FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Charmion
Date: 19 Oct 22 - 11:17 AM

I'm back from Ottawa.

The high-school reunion was fun, but unexpectedly tiring. Who knew that standing around nattering for hours would wear me out worse than a 10-km walk? Also, the unfamiliar bed took its toll: my Fitbit says I went short on REM sleep and deep sleep for most of the time I was away.

The drive home was tough because of foul weather: rain varying from thorough to vicious all the way from Brother Andrew's front door in the south end of Ottawa to Peterborough in Hastings County on Highway 7. Visibility was so poor that the SATNAV in the car didn't switch to daytime display until about 1100 hr. Fortunately, the other Monday-morning drivers on Highway 7 were as determined as I was to survive the experience. Nobody tail-gated, lane-hopped or otherwise demonstrated the characteristics of an arsehole behind the wheel. Signalling was notable for its frequency.

The 407 was nearly empty, so I set the cruise control and legged it around Toronto at 120 kph. I was back in Stratford by 1430 hr, and home by 1500 hr after visits to the vet's (for cat food) and Sobey's, for milk and fruit.

The foul weather caught up with me again in Stratford on Monday afternoon, and it rained slush hard and steadily all yesterday. Summer is truly gonzo, and autumn is apparently braced for exit, stage out.

Over twelve days of free-range eating, too much booze and no exercise worth mentioning, I put on two pounds that will almost certainly be gone by the weekend. I'm back at the Y for pool class four days this week, and four days next week.

Quite by accident, I have identified a brand of pants that fits better than LL Bean's so-called "favourite fit": Not Your Daughter's Jeans, or NYJD, which are designed for the somewhat hippier form of your typical middle-aged woman. They're expensive when purchased at shops specializing in nifty ladies' wear, but also available at deep discount on EBay.

The cats are delighted to see me again, and the house is okay. The cat visitor did a good job -- what a relief.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 12:09 AM

Sounds like an eventful week in Ottawa. Did you enjoy meeting up with old friends and were there many there that you've stayed in touch with over the years?

It looks like the meeting in Oklahoma won't be able to happen, the time flew too quickly and I have a commitment tomorrow that doesn't allow a last minute last day visit. BUT - good news today - my son and his partner will be home for Thanksgiving next month, flying in on the day. They have a wedding to attend on the weekend and we'll probably do our big meal on Friday. SO exciting! I have five weeks to clean the house. That ought to be enough time. Get the table set up and the den ready ahead of time so we can concentrate on cooking; have the guest room dusted and ready (it is in pretty good shape now since I resist putting things in there for general storage). Will I manage to get the the yard tidies also? Will there be a new heat pump by then? Ducks to line up.

It is almost three years since I've seen this young man. Hugged him. Damn COVID. Tissue alert at the airport. In the time that has passed these two bought a house and they're doing a lot more adventurous cooking, so I fully expect to have his help in the kitchen this year. We're going to spatchcock the turkey (I did it last year and it was simply the best turkey I've ever cooked.) I'm looking forward to greater kid participation all around and will have to make sure there is enough counter space.

No delicate cat episodes at this house, we're all about dogs. Today I rearranged some pieces of furniture after deciding that the elderly Labrador retriever needs some accommodations. He's a dark chocolate guy who gets tripped over in a couple of narrow areas where the remedy is moving furniture. In addition to his moving around the house, I've decided to change the walk. Last spring I started walking him separately from the other two because he can't easily keep up. Yesterday when I walked him alone the girls wanted to go also, and when I brought him home and got them ready to go, he wanted to go with them. He wants to be with the pack. Today in another accommodation I took them all out on his little walk then came back to the house to let him in and continued on with the girls. They all seemed happier with that. They'll get smart to this move in the next walk or two, so there will probably be treats at the door to get him through it before we continue.

I put a Beto for Texas sign in the yard today after it arrived in the mail.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 01:49 PM

First true snowfall of the season today in Stratford. It didn't stay down, as we say here, but the next one will, or the one after that. The waterproof boots and down-filled coat are back in the hall closet, and I know where my tuque, ear-muffs and serious mitts are.

A thorough search of the box-room turned up a forgotten pair of flannel-lined jeans that fits -- size 10. I must have loved that style when Eddie Bauer introduced it back in the day, because I also found two pairs in size 8. My winter wardrobe is now complete.

I'm booked in for my bivalent Omicron shot today at supper-time, then off to choir practice -- we're wanted for a funeral on Saturday.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Oct 22 - 07:18 PM

Finding those old favorite jeans is a treasure! When you really like them you end up keeping them even if they don't fit for a decade or more.

Down here I can't match your cold preparations - but last night I did put a wool blanket over the thermal blanket on my bed. This week I'd been using a little lap quilt over my legs but that wasn't going to be enough. And I have a long-sleeved Eddie Bauer chambray shirt in the SUV in case it cools when I'm out. In the house I haven't moved the big heat pump thermostat controller from cool to heat yet.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 10:46 AM

Now comes a prolonged period of picking up around the house. The goal is to not lose things but put them in the most logical place possible if they don't already have someplace where they truly belong. It would also help to finish a few more projects so I can put away the tools or boxes of materials (such as running the last of the wiring in the attic to the sewing studio and my bedroom.) And papers must be filed or the information noted in the general information spiral notebook in the kitchen and then recycled or shredded.

Dorothy, did R find his glasses? Are you moving potted plants around to stay in over the winter? Is your kitchen all in order or are you still using the temporary stove, and will you be able to replace your beloved Jennair unit?

As we enter deep fall I imagine our wandering Patty Clink may be repositioning for the cold months while southern hemisphere lurkers are preparing for spring and summer pursuits. Don may be winterizing his pool and who knows what Steve does to his stone house in the remote part of the UK to get ready for winter. Here, I start clearing out my PVC greenhouse for a few plants I'll try to over-winter. Two years ago with the big power outage and deep cold that failed dramatically, but usually I can keep things going out there with the help of a heater plugged into a thermal cube (it only lets power through once it's down to 37^o). I'm not sure that I'll put any plants back there this year, I may try covering them in place with floating row cover (a sheet of gossamer fabric that helps insulate a few degrees - sometimes that's all that is needed here.) And I need to get the small heat pump replaced, so I'll work on that part of the yard beside the house to remove tall grass and tripping hazards so once the order is placed it's ready for the installation.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 05:00 PM

Beautiful day today in Stratford, as if yesterday never happened. I guess this is Indian Summer.

The last carload of donations has gone to Goodwill, and my folding six-foot table is clear. No more accumulated stuff in the basement.

I think that’s about all the decluttering, at least until I start getting ready to sell up and move somewhere much smaller. Then the big issue will be books.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Oct 22 - 10:02 PM

The heat in the sunroom bay window this summer was really hard on houseplants when there was no air conditioning to cool the room. I just spent an hour trimming dead stalks and long strands of succulent leaves and poking them into dirt and/or water to see if they'll root in either place. The inspiration for this work was snagging a little Peperomia at Aldi. I've repotted it in a larger pot (from what it was stuffed into to send to the store with the root bundle about a 1/2 inch taller than the pot). It seems they're sometimes epiphytes so the soil I put it in may be all it ever needs for a long time. It was in a peat moss and now that's mixed in.

In the back yard I dug out and potted two lantanas and if they survive (they always do - they're tough plants) I'll plant them in the front as species (single) plants to grow and provide their natural shape and color (no trimming or putting them in a hedge). I also have a couple of small redbud trees to plant in the back of the back yard (beyond the fence, near the creek.) It's up into the 90s today and tomorrow but with cool mornings I'll be gardening and walking the dogs early. (The lantanas are plants springing up after a bed I had in the back yard years ago was cut down. The roots were still in place and it sends up plants every year. When I decide I want to transplant some I let a few sprigs grow for a while then dig them out with a chunk of the old woody root.) Some of these things I grow in the yard here Dorothy probably puts in pots at her house. My peppers are all in the ground, but I might see about putting one in a pot before the first frost and see if it will survive the winter. Or I could save myself the work and buy one at Home Depot for $4.99 and pot it.

It's Friday and the first time after six months of alternate day fasting when I had a snack splurge. I made guacamole and was doing some cooking that I sampled that wasn't added to MyFitnessPal. I'm slowly learning how to maintain a weight level and enjoy not always counting calories.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Oct 22 - 10:37 AM

We have a substantial rainstorm headed this direction, apparently the disorganized remnants of a Pacific hurricane that is crossing Mexico at the moment. We can use the rain, and this forecast results in my executive decision to not go do the digging I was planning this weekend. The soil is rock hard and needs watering to be workable, so waiting till after the storm becomes the new plan.

Instead of digging I'll take the trimmer out and work around the edge of the garden to remove tall grass around the peppers, and clear out the area where next week's digging will take place. I'll save the attic work for the rainy weather.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Oct 22 - 10:46 AM

Dupont:

Glasses were found! He put them down to empty the bucket of the de-humidifier... Someday he might get around to making the hose portion work and not need to empty the bucket. Someday, there might be another, very needed one, in the cellar. Someday...

The dear old Jennair was trashed and has been replaced with good quality loaner from Cousin Doug and Ann, who were our guests for a Thanksgiving dinner cooked on their stove! If I could do-over, I would call repair person for Jennair but I bowed to the concept of "he owns the house and has the right to decide". It had to be trashed after R took it apart to see if he could fix it... Too computerized for ordinary folks!

The wonderful fan and hose that took out hot air may yet see a new life if we ever get a space for kiln sorted out. Thinking in cellar, near back outside door, the 220 stove outlet, and area where the the air had traveled outside from stove... Is that complex enough?! Looking for convenience in moving pottery from area to area - not terrific but feasible.

On this gorgeous day, I repotted the Ficus benjamin and realized how large it has become. Sitting here in the den, looking at its absence, I realize I need it there because it greatly improves the view but a bit further from the window so it is not crowded. Negotiating for a small, high table for it. There are a couple available but R has to consent to allowing a plant on one. He failed to note that there is already a plant on one.... !!

The well nurtured but unblooming orchid (Phalenopsis) is now in same pot but new medium and in a cooler but sunny space which research indicates might encourage bloom. I don't even remember what colour it was!

While shopping for plant needs, I found a bag of soil especially for palm trees. The not very happy looking palm plant is repotted in this, with hopes that it will gain in health. We only have it because a few years ago I saw it on Kijiji with a heartfelt plea " I cannot take care of it, Someone please..." It was only a few blocks away so I went and fetched it and improved it considerably but not completely. Hope it responds to the new soil.

Also did laundry today and will re-make bed before we run off to music tonight. R is doing mysterious plumbing work in the cellar...

AND telling a friend my pottery space frustrations, she texted that her son, who has been learning building skills at a nearby school, recommended by a very dear mutual friend, could build me a shed in back yard; I asked that he phone me and we had a great chat and he will come and put firewood on deck - a major help! And we will consider the shed problem. The placement is major - not to block anything, not too much snow removal needed, ... Maybe rebuild back porch with shed at one end of it... Not much time left before snow falls...

Surprised Charmion has had snow! I consider her area the "banana belt" of Ontario.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Oct 22 - 05:17 PM

Stratford is a little north of the Banana Belt, Dorothy — we’re in the Peach Belt.

We get Lake Effect weather here: storm cells and squall lines that drift or blow across Lake Huron and Lake Erie. If a system rolls up Tornado Alley from the mid-western states, it can bring almost anything. Last week, Facebook dredged up a post I made in October 2018 with a photo of our deck covered with some five centimetres of hail and more coming down. Temporary snow before Hallowe’en is quite normal, and Remembrance Day is reliably cold and bitter.

Today, we’re having Indian Summer: bright blue sky, high of 22°C, no wind. And here I am in the house with the cats and the ‘Cat!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Oct 22 - 11:41 AM

Rain! It's a heavily overcast day and so far it's beneficial gentle soaking rain. When it starts out this way its more likely that even if it rains hard later more of it will soak in.

I've just found a fly in the Thanksgiving ointment for late November. A friend with three cats has me cat sitting for her again, now requiring three trips a day because of the various medications one cat needs. I think her time away will be Nov 20 to the 26 so I'll put our family Thanksgiving meal on the 27th so I don't have to interrupt our cooking and eating. If necessary, I'll negotiate so she knows why I need that entire Sunday open. We rarely end up doing Thanksgiving ON Thanksgiving, as we accommodate our own family travelers.

Trash pickup included a bunch of shredded files today. I keep finding old bill files that are no longer needed, plus I got rid of some more graduate school notebooks. I know, I know, I'll never use them again, but the ones from favorite classes hung around a while longer than the rest.

My elderly (both in late 80s) across-the-street neighbors apparently quietly went through their own COVID crisis earlier this month. I saw her daughter drive up several times, and one day I met her at the driveway to give her a bunch of okra for her mom, but she didn't mention the COVID. I had a call on Friday explaining that they were about over it now (they'd had the antiviral prescription that helped). I took over some still-hot fried okra and a bag of fresh okra to do whatever else with they might enjoy.

Some months ago Charmion mentioned that she thought the whole fat milk helped squash a desire for more sugar in her diet. I gave that a try and while whole milk tastes good, I have decided to cut the extra calories and go back to 2% for now. For me, I find that simply adding sugar into my diet quickly triggers the sugar habit. This last week has had some desserts (Strawberry cake) and a Scotch in the evening, and those really do work against keeping to 1200 calories a day. My next cooking challenge is to look at my favorite recipes and make smaller versions. Next up - bread pudding half-size so it's only 3 servings, not six. And I think I need to build in a fasting day after I've had desserts on the menu for a few days.

And the heavy rain is here!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Oct 22 - 11:07 PM

Several cat sitting jobs have come up at the end of the year with one this week being sudden, after two deaths in the family with two funerals scheduled. We're sorting out the details and keys and such. I wish I could afford to just do this week's one for free as a favor, but it's a lot of gas to go there and back as often as she needs done. I have instead offered to make a batch of baked goods to send with her when she drives down to her mother's house.

I picked up a replacement switch for the master bathroom light - I've changed out two switches around the house this year. It's easier than changing fixtures and so far this has been the $3 repair that fixed the lights. I was at Lowe's and I also found smaller buckets with fitted lids and I'll swap out the 5-gallon kitchen waste bucket beside the kitchen door for one of these. Last week I set up a 4-gallon bucket and the new one is two gallons. I'll be emptying them more often into the compost pile out back but the job will be much easier.

Job this week: finish scraping the adhesive remnants off of the hall bathroom floor so if I bring in either a large piece of Linoleum or vinyl tiles I can put them down right away. And going a bit blind phone shopping. The old LG is about to give up the ghost.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Oct 22 - 10:03 PM

Gah! Computer stuff today. I decided to backup some of my data to the cloud, but it isn't as easy as it would seem. I thought to use One Drive, but now I have to do research - if the One Drive lives on my C: drive and in the cloud, my C: drive doesn't have room for the Terabyte of stuff I want to move. And I set up the space while I still had a personal 100 Gig thing going and now have both. I'll call Microsoft tomorrow and sort it out.

This is because I've realized that a new phone is going to be without the SD card storage I've always had until this point. The Samsung phone that has the card is in the mid-range design-wise and missing the wireless charging I like and a couple of other things. I've found the last version of the phone I like (that phone's price dropped once this year's version came out.) I'm going to be storing more stuff in the cloud. It's a pain in the backside.

I thought there was a way to completely back up a computer, including the operating system, to the cloud, but I haven't found it yet. Also, I fear this is leading up to eventually upgrading to Windows 11.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Senoufou
Date: 26 Oct 22 - 03:40 AM

I may have to scrap my car (ancient Ford Fiesta) if it fails its MOT in two weeks'time. This will leave my garage blissfully empty, which is how I like it. There are two high shelves in there with plastic crates of small tools, and the gardening tools are hung on nails along one wall. But husband says that if he comes back to live with me, he'll put lots of his stuff (including furniture he bought for his flat!) in there. I'm having to bite my tongue - I just hate clutter!
Could I perhaps hang him up on a nail on the wall when he's not 'in use' :)

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Oct 22 - 10:58 AM

"Love me, love my stuff" doesn't ring quite a true as "love me, love my dog." or cat. Why bring stuff if he's moving back to a furnished house? Is this so he can leave again? Point out the problems and see how he responds. Maybe it's easier to have him decide now if he's really coming back to stay?

My to-do list leading up to a big family Thanksgiving has now reached the bottom of the page. I've crossed off a few completed tasks, but I'm going to have to flip the sheet before I am finished with preparations. And something that just occurred to me: I need to empty a spot in the upright freezer so if I find a good turkey ahead of time I can keep it frozen.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Senoufou
Date: 27 Oct 22 - 02:38 AM

Ah that's the thing about large turkeys and keeping them cool/frozen Stilly. Very few people would have such a big, free space in their fridge or freezer to accommodate one.
I agree about getting husband's attachment to his furniture sorted out before he arrives. Actually, when the oilmen come here to deliver heating oil, they have to pass their tanker pipe through my garage and go out through its back door to reach the oil tank. And every single time, one says I have the tidiest garage in Norfolk!
I reckon I'll persuade husband to sell his spare furniture before coming back to live here. His landlord might buy it from him to improve the bedsit flat he'll be leaving. Our bungalow is extremely well-furnished, and needs no 'additions'!

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Oct 22 - 01:36 PM

Even though it the process is a lot more automated, changing phones is still a pain in the ass. I used a cable to transfer most apps but I'm comparing new and old phone screens and logging in one at a time or downloading and setting up. And it moved about 2,000 photos I meant to not load into the new camera. I've just removed them, they are backed up in several ways. The old SD card will go into an adapter and can be used in a card reader slot. I have to poke around and see if my audio books make the move. A few photos were moved into a family keepers album. Much of what must be done is to turn off wasteful features and delete the games and stickers and other such bloatware.

I'm cat sitting through the weekend. I'll go give medication at midday then head to the gym, so it isn't a one-off trip. I put off buying a new swimsuit to use at the gym, realizing I'll probably get enough points at Amazon from the phone to pay for a new suit next month. (It cost a lot less than the newest release; this is a 2-year-old model, purchased new and will be supported for quite a while. Samsung this time, since LG stopped making phones 2 years ago.)

Rain today, and prepping for a family visit: I'm working on removing the last of the adhesive on the hall bathroom floor so I can put down vinyl tiles or a sheet of Linoleum. Good work for a stormy day.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Oct 22 - 12:12 AM

The process of setting up a new phone can kill a weekend, or other two-day span of time. I've about reached the end of the apps, but am still moving photos out of the new phone that moved from the old. So many shots of my beloved Cinnamon and Poppy, so a few going into a "keep" album, the rest are backed up in the computer and don't need to be in the phone.

So it seems that the weekend leading up to Halloween has a lot of good non-English concerts on PBS (various approaches to the Day of the Dead). I've had them on this evening, not understanding the words but enjoying the performances. This is something that has come more to the forefront in the last decade or so - non-English concerts on American TV. It's about damned time. We missed so much without it.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Oct 22 - 08:53 PM

Dupont:

Starting to recover from two unrelated sudden deaths last weekend.

I was planning to leave for Beaver on Weds and had appointments/visits arranged - now cancelled until further notice due to need to stick around for funeral and, hopefully, a Celebration of the Life of. Still not ready to cope. Grieving loses and also the missed visit with special friend. Had a good visit last Sunday with hospitalized very special friend; hope for another visit soon. I am still reeling.

I did manage to find COTTON turtlenecks for R as his have basically disintegrated and winter is here. Time on internet only netted one company with such and only one of their local chain of stores had them in stock! So, today I had a pleasant trip up the St. Lawrence and managed, with a stop for help, to find the store - wrong street number listed on Internet!! Lovely clerk helped me find the shirts and I bought two. Then with a what else can I do while I am here idea, I saw a bulk food store and found candied ginger and choc to replenish this supply. Got back in car to head north/homeward, I thought: having driven 35 minutes to get here, it is a good idea to get two more shirts. So I did; prob a life time supply! It was a huge spread out mall but nothing else of interest to me.

Returned a pile of books to library and came home with equal pile!

Keeping wood stove going after a couple warmish days. It is catching up after a couple down-to-freezing nights.

Subject: RE: FITNESS & Declutter 2022 - Pandemic redux
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Oct 22 - 11:05 PM

Dorothy, the reason I'm cat-sitting this week is because a friend (who contacted me about sitting over the holidays coming up) had two unexpected deaths in her family. Cousins passed away within a day of each other and I was able to step in so she can go support her mother and family for a couple of days.

Malls are strange depressing places these days. I visited a department store in one recently and it was its usual well-stocked self, but I think if I'd moved beyond Dillard's into the mall I'd have found a lunar landscape of empty storefronts.

As to your cotton shirts, I have plenty of outerwear and long-sleeved shirts, but I'm planning to visit a thrift store soon to look for more 3/4 length sleeved cotton knit shirts in my size. The "fast fashion" aspect of the shirts I found recently is depressing; they are made quickly of light-weight fabric, sewed on sergers and won't have long lives.