11:42 AM

Today the mid-February thaw has set in, with a forecast of temperatures well above freezing even at night. That means rain and slop, and of course winter is not over. Next week, sidewalks and parking lots will be covered with lumps of frozen slush. What larks.

At last, I have reached the bottom of the chest freezer. It lives in the garage, so I have to wait for warm weather -- probably around Easter -- to defrost it and give it a good scrub.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 16 Feb 22 - 10:37 AM

Well I've set myself a new goal but it's a musical one. Something to try after a long while of doing very little.

Tune wise, before my attempts with tenor banjo and mandolin and Irish sessions, I had a short spell playing morris dance tunes with a D/G Hohner Erica melodeon. I've still got the Erica but as time went on, I grew less interested and the box is pretty well knackered now anyway.

I've still had an occasional interest in the boxes but fancied trying my hand at the B/C system which is very popular in Irish music. I had one brief play with this and a Double Ray I bought very cheaply but never got on with it and blamed the instrument for some of my struggles (it was sluggish and in need of work).

Anyway, good fortune and a generous mum have just provided me with a nice Salterelle Awen so I want to give B/C a better try this time.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Feb 22 - 10:05 AM

Today.

Let's see what it brings. Why wait for the first day of the year to set goals? Why not today? It certainly seems to be a mistake to leave them till tomorrow.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Feb 22 - 10:50 AM

I went out at dusk and pulled out the dead and now dry and easy to pull remaining stalks of peppers and okra, and gathered a couple of dried stacks of tomato limbs and piled it onto the tarp I use for dragging this around. These materials completely overtop the sides of the compost bin (because it's all dry and not compacted yet). Next time I have the steel-toed waffle-stomper boots on I'll step in and break up all of that stuff then run the sprinkler on top of it. There is a second compost structure, made of tall metal fence stakes supporting a plastic sided length of material that stands about 36" high and has nylon buttons to hold it in a loop around the posts. I'll lift that off of the compost inside (nothing new was added for a couple of years) and relocate the posts and siding for a new compost pile this year. Since that oldest pile is finished I'll use the tiller to break it up and then move the soil-like compost out to the gardens.

The weed whacker is finished and a call from the lawn and garden shop this morning informed me that the tiller needed new fuel lines and a new carburetor for about $160 in repairs. I asked them to JUST replace the fuel lines because I wasn't having any trouble with the carburetor. Is this the first test of this shop? We'll see when the tiller comes home. Two different repair guys on two different pieces of equipment, and I'll keep in mind which one to ask for next time. I really hate it when they think they can get away with too much work (or none at all and just charge for it) because a woman is the customer.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Feb 22 - 06:51 PM

Yeah, Jon, I know your feeling. The Formica seam a few inches over from the sink has warped open a little, but I'm not ready to replace a counter and a sink yet. There's no point in putting a new sink in a counter with one funky spot.

No big projects finished today. I found refills for the squeeze mop I like; I just installed the last one and ordered before the packaging info got lost. The model numbers seem to change every few years. I entered the UPC code to an online site and it found the correct model in their database, so that's a keeper and I downloaded it into the phone. Meanwhile, the recycling is in the back of the SUV but the village bins aren't emptied until tomorrow (and it would tough work to cram this stuff in now). For drama, I broke up a real dogfight between Cookie and Pepper, and saw Cookie start it. Time to spend more time walking them and being pack leader. I stopped this one with a broom (never grab fighting dogs!)

There is still the evening, but I think exercise and dog walking are the extent of my plans.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 14 Feb 22 - 12:52 PM

Oohh, Kitchen sinks again...

Ours (some composite) has been in a terrible state for years. It's badly scratched and stained.

Trouble is (even if I could fit it), I don't see a straight drop in replacement and suspect a change would mean someone in to cut a new hole in a new work top as well as replacing the other couple of worktop boards to match.

We just live with it...

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion's brother Andrew
Date: 14 Feb 22 - 12:48 PM

Seasonal Schadenfreude.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 14 Feb 22 - 12:41 PM

Pool class and physio, check. My back is now much improved.

It’s almost Ottawa cold in Stratford today, and people are whining. I’m enjoying my down-filled coat.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Feb 22 - 10:42 AM

I missed a step in Dorothy's kitchen sink saga. Why is the Formica being heated and removed from the sink cutout piece from the counter (did I get that right?) Is a piece of the cutout being used as a patch next to the new sink? (Is the new sink smaller than the previous sink?)

We have a couple of lovely days. Let's see what I can manage to do with them. The to-do list is long.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 08:53 PM

Dupont:

Progress re sink: I managed to heat the formica off the wood backing - this was the cut out from the original sink. The R cut a piece to fill in the place where it had gotten badly messed up when he took out the old sink. Heat from the iron - I saw it on a This Old House youtube. Now, the sink is again in place and next time he will put a new plywood on the floor of the cabinet and the linoleum THEN I can put stuff back in!!

COLD outside so I put a fire in stove. Now ready to sleep... OH that project required a trip to the dollar store for glue so I did have an outing. It was sunny! Tried to sweep back deck but the sawdust sticks to the wood; maybe it will get drier.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 10:14 AM

When I bake chicken or a chicken part (like the large leg quarter I baked last week) I retain the drippings with the meat to use later for soup or sauce. With one leg quarter (skin and bone and a little leftover meat) yesterday I decided to make a personal-sized batch of soup. I used a slow cooker (a base with a 1 quart cast iron enamel pot) so the chicken and drippings went into that with a little boiling water and sat for a couple of hours to cook into broth. I had the rest of an onion, part of a carrot, a little bit of celery that I gradually added. Egg noodles in with the diced potato and slow-cooked (very low simmer) some more; it was nice. There was just a little bit of chicken, it was mostly broth and vege.

It's the day I usually change the bedding, empty trash cans, generally get ready for the work week. Even retired it's still something I do on Sundays. Also on the list I need to vacuum the floor mats in the SUV and around the outside of the house I need to sweep up the lava sand I put down for the recent ice. If I make the move outside to sweep I may also start dragging the stacked dried garden dead plants back to the compost. It all depends on how warm the day; it's mostly sunny out there right now. Next week I should get the little tiller and weed whacker back, so from then on can decide when is a good time to turn over the soil for the next garden. It's a personal goal to get the garden equipment to the head of the repair line, in and out of the shop quickly. (Dorothy - I'm sure R does his own machine repairs; I have done so in the past but find I am the slowest repair person on the planet. It's done more efficiently and quickly if I pay an expert to do it.)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 12 Feb 22 - 03:43 PM

Dupont:

ho ho: Today we have Charmion's weather of yesterday. But, after spending about half of yesterday on internet and phone trying to find my fav salsa, I went out early this am in hopes of getting to the large store while it was underpopulated - two phone calls to their office "No we don't" but finally found it on their shopping site - do not ask for the explicit item! Just "Salsa" and go through the $%^&*( choices! But a woman inside: no we cannot have someone bring it to you; you need a cart; Do you have a small one (Theirs are huge!) She kindly fetched me a small cart and directed me to the correct aisle where there was plenty! Put 9 jars in the cart and went back, looking helpless - the perks of looking OLD! She took me to a cash and helped me through it and I bundled up my salsa and came home - before the rain...!!!!!

Then I vacuumed first floor carpets and part way up the steps. R will need to take the vac upstairs so I can do up there.

Containers!! YEP! I have a few very nice ones at Beaver that I was thinking of taking back to a thrift shop. DUHHH! Next trip. In the meantime: found space in a drawer for a whole bunch of packets of "Indian" that already arrived.(Used part of one for lunch - hot!) And have yet to find a good space for 6 jars of salsa. I purchase herbs/spices at the bulk food in Bancroft, in small plastic bags - but larger than the jar in the cabinet so, tired of half full bags on top of things, I decided a beautiful pottery jar in the LR would do just fine. Because it is special, maybe I will remember!?! Maybe one of the none mouse proof drawers (DR) would hide the rest of the salsa! Flour and black beans are still homeless on K table...

Spent a long time responding to an email from special friend. Giving strong consideration to damp mopping the wood floors. Have I mentioned how much I love my new sink!!

Cooked rice without burning it! Just to have it on hand to go with black bean/salsa/corn mix or the veggie stew. Could consider making a new batch of brownies too. And bake a couple acorn squash at same time. And start a fire in stove now that temp is going back down.

DRISMAL out there!!

Oh darn - reading a post above- Reminder!! Still have not found the mysteriously missing cable. DO something!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Feb 22 - 10:15 AM

Welcome to Texas - the high yesterday was in the 70s with beautiful sunshine; today is an overcast high of 47 (two degrees from now) and a low overnight at 29. I was all set for shirt sleeves again but have put on another layer, and no yard work today. And I hear a brisk breeze through the woods across the road (they take on a life of their own in active weather).

I'm still working with the Essentrics DVDs I picked up to sample that program and in particular after yesterday's stretch felt really great. And I see that when she does the hip extension moves she adds in the IT Band stretches, just what I needed before.

Laundry done yesterday, dishes running this morning. A requests for masks came in, and I have some web content to work on. Time for a cuppa tea and to get to work.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Feb 22 - 07:10 PM

My small engine repair shop has closed! It was a one-man operation and it appears that he has retired. It looked so forlorn and empty, and a search online shows he thanked customers for nearly 40 years of business. I found another place that is a larger business, a mile or so closer in the other direction, and dropped off the equipment that needs work. Terrible parking lot, like the first place. They both seem to require backing into traffic. I'll have to approach from the side when I return to pick up stuff (Google maps shows they've taken over the next door building and I can park on the side of that place easily).

The main reason these tools have the fuel line problems is because of the ethanol in the gasoline. While at the shop I asked and was told about a place on the far west side of the county that sells non-ethanol gas. It's worth the trip and even the expense to keep the equipment running longer.

With the ice you describe, Charmion, I think I'd be tempted to wear a safety helmet while out walking. I lost a great aunt who slipped on ice and hit her head. (The news reported last week that comedian Bob Saget died of that kind of injury, though his heart was a ticking time bomb with a 95% blockage on one side.)

Dogs are demanding their dinner. I must do as requested or they'll be a royal pain. They're right on time - 6pm is dinner time for them. They started this at about 5:59pm.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 11 Feb 22 - 05:48 PM

I haven't seen any sign of fuel shortages around here, but the prices are nuts -- approaching Cdn$1.50 per litre. (No, I don't know how much that is per gallon.) The last time I paid that much for gasoline, I was at Heathrow Airport.

Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, the premier of Ontario has declared a state of emergency over the truck protests, not just the occupation of Ottawa, but also blockades at the international bridges in Windsor and Sarnia. In Stratford, fresh food prices are stratospheric -- $2.49 a pound for apples! -- but I haven't seen any empty shelves, although certain items are inexplicably absent. One day it's lemons, another day it's store-brand laundry detergent.

It's been a hair under freezing and snowing heavily all day, but not for much longer. The forecast low for tonight is -19C and tomorrow's forecast high is only -7C, which means the air pressure is rising and the precipitation will go away. But the colder, drier weather will freeze the wet snow into lumps and bumps all over town, with a lovely slippery apron at the mouth of every scraped-out driveway. I plan to hike downtown tomorrow for a pub lunch with the bubble (BIL, SIL, and their lodger), so I'll need the hiking stick, the wool socks, the lined jeans and Edmund's army-issue fur hat, an outfit that makes me look like the Mad Trapper of Rat River. But I don't care -- no bad weather, only inadequate gear.

My back still hurts, but I'm now at the stage where exercise is the most important treatment. I went to pool class today and gave it my best, noting which parts, and which movements, still hurt the most. If I don't do anything nutty like fall down, walking is probably the best thing I can do for it now.

I actually dusted yesterday, and scrubbed all three toilets. Things are looking up.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Feb 22 - 01:50 PM

Here in the states my particular insurance company set it up so networked pharmacies could let us present our insurance card to buy 8 tests a month directly, without filing for reimbursement. This is a non-prescription use, so it's very rare. But no pharmacy I've tried so far is willing to take the card, they all say "corporate won't let us do it" and that we should buy the tests and file the paperwork. But that' against the spirit of the whole thing. I've posted a couple of Tweets, I probably need to add more hashtags and put it on Instagram also.

Meanwhile, I need to take my little garden tiller in to have the fuel lines changed (they leak). I can do this but it takes me so long and with an indifferent result. Must do it before the repair shop gets busy. I guess today is one for trying to fix things. (It's lovely out and about 70^o.)

I ordered another pair of the really comfortable shoes I found a while back; I first found them in clearance at DSW, and I'd bought another pair on Amazon for about $60 for them; I was looking through my past Amazon purchases and saw that the same type from before was down to the last one and on sale for $38. Got 'em. These are my "walking around the museum with its really hard floors" shoes.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 09:25 PM

Today's trip to Costco earlier in the day allowed me to pull up to a pump with no wait. It's not that there are lines at all gas stations, it's that there are lines at Costco because their gas is high quality but less expensive than "normal" stations. This is one of the most obvious sources of inflation.

Dorothy, I see storage containers of all sorts at the Goodwill stores I visit. Glass jars with lids, ceramic pots with the gasket and spring hinge thing, Tupperware, Rubbermaid, and more. Over the years I've brought home some good ones to swap out for other containers of dubious plastic (weeding out anything old enough to have BPA).

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 03:29 PM

Dupont:

Energy started to flow about 7 pm and I made a big pot of veg stew - yummie. It was still hot when R came home (10:30) and declared it very good. Prior to the stew I simply was on the computer. Ordered some packaged "Indian" about a dozen, at 2.99 they go nicely over rice with some yogurt on top. I try to keep rice ready in frig. Time to do another batch and some black beans with salsa; both mainstays.

I came back from Beaver with enough black beans to fill one of those gallon jars, of which I used to have one for each item we used, of that ilk! And a huge quantity of buckwheat flour at half the price it is here; from the bulk food store there. Two such in cottage country and none, that I have found, in Chateauguay; I have asked. There is one in the city - probably more than one! - st the famous Atwater Market. R goes to the market for cheeses. If I don't get back to Beaver soon enough, he could manage. Well, I need to find an effective way to store my goodies!   

Just came back from groceries. Cooked a nice BF this am; yesterday's porridge was inadequate. I have some almond flour I could throw in to improve the protein. Bought pineapple for buckwheat cakes. I am clearly not inspired to cook much! But a new batch of brownies is in order; the previous lasted about a month! I'll wait until the weather cools off again and do a stint with the oven.

Today is in the plus range and has rained some. The huge icecycles came crashing down this am! February thaw is messy but de-clutters considerably, making room for the next onslaught - in a couple days.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 10:38 AM

Following the help is a time-honored practice - I did that this month with the dental hygienist I always see at the dentist's office. When the good dentist retired and the indifferent one took over, it was time to move on. I followed the person I see the most in these transactions.

Binged yesterday on ice cream I haven't had for ages. But maybe that is the last for a while - now it's warming and it's time to get more outside exercise. We also could still have freezes or snow (we've had snow in March), but I would like to decree that I've had enough of that and it should be spring soon and I need to get moving.

I see by Informed Delivery a postcard coming from one of our august membership - interesting, she must have read my mind, because I've been thinking I need to ship some pickled okra that direction. (The funny thing about Informed Delivery is that you can read the postcard before it arrives because the message is usually on the address side, opposite the art.)

There are lines at the gas station lately, and I haven't had time. Today I do have time so I'll queue at Costco to fill up. And hope this resolves itself quickly.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 10:04 AM

The back is much better today, just in time for my monthly trip to the allergist in Kitchener. Filthy weather, though; snowing and sleeting and generally borderline dangerous.

The new water softener was installed yesterday, and Reggie the plumber is so fed up with his employer’s new management that he’s transferring his flag to the competition. I’m equally fed up, so I’ll follow. What good is a new management that doesn’t pass messages or return calls, and always treats you as if you’re calling for the very first time?

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Feb 22 - 11:36 AM

Dupont:

We can have a good laugh over, "maybe tomorrow I can throw a few pots." Maybe today I can stay awake, barely, and watch TV, or go back to bed for awhile.

Driving the 401 yesterday, there were signs of spring that I did not see a week ago! The willows have a tinge of spring colour. The temp is up to freezing today, was 2 above yesterday! And we can still manage to park in the yard in spite of the last snow - about 8 inches. It takes determination and a lifetime of dealing with Snow. The snowblower is not yet repaired but at least the carburetor is back in the same vicinity. We could get lots more before, and even into, April.

Robin dragged in a huge light fixture - suitable for a large office... For the upstairs BR/office. Both feet (mine) are dug in. There are beautiful light fixtures in the Mill.

R kept the plants alive and did not complain at the new tiny yellow rose bush that I could not resist. Some of the Kalanchoe are blooming and the white lantana is opening. I am hoping some of the Af violets will bloom before the horticultural Society plant sale; people like to see the colour. I do too. I have started putting in labels when I know where that leaf came from; I cut strips from the sides of yogurt containers for labeling - after months of thinking of purchasing commercial ones! Duh!!

Maybe, later, I will shovel off the back deck...

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 09 Feb 22 - 08:26 AM

Day Four of the latest back spasm is … not quite as bad as Day One. Choir practice on Day Two was just awful, every deep breath a stab in the sacroiliac. Day Three featured a slight improvement, thanks to Physio Guy and his magic acupuncture kit, and I’m hoping for a better day today. Pool class at 9:30 — if I can climb into the car, I’m going.

I turned out the pantry yesterday, dumping stuff with way too much seniority that I knew darned well I would never use. The dehydrated whole milk from circa 2010, the curry powder from the earliest days of Stephen Harper’s first ministry … out to the green (municipal compost) bin. I don’t know how long dehydrated milk takes to go rancid, and I’m not willing to find out the hard way.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 08 Feb 22 - 08:51 PM

Dupont:

Surprise! I had thought to stay until next Tuesday but a long phone call with a long missing friend shook lose a lot of thoughts (good). So, this am as I was going about the usual "routines", I suddenly decided I needed to leave. It was 11:30 and I was on the road just after noon. Here at 5 pm. Still light! off loaded, wrote longish email to friend. Actually the death of Bill Staines whom we both loved and who was our original connection, shook loose a need to connect.

I only forgot one thing. Still looking for what has happened to that connection cord; I don't need it here but it has to be somewhere!

Left Beaver is good order; house here is in good order. Two other phone calls yesterday - spent about 4 hours total on phone! But one was from a friend of 40 years whose wife died 4 years ago. I had not known until I couldn't reach them and called a brother. Oops. I was matron of honour at the wedding and I had been pretty good at staying in touch... So Ralph is still in the process of healing; writing poetry and songs to honour her. He is not a musician so this will be interesting. He is a highly intelligent, very conservative, minister, who used to design trails in a provincial park, with his first degree! Maybe he can also write music!

Maybe tomorrow I can throw a few pots...

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Feb 22 - 11:57 PM

So sorry to read about your aches and pains, and especially when you have the new car to drive (if you could only get in and out.) I am finding that even just 15 minutes of exercise a days helps with some of my morning achiness, but I'm also finding that some stretch moves trigger the upper abdominal hernia to be more of a problem - it may be from damage during early-teen gymnastics or decades later pregnancy, and getting worse now. Our bodies are maps of our earlier activities.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Feb 22 - 05:42 PM

I've had a lower right backache since last spring. I water massage in the shower since the hot tub is outside. My barkolounger reliner lazy boy has intense massage and heat so I combine it with an Amazon movie now and then.
I restored all the kitchen cabinates and sink with soft scrub and magic erasers. They are the original almond color now instead of a grimey yellow. New floors in the spring.

I hear Canada has had demonstrations by the pandemic weary and have caused some trouble taking over food kitchens for the homeless since restaurants won't let them in without vax cards and masks.
We see no need for hoarding food but the freezer is full.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 07 Feb 22 - 03:52 PM

My back is all seized up again, and very uncomfortable. I went to the physio clinic this morning -- thank God he had a cancellation -- and getting into and out of the car was a double dose of misery; any movement that involves both leaning forward and twisting at the waist sets up a roar. Just getting dressed is a challenge!

First choir practice of the new term tonight, and I'm not sure how I'm going to sing in this state. (Yes, proper singing requires lower back muscles.) I'm bumming a ride, though. Driving is just too awkward right now.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Feb 22 - 12:25 PM

It will warm up to about 70 by midweek so I'll make a point of walking the dogs and doing some gardening (the asparagus needs attention if I want a crop).

Last night I realized that Pepper had a puncture wound on her neck, and her Invisible Fence collar might have been involved (it had the long prongs on for now). It could also be that the noisy squabble she and Cookie had in the yard a couple of nights ago resulted in a bite that the collar is aggravating. I've taken the usual steps of temporarily removing the collar, cleansing the spot, and adding the pet antibiotic (Panalog). I'll watch and clean and if she needs to see the doctor, try to make that call by tomorrow so I can get in later this week. COVID really shut down the ability to get in to see the regular vet because they're not taking walk-ins (they used to have an extra charge for that, but far cheaper than the emergency vet costs). Pets, like children, have any number of injuries over the years that can be tended successfully at home. I think this is one of those. (As for the dogs, it's the classic case of they can't live with each other and can't live without each other.) Meanwhile, I think my order of heartworm medications has arrived in the mail today. I had to order from Australia because my UK site has closed down. Buying the same products from outside the US costs about 1/3 to 1/2 of the US amount from the vet, but again, COVID. I had to buy from the vet for the last 18 months and it costs a small fortune. The foreign sales weren't going because of no flights. Australia seems to have recovered quicker (and the vet actually told me about this place).

I have a trip to the northeastern section of the county this week for my haircut, so on my way home (I live in the southwestern section of the county) I'll make my usual loop of favorite shops to pick up my next bottle of olive oil, get the Middle Eastern soap I like (also olive oil), etc. I worked over there for 20+ years and that is still where some of my favorite stores are, but COVID has restricted the number of trips I make. The shopping list is growing.   

Since I made cranberry juice last week I had pulp in the fridge to use or freeze, so I made a batch of cranberry bars. Less sugar in the batter was better because the last batch was too sweet (it has to do with the cake mix you use as your dry ingredient). And I roasted chopped walnuts to add. A portion of the batch is in the freezer and I'll share the rest to neighbors. Did I mention that my fat pants are a little snug? I have to give most of these away or burst the seams.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 12:42 PM

Beaver:

Sorry to hear about the water problem; I have never encountered that one. Of course, I am still working on melting snow; washed a few needfuls and a very few dishes/cutlery. All those years off the grid did me well in knowing how little water I really need! Just keep bringing in pans of snow, melting on wood stove and decanting into a wash basin and use as necessary, ensuring that very little is necessary.

Spent a good part of my life in Amish/Mennonite territory in PA. A wide variety of beliefs and ways of doing things. The one I like best is the phone in the barn with an answering machine - lest it interfere with family life! Good people but many are very conservative, VERY! Akin to Quakers in their pacifism, but a world apart in some other thinking.

Meanwhile, out by the library, I will check into emails and FB. At home, reading some archival materials of the last 50 years and wondering if this or that person might be interested. Also trying to pass on a stack of good Quaker pamphlets to people who might appreciate them. And bringing in wood and white water!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 10:55 AM

Mennonite rules vary by congregation; some are very restrictive and others hardly at all. Any time I go to Canadian Tire or Zehr's supermarket, I see Mennonite women in bonnet, apron, and dress down to the ankles charging through the aisles with loaded carts and packing their booty into minivans (usually black) in the parking lot. My favourite garden centre employs packs of teenage Mennonite girls who pair the uniform t-shirt (scarlet!) and shorts (very short!) with a little white pleated cap that looks just like a muffin-tin liner pinned over their up-done hair. At the other end of the spectrum, at the doctor's recently I saw an elderly gent so pious that his coat and waistcoat (black) were hooked together in front, eschewing buttons; only heaven knows how his trouser flies work.

Amish mileage probably varies.

Perth County joke: What goes clop, clop, bang bang, clop, clop, clop? A drive-by shooting in Millbank.

I woke up this morning with a nasty, suspicious stiffness across my lower back from hip to hip and no idea what caused it. My tentative plan to haul the vacuum cleaner downstairs to de-fur the parlour has moved to the Pending file in favour of a long walk. The weather is beautiful: brilliant sunshine, very light breeze, not too cold.