DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 23 - 10:58 PM

In 2021 I made the switch to buying envelopes with sheets of laundry detergent that come in modestly-sized paper envelopes in brown wrapper shipping envelopes and every speck of it is recyclable.

Earth Breeze

The scented variety is so subtle that's what I use most of the time but I also got some unscented that is truly no scent at all. I bought a multi-pack of it in early 2021 and I'm still using them (it was a number of packages sent at once). I just looked, and see I have one envelope of unscented (60 loads) left. I'll be ordering the scented next time because it is incredibly mild but enough that I can tell the laundry has been washed with something. I have a couple of partial bottles of the old regular detergent that I am using up, and these days only use when washing things like rugs or dog beds. Because they're dog beds and can use some scent masking. Except for the fact that I use these for dog beds and rugs I'd donate what is left to the Humane Society.

The Earth Breeze folks are very helpful - if you want to tweak your order you can email or call and they'll take care of it for you. I wanted to compare the two types of detergent but the original order was just one or the other. They swapped out some so I got to try both. (I just placed an order, 1 envelope every three months for $12 plus .99 tax.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Jan 23 - 10:12 AM

Earth Breeze is apparently unavailable in Canada, Stilly.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Jan 23 - 10:26 AM

I didn’t look far enough — Earth Breeze is available on Amazon.ca, but only in massive quantity. Three packets of 60 loads’-worth each can be had for a variety of prices ranging from Cdn$114.71 to Cdn$120.00, which is a lot to sink into laundry all at once.

My underwear drawer contains a miasma of Persil whiff. This cannot go on!

If I keep the packets dry, it won’t go bad …

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 23 - 11:15 AM

I ended up ordering it for a lot less than the price you found - we could discuss this via back channel - I ended up getting them for about $9.25 each (60 loads). I could mail a couple to you a lot cheaper than they can, apparently. (Since my ex is using this now also I figured I'd let him have a couple of them rather than his also going through the hoop jumping - I normally wouldn't buy this much just all for me.)

This week will be more working off of a checklist of things that have come up or that annually occur. Like putting my file box in order and updating for this year (this is where the most active accounts live - if I had to grab one box of records and flee the house, this would be that large box.) There are several aspects to that. Along with diddly stuff like changing out the battery in my SUV key fob before I get locked out. It seems those batteries go pretty quickly, so I finally put a spare in my handbag and I'll put a couple of spare in the center console as well. (I recently spoke to a poor guy who had locked his running car outside a Burger King restaurant on a quick lunch stop. His fob died and he was overdue returning to work and was trying to pry open a window.)

Decluttering is on that checklist; I have boxes spread all over the place lately so they need to be flattened to recycle or set aside for eBay shipping. And I'm getting close to the stage after various sewing projects in which I can offer a robust bag of "crumbs" - those small pieces of fabric that can be assembled into blocks for crazy quilts - to whatever lucky quilt-maker happens to be a member of our local Freecycle or FB Buy Nothing group.

The den again looks like a forest floor, and I notice a buildup of dog hair around the house in general. Same ol' same ol'.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Jan 23 - 10:21 PM

Dupont:

There may be "scents" that are non-toxic. I only use Tide Free and Clear. It may not be the best environmentally but I do not have to deal with a stench - in fact, I would give anything that smelled at all to someone capable and willing to accept it.

R cooked himself a BF Saturday that stank so that we had to open the doors - at below freezing temps. He did not smell it - NOW I find out he has had almost sense of smell for years! (I've known him for 55!) And mine is hyper-sensitive! It may have had to do with adding the left over tzaziki (?) to his eggs in the frying pan. It was puke-quality stench for me!

Here, the ticks are in the grass. I picked up a couple from walking through tall grass a few years ago. The only ones I have encountered here. But our friends are outdoors much of the time; Jess runs a coop farm/CLSC.

On the homefront: bare essentials - minimal cleaning, plant care, keeping the woodstove going, sometimes even clearing some snow, finally getting some energy back; my back has only just stopped hurting from my pot throwing. I will not do THAT again! We have a fair amount of snow. A neighbour cleared the drive a week or so ago, though we generally manage to get in and out OK. And some has melted and then more arrived and freezing a thawing...! Yesterday, R got stuck and the cross the street neighbour cleared us out very well with his snow blower. There was a conversation about the fact that R has one... He has not succeeded in getting it working! And we may have 10 inches more in the next couple days...

No thoughts of traveling!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 23 - 11:13 PM

Dorothy, we may also get snow tomorrow, but no accumulation. I hope R gets the blower operating - otherwise it's just a paperweight. Mostly just rain tomorrow, predicting an accumulation a bit over an inch. It will be helpful.

I go through some days planning to finish projects or fix things, and seem to have entered that kind phase. I've worked on several projects around the house lately. On Wednesday I'll have some answers about work I may end up doing here (speeding up the Internet reception to the computer). I have to redo some garden areas, and in the process work on several things that are in the garage and the greenhouse.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Senoufou
Date: 24 Jan 23 - 02:16 AM

Our village hall is now asking for jigsaws and bookshelves, to add to their collection of unwanted books people have donated. I think this is a very good idea, as they offer a 'warm spot' for villagers to sit and chat while keeping warm. I might sort out some more unwanted books to take down there.
Husband has settled in once more, and our bungalow is rather full of 'stuff', but I'm very happy and can't complain. He's filled all our kitchen cupboards with bowls, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans which he's brought over from his flat. His bedroom is crammed with mountains of clothes and trainers. However, he got a ladder and put all his suitcases in the loft. He brought over a super little vacuum cleaner which is very easy to handle, so I hoovered every inch of our home yesterday while he was at work.
He's also made a collection of many of his unwanted clothes to take over to Ivory Coast next summer for all his family to have. They'll be fighting over them all!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 24 Jan 23 - 02:14 PM

My Mennonite friends came by this morning for some tunes. It snowed last night, at last. The world is all tattered and torn, but the sun is shining in Stratford and I feel fine.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Jan 23 - 06:32 PM

Dupont:

I doubt the snow blower will get repaired in the near future. We shall just keep muddling along. R manages to hae too much on his plate ALL the time and when I think/hope he is staying home to "get something done" - what gets done is another book read or hours - literally - spent looking at news on his phone. Sometimes there are even work-related emails or texts.... His library downstairs is "fine" and I hear he is getting a workshop together... I don't go to the cellar(workshop) or the basement (library) due to air quality. The snow blower is too large to bring in the house and he does not do well with the cold. He has had at least 3 summers ... There is also a brand new generator that needs ???? and ... Oh Well. If I can only help him maintain a semblance of getting the absolute essentials done. Time goes by and Well, the taxes got paid a few days before they sold the house for unpaid taxes... Yeah, all this is hard to deal with so I just keep reading books and, come to think of it, he just keeps reading books... But I am not letting anyone down. Some days, it is scary.

But I have an out: Beaver and enough money to live there alone if it comes to that. I would have failed to be the support person I had hoped to be. The job seems to be beyond my ability. There! I have said it. We will just keep muddling... I will keep my nose above water and hope he does also.

A storm is coming; I need more green tea!

Also, I want Charmion to know that Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) has considerable info on healthy houses, building supplies, etc. Our friend Oliver Drerup built the first low-cost healthy house complex, near Ottawa and then lectured on the subject internationally. It all started when a family convinced him (a tough job!) that their brand new dream home was making them sick. He built them a healthy house... and went on from there. He should be retired now (maybe) but there are books on the subject and the website was comprehensive last time I looked.

This morning was spent writing an email to a friend re the traumas that can mess up our lives, starting in utero. I have spent a good chunk of every day for several weeks, contemplating this and considering how to approach a subject that is clearly unresolved for him. For most of my life I have wished for a way to send my thoughts through the ether, so to speak. We do hear of people having this kind of connection at times. Anyway, the primary message has been sent. I would be more comfortable face to face in a peaceful environment.

That, I hope, is the most important thing I have done in these weeks. Never mind the particulars of everyday life. Now to continue to trying to figure out how to get a stubborn Scot to recognize how he is shooting himself in the foot - daily. This could be one of the most important things I do with my life - or the biggest failure.

My #2 son has still not called re my birthday - almost two weeks ago. And my bro's cancer is turning nasty. But there is food cooked and teh sink is not full of soiled dishes, the sheets are clean and the house is looking good enough if anyone should happen to visit....

Visit??? What's that? Phoned a friend today and got her dear husband and we talked about visiting in the summer! And I have a great idea for warmer weather - to put a few chairs under the trees in the front yard and sit out there to read so I can talk to people out walking their dogs or just walking by. No front porch! But I will fake one. I suppose I shall have to tack the chairs down but that is possible. I will watch for folding chairs at the thrift shops.

Lots of snow on its way. I need to go back to the library in the am! We spent Sunday aft there but 3 of 5 of the books I brought home were already read! I will re-read the James Lee Burke just for his beautiful way of writing.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jan 23 - 03:43 PM

Spectrum (Internet/cable) messaged me that there was something that needed fixing on my line and needed to come check it out so I went ahead and set up the appointment; I'm not playing blazing-fast online games so I would never have noticed. What I did notice was that the appointment for 10am stretched out and out and out and at 1pm I had to tell him that I had things to do and they needed to wrap it up and if something else needed working on, we'll do it on a day when I don't have errands and a deadline looming. And it took another hour to get it over with. Four hours pretty much blew my plans for the day out of the water.

I'm onto plan B, no gym today but a shorter trip to the discount grocery, and since I couldn't be online during that time I picked up around here, puttered, and made a batch of dinner rolls. A friend will be over shortly to go along.

Dorothy, your observations about R and his methods of operating aren't a surprise; I'm gaining new insight as I move closer to getting tested and a possible diagnosis that has been a long time coming. The level of disorganization you describe is worse than here or what I've seen in most instances, but now that a family member is getting treatment for ADHD and is feeling relieved, a die has been cast, and think a couple more of us need to follow that example. It's time for me to attend to the level of distraction and impulsiveness that make it more work to get anything done (at work or hobby-wise.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Jan 23 - 08:58 PM

The one change that didn’t work: I decluttered my house – then began buying back my belongings

I've always been suspicious of Marie Kondo even tho I love Japanese design & art & crafts. One collection I've successfully downsized was my Japanese dolls collection (approx. 6 shelves) - I helped a younger collector stagger out with 10 Green bags full of dolls & decorative items. All I kept were 2 modern Japanese teenage dolls I dressed in kimono - Jenny in white religious ceremony kimono ($205 for the used book, OMG!!!! maybe I should sell my copy, or did I give it away?) she also has a gold with red lining wedding kimono displayed on a hanger. Traditional Japanese brides wear their (family) red/gold kimono for the rest of the festivities.

Green bags? they are reusable grocery bags made from recycled plastics & themselves are recyclable when no longer needed or useful, for those who don't know them under that name. Not all of them are dyed green, but most are!

One collection down, a zillion others to go ...

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 23 - 11:59 AM

My endeavor to continue eating down the over-stocked supplies in the pantry and freezer has progressed. When shopping yesterday I picked up fresh produce and some dairy but managed to stay away from prepared foods (I don't buy too many of those anyway) and frozen meat, etc. There are plenty of protein sources around here to last for ages.

I'm eating more protein for breakfast, on the recommendation of a counselor who advises "brain food" in the morning. Not that it is just protein, but that there is a good portion along with whatever fruit or vegetable I'm also having. Unless it was something like ham and eggs, I never usually ate protein for breakfast. Now I'm trying to avoid breads at breakfast, though I'll include oatmeal or raisin bran as long as it's on the side. It isn't easy, developing new habits, and right now I'm in the evaluation stage, to see if it is worth the trouble.

It's sunny and cold here, no need for a blower to move the errant sunbeams off of the driveway before leaving the house. I hope everyone else is comfortable and has good access to places they need to go.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jan 23 - 01:58 PM

Dupont:

A lot of snow blankets us this am. R went out to clear the car- at least his - and found that noise I heard in the wee hours was the neighbour's snow blower - his large parking area and our very small one!

R cleared part of the front steps - including totally unnecessary places. I wonder if ADHD includes this - to me - highly annoying bit. I am all for efficiency, doing what is needed. From the bottom of the steps, one must, then, wallow through about a foot of snow to the cars - but the edges of the steps - where no one ever need walk - are clear!

As a result of this and something SRS said, I went googling and found Frank and Lillian Gilbreth - oft cited by my father when things needed to be done efficiently - as did everything!

"What is Lillian Moller Gilbreth most known for?
"Gilbreth became a pioneer in what is now known as industrial and organizational psychology. She helped industrial engineers recognize the importance of the psychological dimensions of work. In addition, she became the first American engineer ever to create a synthesis of psychology and scientific management."

Time and motion studies amongst others.

She is worth a look see. It was their theories that impressed my dad and their dedication to efficiency which makes me hard to live with! "A place for everything and everything in its place" was oft heard. Father never acquired more than could fit that motto. I have, and, hence...

Every once in a while, largely thanks to this thread, I remember to attempt to clear more of the decks, organize a bit better - though my organized kitchen is sacrosanct; easy for anyone to find things ... if THEY put it back in its place!

I add almond flour (2gm protein per tablespoon) to my porridge (one cup oat flakes) as well as a handful of dried cranberries (organic, sweetened with apple or orange juice - I forget), a diced apple and a couple T of ground flax seed. This has been very helpful; leftover is good for BF or lunch or snacks for me. I also add almond flour and flax to my buckwheat pancakes. One batch is good for BF for both of us and planned-overs for me whenever. They also include a couple cups of frozen fruit (could be fresh in season) per batch (1 c flour...).

I got so into looking at odds and sods on line, I forgot this post!

Maybe today I will make beet/black bean "burgers" from a simple recipe I found. The beets and beans are ready, just process and cook in oven - think I'll use the toaster oven. But it is cold enough out to justify the large one - if I add in a couple squash!

Did grocery run yesterday "before the storm". The snowflakes were just arriving as I was getting into car from last stop!

Recognizing that I might be spending more time here, I knuckle under to the need to make it more palatable. Now that Covid is less of a monster, though still needing attention, I am looking at finding people to invite -- when the weather is conducive!! Talked with a friend a couple days ago and he is game to come out from Montreal in good weather - with family. We could have a pot luck out back; I have chairs and tables...

A post on FB about the paucity of front porches triggered: No front porch on this 1902 house but I could put some chairs out under the trees in the front yard - from thrift shops! and read out there. People walk dogs and just themselves even in this weather, of course. But if I were handy, someone might stop to chat.

In addition, our trip a couple weeks ago to southern Quebec taught me that our friends down there are actually delighted to have us drop in! And they are a total delight to visit. We are grandparent age for them! And there are a few others down there whom we met through music that I can connect with, even if R is "too busy". We even risked our lives attending a CD launch at Jim's - a terrific, and unique, venue. There will be more... I may be a hermit but total isolation does not work! I shall be watching the weather for a trip to Beaver in mid Feb.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 23 - 02:53 PM

Dorothy, I am just learning about how focus, hyperfocus, distraction, and impulsive behavior dove-tail together. Everyone has these things, it's just that for some people it's an everyday minefield of trying to stay on task, etc. (I tend to climb one side or the other of the stairs and use a rail, maybe that was a factor on the snow-blowing?)

I think the best way to describe this process is the analogy of the fish that doesn't see the water it swims in. Once you can see the water (the behaviors and the coping mechanisms) then you can't unsee it and it's time to look into how to address the issues present.

You'll have to let us know about your beets and black beans dish results. I can't say it sounds like an appealing combination, but I like both of them on their own.

There are a lot of music venues over in Dallas, but I hate driving in Dallas so I never go to music over there. I fear pretty much everything else around here is rock or country. I'm glad you're able to get out to music events in the provincial areas you visit.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 23 - 02:36 PM

When I don't recognize calls coming in I don't answer them. Today after waiting for a return call for an appointment and instead getting a woman huckster asking me to sell her the house at my ex-husband's address, I changed my message. It usually just gives my number and says to leave a message but I changed it slightly. Now I state that if I don't recognize their number I don't answer so they have to leave a message. So even the calls I'm waiting for will have to go through my voicemail and we'll play phone tag. So. Much. Spam.

A friend had a particularly bad COPD attack this week, and though he literally lives next door to a hospital ER, when he asked the doorman to help him walk the half-block, the doorman wisely declined and called an ambulance. It might seem silly for such a short distance, but it wasn't worth his job, considering the liability issues with that request. That said, the story of the stay in the ER and then overnight at the hospital was priceless. I bet he spent his whole time there taking notes in order to write the report he emailed to friends today. My knee surgeries have never been particularly interesting (can you hype an account of a really dry grilled cheese sandwich into a comedy routine? I think not.)

Even for retired people the looming weekend is welcome. For some reason, the days feel different. Have a good one, everyone!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 23 - 09:37 PM

Some weeks ago I described helping my ex move an incredibly heavy latex queen-sized mattress out of his guest room and into the SUV, in order to drive it to the dump. He had three of these, and one of them ended up here. It is so heavy that in order to move the mattress position I have to rotate the entire bed frame (the classic and inexpensive angle-iron frame on wheels that holds the box spring and mattress.) It took some doing, but this evening before changing the sheets I moved stuff out of the way and turned the bed so the foot is now at the top and I'll sleep on the side that doesn't have a depression. This maneuver also gave access to some dust puppies under the bed. I'll wait till I have help before I try to flip it over months from now when another change is due.

Tomorrow I have plans to do some digging of gardens in the front yard, more of a full-body workout than I've been getting lately. And celebrating having finished the 3x a day cat-sitting. I've been to the gym several times this week because I was so close when I was at her house; there will be one more trip tomorrow or Monday since she forgot to leave the usual cash; I'll pick that up then head over for a workout. (Because of the knees, for ages I just used the recumbent bike, but I've started using the treadmill also - walking is a weight bearing exercise good for your bones. The digging will give the upper body more exercise.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 23 - 09:53 AM

Well, darn! After a warm day yesterday then next six days are forecast to be a lot colder, freezing overnight, and rain much of the week. The yard needs it but I won't be out in it digging new garden beds. Instead, the weeds will grow, unmolested.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jan 23 - 11:27 AM

Having always been impulsive I see the timeless zone of hyperfocus as the joy of creating and distraction as a rest from it all. Getting set up for hyperfocus has more procrastination than I like but I don't have work or the ambition to work at great sacrifice of money. I'm like a playful otter compared to the hard working ant. Coping with migrain pain sapped most of my time in the past but now its just non stop time with the typical age pain de jours before the great grand pause. Yep I enjoy being lazy. Its good that I can reach deep sleep in a short time. Many small sleeps keeps me in touch with my unconscious self and dream states.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 29 Jan 23 - 12:42 PM

Dupont:

SRS: our steps only have a rail on one side and rubber mats start at that side, the end of each a clear line - "stop here!" But cleaning around the log that keeps the door from swinging too far, the pot of plants that are just sitting there until I get around to deciding where to move them... 3 feet of clear steps with rubber mats is quite sufficient... I am concerned.

The "burger" concoction was declared "no taste at all"; I could have improved them with onions, herbs, something! My heart was not in it. I think "burgers" are not necessary to our diet! The texture is fine.

WE spent yesterday aft at the local library again, a pleasant place and I watched the sun go down, a treat - there was sun! And I got to see it set. That library has no more books by the author I was seeking. The super nice staff person offered to order something for me but I prefer not to put them to the trouble. I just checked the times for the library in southern QC that I used a lot when we were down there. It had an amazing collection of books. Strictly volunteer run and with the municipalities paying all their other expenses, they must focus on books! And I do go that way at times - Plan! Planning to make life in QC more palatable. Maybe if I have some fun, I can get a few projects moved on out of the sewing room. Nothing beats an improved state of mind?

So pots trimmed from the 8 bowls that wrecked my back. And then I threw 2 more - just 2! Maybe I can get some strength into my back if I don't overdo it! Just a little bit at a time.

SRS: ADHD never occurred to me. Now I am wondering where are the excellent books I had on the subject when I was working... Daniel Amen did incredible work on ADHD. Did I give them away? Quite possibly! Oops!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 23 - 01:50 PM

Dorothy, ILL (Interlibrary Loan) is a standard offering from libraries, they probably subscribe to a system in order to do it. I think you should accept the offer to get your books locally, and support that service.

I've read some of Dr. Amen's stuff; he's very popular and I don't know how reliable on all subjects. I'll look at the book I have here to see what he says.

There are online tests - very sketchy - that probably catch the most pronounced cases. They don't necessarily snag the three main features of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive, or any combination of the three. As one would expect, there are different aspects of this to consider. Time management, interruptions, unfinished projects, wasted workdays, distractions, and more fuel the kinds of questions that might get to the heart of the matter more quickly. But everyone does those things, so it's a matter of intensity. And it seems that the medications give the brain the stimulation that it is seeking with all of the revolving search for stimuli.

Heading out for a while, and one thing I plan to do today is stop by one of the little restaurants along the busy street that runs into my part of town. It had lines around the block to their drive-thru during COVID and is still popular. I've looked up the menu. It's a Mexican taco place, more takeout than inside seating (because it's small) and I'll pick it up on my way back home. I live near all of these really interesting little places but there's only one I go to with any regularity. I suppose you could call this a New Year's resolution, to try some of these places. I've planned it for ages, now I need to do it.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 29 Jan 23 - 08:22 PM

I’ve been hunkered down at home since noon Friday, avoiding people and frowsting. I should have gone to church this morning but didn’t; instead, I read the New York Times and dealt with the aftermath of a major cat-fight.

I have no idea what set them off this time. The first bout erupted around 0400 hours with lots of screeching, swatting and slamming about, and they kept it up episodically all day. One of them — can’t tell yet which — suffered an injury and bled on the parlour floor, and by the time I came downstairs there were bloody smears and paw-prints all over the place.

Hmmm. Come to think if it, of course I didn’t go to church. When the rest of the choir was getting stuck into the introit hymn, I was down on my marrowbones wiping drops of gore off the dining room wall to the accompaniment of feline growls. The kitchen, hall, dining room and sitting room all needed floors scrubbed,

After a day of Mexican stand-offs, I’m watching telly with Isobel curled up on my lap and Watson has retreated to the bedroom. With any luck, tomorrow they will have forgotten their tiff and I’ll come home from pool class to find them intertwined in the comfy chair.

Silver lining in the cloud? The kitchen floor is cleaner than it’s been in weeks, and I even raked the crud out from under the stove.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 23 - 11:12 PM

The two younger dogs here do that periodic power struggle or fighting also, usually the bigger one drawing blood and the smaller one usually starting it. It illustrates the adage of they can't live with each other and can't live without each other.

Fort Worth is famous for its nearly month-long stock show and rodeo that starts mid-January. And it's also famous for "stock show weather." This week we're entering that phase of cold wet and possibly icy weather to make the folks walking between the livestock barns at the convention center miserable. (I have been the the stock show exactly one time, when my kids were small, in over 30 years of living here.) The weather means I have a harder time motivating myself to go to the gym to dress in lighter workout clothes to exercise, but I did it today and survived. Between their keeping the gym warm enough and my starting a new activity (using the incline on the treadmill) I worked up a sweat. I still haven't gotten out a swimsuit to start swimming laps yet. The pool is usually around 82^o, I should be able to manage that. :)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jan 23 - 03:51 PM

Not just "Stock Show" weather, but a full-fledged winter storm coming over the top of us. Fingers crossed the power stays on—I am better prepared than in February 2021 after those 4 sub-zero days with no power, but I wouldn't look forward to it.

This is "Soup stock" weather. Turkey stock is defrosting, carrots are roasting. Looking for healthy foods for this next few days when I don't plan to go out to volunteer or for other appointments. There are too many tall freeway bridges between here and most places I drive and the surface route would take three times as long.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Feb 23 - 01:46 PM

I've just taken the coaxial cable faceplate off of the bedroom wall only to find that there is no junction box there, just a nickel-sized hole for the cable to pass through. I happen to have one of the J-boxes they make for this situation - I must cut the precise hole for the box, slide it in, and there are small wings on the top and the bottom that swing out from the box and tighten against the sheet rock. An electrical engineer friend taught me how to run cables and do the J-box.

This will be a data port, and there is a similar cover on the other side of the room for an ancient phone line. On either or both I could also run coaxial for a TV antenna or future cable account (this is the "after I sell the house" kind of account). All of this has me thinking about if it is time to rearrange the room, since I do that every so often. Whatever new arrangement, it will still include the fitness space. Meanwhile, as cold as it is right now, I'm not going to climb into the attic to pull the lines, I'll just update the outlets in the room.

I have devices charging, including the backup battery I keep in my purse for the phone or tablet. There is more ice coming this way and the fear seems to be it will take down branches and power lines.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 01 Feb 23 - 04:56 PM

Cold and sunny in Stratford.

I'm sorting the library, and it's taking longer than I expected -- not because I can't decide what to let go, but because my first cut hardly filled a single six-shelf Billy bookcase. I know I would regret it if I were to dump the lot, so I have to resist the nihilistic urge and go through the process more thoughtfully.

There's a lot of specialized military history on those shelves, and that I definitely don't want to keep. But what about the books about Victorian tourism, the development of rugby, the spread of Calvinism in France, and the foreign policy decisions that got Britain into the Seven Years' War? Right now, I still have the attention span of a cat and congratulate myself when I finish one of the New Yorker's longer articles, but surely that won't last. In another year, or maybe two, things will be different and I'll be ready for a biography of William the Marshall or "The Age of Scandal" by T.H. White.

Nobody's pushing me to sell up and move so down-sizing isn't a priority, but I confess that I'll be relieved to have fewer books to dust.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 23 - 10:55 AM

There has been some virtual decluttering this week; the expansion drive inside the new Dell was in the red zone, and I realized I had a duplicate set of video files there that was also on an external drive, so removed that. Those take a lot of space. And the same on the old HP where I have the newer software but not connected to the Internet - lots of duplicates to remove. Meanwhile, I took some not-so-great photos of the silver thaw around here today - documenting it. I didn't spend long out there and I should have used the flash more, but what I have now is fine.

The yard is a slick icy crust and it requires very slow walking. I am hoping this melts quickly today, though the resulting mud will be intense. (What is it about the viscosity of the mud after a freeze? There must be a scientific term, it isn't just anecdotal.) That mud will be tracked through the den and into the far corners of the house in the next few days. My hypothesis is that the particles align to become stickier.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Feb 23 - 08:37 PM

I’m making progress on the library project.

What really strikes me is how much my interests have changed over the ten years since I quit my civil service job. Nowadays, I’m not willing to give houseroom to detailed official military histories of the first and second world wars. Neither do I wish to keep shelf-feet of military memoirs and accounts of derring-do.

Edmund accumulated books to an extraordinary degree. What strikes me now is how important it was to him to collect and keep books about the official British view of, especially, the Second World War, but also the expansion and eventual collapse of the British empire. Okay, I’m good with shedding those volumes.

I guess I’m still engaged in the painful business of extracting myself from my 25-year relationship with Edmund. Sorting the books is like having an extended debate with him about everything we were both brought up to hold dear.

It’s a good thing I’m not doing this on deadline.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 02 Feb 23 - 08:46 PM

Dupont:

Hunkered down for the cold snap; fire in the wood stove; thankful for the heater working! Turned up the baseboard heat in the hallway between den and Bath so the den stays warmer. The rest of the house is comfortable -so far; I don't need it too warm.R likes the den warm when he gets home and I had let it go out for a few days as we are running out of wood. Hard to replenish the supply when the available wood to purchase is under a foot of snow! and we can no longer get to the back yard and shall have to pile it in front and ... I did find a FB group for this area where people ask who does this or that and a fellow who does snow removal put his phone number - maybe if we can get some wood, he can help move it for me; that has been a concern.

I brought in most of what is left today enough for a few days. I have the idea that the brick chimney and fireplace collect a great deal of heat and radiate it. The BR above the den has a warm wall as a result. A bit like a Kachelofen.

R is busy trying to freeze proof buildings - could have been done in September? ... We might not make the music tomorrow night but I can still go the the Farmer's Market on Sunday - without him if need be! If the roads are OK. Tonight is predicted to go to -25C (about -6F?) And windy! White outs reported in Central Ontario and wind predicted for here tonight.

There is a possibility!!!! that the son of one of R's best friends may want to buy the city house!!!!! And the son of my friend Hannah may want some bowls so I photographed what I have and sent pics to her. Also suggested she could give him some of the zillion she has - a 40 year collection! So I have thrown more - only two a day, and not every day, to be sure I stay mobile!

Charmion: R would love some of those books; too bad you are far away. And I think of our friend who owns The Word bookstore in Montreal... An article in the McGill news about Adrian recently. But you seem to have pretty good handle on how to dispose of them.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Feb 23 - 09:40 PM

Canada Post works, Dorothy. Or you and R could make a road trip and come visit — with a car boot full of boxes.

No kidding. PM me.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 03 Feb 23 - 08:55 AM

Colder today than we’ve seen all winter — forecast high of -14°C and we’ve a ways to go to reach that. So the ensemble du jour must include earmuffs, lined jeans and woollen socks as well as the sheepskin coat and the serious mittens.

The builder’s quote on the mouldy bathroom came in yesterday. When I regained consciousness, I realized that, yes, I can afford it. What’s more, I must afford it — the house would not sell well with a mould infestation. Not that I’m at all eager to sell! But the house is my most important asset, and youse all know the rest of that thought.

I’m such a bourgeoise.

And I think I’ve finished sorting the books. When they’re gone, I will be able to unload five — count ‘em, five! — six-shelf bookcases.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Feb 23 - 10:19 AM

I want to read about that visit, and the drive to get there! Dorothy had better wait until the mold in the loo has been dispatched, so you both can breathe easier while you're disturbing the dust on those books.

According to Weather.com some of you in Canada and the US NE are going to be about 40^o below average tonight and tomorrow. Stay warm! Down here will rise above freezing finally, but I've cancelled lunch with friends tomorrow because everyone will be playing catch-up after a week stuck in the house. My street is still a crunchy sheet of ice. (This weather is one reason I built the stone wall in front of the berm I piled in my front yard - to keep cars from slithering through the stop sign, jumping the curb and hitting the house.)

Tonight I'll make my recipe for Hirino Me Melitzanes (pork with eggplant) using a thawed pork loin, canned homegrown tomatoes, and eggplant from the garden that I sauteed before freezing to use in this particular recipe. It's served with mashed potatoes—good thing, since I bought a 10-pound bag of potatoes recently. Buying potatoes cheap only stays cheap if you can use them all. Leftovers for me for a couple of days and I'll take plates to a couple of neighbors.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 03 Feb 23 - 11:41 AM

The builder's contract arrived by email about an hour ago. I shall sign it forthwith, and write the somewhat gag-inducing cheque for the deposit. Then they will book the work.

Cold weather and what it means in everyday life is top of mind for most Canadians at least four months of the year -- so important that, instead of "Have a nice day", some people say "Keep warm!"

The gas bill came in yesterday at twice what I paid in December. It ain't the weather; January was weirdly mild. I don't track fuel prices; natural gas isn't something I can shop around for, and it's not exactly discretionary spending in the dead of an Ontario winter. Lowering the temperature in the house, currently set at 20 degrees Celsius, would just result in protracted misery and numb fingers. So I embrace the suck, as the soldiers say, and thank my lucky stars for woollen socks and a decent pension.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 04 Feb 23 - 07:52 PM

Dupont:

Where I have barely moved in two days. R has not come home, only partly because the bridge is unsafe - black ice! I keep the fire going, hunker in my chair with a mohair throw, make another cup of tea and a bite to eat - not very healthy bites - Sheer inertia as I feel the cold trying to get in. I am sure it would not feel so terrible if I were at Beaver - where it may be colder but the wood stove is bigger and the house much smaller. The good news is the furnace keeps working! The bad "news" is that the water will probably be frozen - under the house - when I get back to Beaver. That only means fetching buckets of snow from the back deck to melt on the wood stove. And waiting for spring to thaw the pipes under the house. I do remember it being close to minus 40 for stretches when I lived at the farm - I was 15 years younger. Tomorrow will be about freezing or one degree above. It will feel like summer!

I doubt we shall ever be able to make a trip to Stratford! I am afraid my bro may not be with us much longer (cancer) and that will require a trip to PA, not because it would matter to him but my SIL would be devastated if I did not. And a trip to Whidbey, in May?, to see Troy and Julie's new home is essential-- and exhausting. I am finding 86 very difficult and hope spring will renew my energy...

I am keeping the plants alive, mostly, and take delight in a vigorous sweet potato plant rescued from outdoors, and a lovely yellow bloom on the Canna which ended up in a plastic bag and saucer in the hallway - full sun through glass door when it deigns to shine.

This 1902 house seriously needs new windows... The breezes!!!

I am enduring...

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Feb 23 - 09:14 PM

My ex was over for lunch today and I sent him home with some of my ripe bananas and a loaf of whole wheat bread from the freezer. It seems that during our icy spell none of the delivery trucks made it to the grocery stores, and they haven't caught up yet. When he stopped at Aldi today they were out of many perishable items. The Highway Dept. ran advice over the news to not head out today if you could avoid it because there is still ice (shaded spots on highway bridges, roads, and overpasses). I poured boiling water on the slip-and-slide shaded path yesterday while it was above freezing to clear out that ice.

I'd like to get to the gym again tomorrow, my knees are stiff when I don't do the extended walking or pedaling several times a week. I've started using the treadmill longer and at more of an incline. There was a thing on the news about a popular Tik Tok video about a "5-3-30 workout," interesting that it seems to be what I've worked out for myself. It means setting the incline at 5.0, walking at the rate of 3 miles per hour, and doing it for 30 minutes. This has been my practice because I tend to like to walk that fast and I split my gym time between the treadmill and the recumbent bike, adding up to at least an hour.

I know what you mean about the cold, Dorothy. Even though the temperature is set at about 70, there are cold patches all through the house and near the windows, so you're always reminded of the cold. Plus after the 4 days with no power in 2021, we're still aware of how vulnerable people can be when the lights go out. I've had a lot of green tea during the cold weather since it doesn't seem to have the same caffeine impact on me like black tea.

There isn't a gas line to this house, only electric, and I'm sure my eyes will water at the bill that arrives after this cold spell. As they will when I get the water bill, because not only did I leave water dripping in two sinks over four days, I stepped away from a slow job of filling the dogs' water bucket and accidentally left the water running in the kitchen. It ran over the edge and down the drain for at least an hour. The equivalent of what - a bath or shower every day for a week?

It hasn't been a particularly productive week, mostly small tasks. I am continuing the wiring of data ports and did some sewing. Many other "must do" chores languish.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Feb 23 - 11:19 AM

Yesterday I worked around a neglected 15-year-old Italian Stone Pine at the back of the yard. With the moist soil I pulled about 4" of dirt off of the base to expose a couple of girdling roots from when it was originally in a black nursery pot. The root flare is now properly exposed. Circling roots were trimmed, and I sprinkled some fertilizer. There are several other trees that need this attention. The extra soil pulled back (making a depression around the tree about 3' across) gets moved to a garden raised bed rather than left to create a moat around the tree.

I checked my cat-sitting financed fence fund and I am situated to go ahead and purchase more cedar pickets and treated lumber cross-members for the next panel. Hopefully that purchase is later today (I haven't driven in a week so fingers crossed the SUV battery is fine after the cold.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Feb 23 - 08:07 PM

Dupont:

So I was on Weds, car loaded, on my way out of town, happily heading to Beaver! The in car phone rang and, I finally managed to figure out that is was my niece - telling me my brother was no longer going to be treated for his cancer but was coming home to die in hospice care. WELL! ... If I wanted to see him in decent condition... So having parked for the phone call, I turned around and came back in a bit of shock. Called R to tell him I was not leaving for Beaver and spent the day looking on line for a reasonable way to get to PA; no train right now - covid - and crying, or trying to... Phoned my former babysitter, blubbering, "I don't know why I'm calling you, but you are there!" She has known my bro for 60 years; he has done electrical work for her and he has served most of those years on the volunteer fire dept... Everybody knows him! And she is now a twnshp supervisor... She messaged me this am offering hospitality and I responded today with our plan of staying here. The best of all possible babysitters (at about 12) is now a dear friend back living on her home turf - on daffodil lane. (Davis Lane)   

R came home about 8 pm last night and we batted around the situation. He was not comfortable leaving work for even a few days. I finally decided the best choice was for me to drive down myself. and went to bed. Phoned SIL this am and she assured me that I did not need to come down, that it was a long trip for me, and I could talk to him on the phone and Face time. She has a son and daughter with her and another son nearby... Sometimes it is excellent to be unneeded!

R went off to work, then, having forgotten his phone returned just in time for our first phone call. Bro sounded good - for 10 minutes and then he was wore out; the guy who has talked the ears off many brass monkeys.. No question- I will stay here. But, also will not go to Beaver due to the poor signal there. So, my current plan is to remain here until bro reaches point where he can no longer communicate - which may not be long. Niece was concerned that I be in touch while he still could; Jen is a nurse of high standard; she has been very helpful.

R stayed home all day to give me support. I finally suggested ordering in - We NEVER do. R suggested he cook something... I remembered the freezer and dug out a lasagna from the bakery - an excellent comforting meal and heated it in the toaster oven. Maybe I will feel like doing something tomorrow.

The greenware I was hoping to fire will not get fired - yet. It was loaded into car and now it is back in the hall. If it were not winter, I could do it at the mill but too much snow to plow through. The twists of life...

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Feb 23 - 10:54 AM

Aw, Dorothy. Here's hoping the care is palliative and he's comfortable and will go on his own terms. It's sad you can't get there but I'm glad you're staying home safe, when faced with a possible lone drive and iffy weather. More worry for the family would compound things right now.

When was the last time you saw him and his family? I remember you describing a trip to PA a couple of years ago. And thank goodness for the friend who was once a babysitter!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Feb 23 - 05:59 PM

Dupont:

I am OK - mostly! Glad not to make that trip, esp at this time of year. We were there in May for the Celebration ... of my friend.

The overflow of dishes is cleared. Supper will be the rest of the lasagna; I may make salads as I got the the store today for lettuce and some other stuff. Above freezing day but rain seemed cold.

I see I will shed a few tears at times. #1 son emailed briefly - "Pa (his GF who died at 58 when T was not quite 3 - a huge loss) would be glad that both his children lasted until 2023!" A wonderful thought! I encouraged him to phone; his uncle might have some stories of his childhood to share with him. Last chance! I hope it will not be long. Pain management is all bro will have. I hope they ensure it is adequate. And very glad he has come to terms with it.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Feb 23 - 08:16 PM

Somewhere around the house is a hand tool for cutting the sheaths off of cables but can't find it. So I started looking above the dryer where some of the small hand tools live and ended up sorting the basket with tools then moving to sort the basket next to it that holds old lightbulbs and various small electric socket extenders, dim/bright adjusters, switches, etc. I've set aside some bulbs to list on the Freecycle page (incandescent, curly fluorescent, and halogen - I use LED now).

In the cupboard and shelf over the washer I organized all of the paint brushes, small saw blades & the Ryobi reciprocating saw, rolls of tape, hammers, and several analog timers. I should donate a couple of the timers.

I need to sort the garage workbench area where more tools live. It's easy to pile stuff on the workbench, hiding small tools. And it wouldn't hurt to go through the cables and computer peripherals in the office closet. So many tools in so many places.

Yesterday I did a similar purge of the tea cart, dumping ancient boxes of flavored teas and discarding some old containers that looked nice but aren't air tight. I can see all of the various boxes and cans now that they're arranged in a single layer. I have some duplicate types of black tea so I won't be shopping for a while.

The result is a lot of stuff going to the recycle bins, a full donation bin for Goodwill, and a large bag of trash. I'm sure there was something else I was supposed to be doing instead, but this job came along and got done.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Feb 23 - 11:08 AM

From the Washington Post about Buy Nothing groups. "There’s a lid for every pot, as the saying goes."

Last night I tackled the little 40-drawer small parts storage organizer thing in the cupboard over the dryer. Surprising all of the stuff in those drawers that I'd forgotten about. Now they have more stuff, though a few pieces were moved to newly-curated locations for speciality items.

I believe I have all of the parts required for installing the Japanese bidet with warm seat and warm water. An electric cord is anchored in place and I picked up a new flexible water line (the existing setup has a solid pipe and gives no room to insert the new commode seat line). See you on the other side.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 11 Feb 23 - 11:31 AM

I now have a plan for re-homing the military history books I am not keeping.

The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa has a support group that operates a popular bookshop specializing in -- guess what? -- military history. So now, all I have to do (my least favourite phrase in English) is pack up the books and haul them to Ottawa.

My elder brother turns 70 on the first of March and I really must make the (frankly major) effort to go to Ottawa for the festivities. Consequently, the car will be stuffed with books about wars, rumours of wars and preparation for wars, with maybe a bit of room left for my AWOL bag. An ex-colleague (old soldier) has agreed to coordinate the deposit. And thus I have a deadline to collect boxes and get packing.

The slimmed-down library is much more appealing. There's a lot of stuff I did not read when it came into the house and forgot in the tumult of the last few years and, now that I have made a deliberate decision in favour of every remaining book, I remember why we wanted them in the first place. Some of them even spark joy.

After one day of normal cold ten days ago, the weather has returned to the weird bracket. Thursday was particularly nasty, with strong winds, temperatures just above freezing, and hours and hours of torrential rain. At supper time, I ventured into the cellar for a bottle of pinot noir and found a large puddle beside the furnace -- the humidifier had pissed itself. Very disconcerting. After some quality time with a bucket and sponge mop, I closed the valve on the water line. I guess the house is quite humid enough.

Of course, the furnace and the cellar drain are on opposite sides of the house. Sigh.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 11 Feb 23 - 02:35 PM

Dupont:

Grieving today; weepy. Called good old friends and was able to talk about it... That helped. And messaging with a FB friend, retired nurse, very pragmatic and caring. Texted SIL to phone when she felt like. She phoned- a blubbering mass of protoplasm, that made two of us. Bro is beyond Face Time. That 10 minute call is all there shall be. His suffering is almost over. Maybe I shall go back to bed and pull the covers up, and cry. I think my sons missed the boat. We did not have much warning.

Beautiful sunny day. Just below freezing. ...

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Feb 23 - 05:50 PM

It sounds like they've made wise decisions and going quickly is desirable. My father dropped dead suddenly of a pulmonary embolism. The coroner told us he probably never knew what hit him. My mother died the death she always feared, we all fear, slow and painful from cancer. She was still angry after the divorce, but on one of the last times I saw her she told me that he got it right as far as dying. Big hugs to you, Dorothy.

There are two tasks in the master bedroom area, the bidet installation and finishing the data line and antenna. The attic part of the work is easier during daylight when light filters in through louvered vents. I've been up there making a path for pulling cable, and picked up some old original cedar shakes that were dropped into the attic when the new roof was installed. They'll be stashed in the greenhouse as kindling source for any outdoors fires (like today, for lighting the burning barrel for old file papers that are too many to shred).

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Feb 23 - 01:05 PM

I always put the burning barrel away on the day I use it because overnight it would rust from the dew. Ashes were dumped into the compost and the bucket of water I keep nearby for just-in-case poured over them to extinguish embers.

The Attic Dek plastic planks are designed to fit either 16" or 24" spaced framed floors, but in a few places in the attic the builders were sloppy and the space is a *little* wider than 24" so the decking won't screw into wood on both sides of the gap. I'll use pieces of 1" thick wood cut to 26" in their place to extend the path. All wood forming a whole deck up there would make it very heavy, but a few here and there is ok. I'm doing this one route across the attic (above the bedroom hall and over the closet and dressing room to the back of the house) because it reaches the point where anything enters the house from the pole at the back. Telephone or cable and the current outdoor TV antenna connect there, and to reach it involves dexterity. I want to add a little support for a clear route across the insulated surface and past all of the heat and cooling ducts.

I found a long piece of TV aerial 300 ohm twin-lead coiled up near the den ceiling; I don't know where it originally was routed into the den, but I can use this to add an antenna port just about anywhere in the house (next to a data port). I'll take a large trash bag with me next trip because there really is a lot of old roofers' and builders' crap that got left up there over the years, making work more difficult and it just looks messy. Yes, you read it here, I'd like my attic to look presentable (that also means I have to organize all of the non-electrical data, telephone, and coaxial wires that run in every direction and constitute a tripping hazard.) And organize the stored large boxes (for speaker and stereo equipment, etc.)

Dorothy's various sheds and the Mill, Charmion's basement, and my attic - places where necessary equipment is housed and sources of occasional amusement and organization. This cleaning in the attic is kind of a treasure hunt - so far I found a hammer, screw-heads for the drill, a couple of boxes of nails, loose cable and spare wire, lots of intact shakes (maybe for a future art project?), metal objects like a solid galvanized ring that went to the now-removed attic vent fan.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Feb 23 - 10:46 PM

Dorothy, did you spend the day close to the phone, or instead bury yourself in a book or binge a program? Figuring out how to cope is different for everyone, so we will wait until you tell us what worked for you. I hope you have a supply of tea and chocolate.

Today the circular saw come out for a few passes to cut planks to size for the attic. There's nothing like power tools to make you feel like you're moving along. I've figured out how to move into the next area - getting safely over a duct will involve putting in a step over the top of it. Tomorrow. Once I can get to the right areas to pull the cable to the bedroom and the sewing studio this job will shift to the hall closet outside the office, where the existing ports will be updated in a bigger box and faceplate. Something I've meant to do for years.

Meanwhile, the Internet is running faster after unplugging or turning off everything then rebooting. Things were running in the dial-up speed range for a few days there.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 Feb 23 - 06:54 PM

Dupont:

Yep, spent most of the time between the computer and an interesting novel. Until Sunday, when I stayed in bed and slept until the phone rang about noon and Hannah instructed me to get out of bed; we talked for over an hour, then I got up and opened the computer to see if there were any messages from sons, or anyone. SIL phoned about 4:30 to inform me Geo died at 6:20 Sat eve with everyone there - but me. So glad it was quick.

I went back to the computer and there was a condolence from a friend down there. The whole community knew before I did... After the call from SIL, I started thinking it would help to go to the funeral and asked R about paying Eph to drive me down; he had offered.

R said he could do it because now there is a set time - not being there waiting for the end which could be a long time. He was relieved that I chose to do it; he has been concerned. As soon as we made this clear decision, my clouds lifted! So we are driving down on Thurs for the Friday Funeral.

A friend is leaving us key to her home! She is going to Mississippi. R can pick up the two books he left there in May. And we can rest up and enjoy the trip back, taking two days. Son Taun is coming. Troy may be able to get it on line. In connecting with him, I got a Face Time tour of their very modest new home on Whidbey, with its stellar view - across Puget Sound to the Olympics! The only cluttered room was the music room with guitars everywhere!

Life is looking better. I even managed to find semi-suitable clothes that FIT. I thought I had gained weight ... I could, just, get into the size 16, never worn, suitable, and very nice, dress - looked like an old fashioned pot belly stove. It would look great with a minimum of 20 pounds less. I'll take it; maybe Tenley would like it. But I have an alternative that will suffice, and fit.

I had gone upstairs to throw a couple pots but decided something to wear took precedence. Good thing. Guess I need to stop eating - as I go to have something to eat!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Feb 23 - 11:49 AM

Dorothy, grieving affects people differently, and eating or not eating is one of the factors. I've been imagining you as fairly slim since that last time you wrote about your weight; winter months do make it harder to not nibble, when your brain is telling you calories help fight off the cold weather outside. I'm glad you kept an outfit that fits for the funeral; I have a part of the closet where those few things hang that are there to be used for somber occasions, and they are also in about three different sizes. They cost enough or involved careful matching that even though some of them are a bit large, I kept them.

A neighbor offered up wood chips from her yard on the FB Buy Nothing page, and I'll be running by there to load some and drop them on top of the garden area until I'm ready to till it. I figure the chips will shade out any weeds that want an early start. The wood chip compost I get from the city is a five minute drive from here, the offer this week is a 5 block drive.

I put up a listing concurrently on FB's Buy Nothing local page and on the Freecycle listserv as a test instead of taking a bag of various types of lightbulbs to Goodwill. This is a lot less-odd than some of the things I see posted.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 15 Feb 23 - 02:09 PM

Important declutter achievement alert!

Four pairs of much-loved, immaculately maintained and frankly expensive shoes by John Fluevog (Google him if …) have gone to a friend from church who can and will wear them. Since my right foot is now quite twisted, I can’t any more. (O woe! No more cute shoes for me!)

Tomorrow I have to go to Kitchener for my monthly needle at the allergist’s office. Before I return to Stratford, I shall hit the U-Haul moving supplies store for boxes suitable for moving books, and stout sealing tape. The liquor store staff were not willing to let me clean them out of booze boxes so I’ll have to buy some, at least for this first Ottawa load.

I have now emptied the first of the six bookcases I intend to re-home. The military history books bound for Ottawa have been segregated from the rest slated to leave the building. Packing will begin on Friday.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Feb 23 - 04:57 PM

my new podiatrist was very interested in my weird gait (unlike my previous long-term podiatrist, both have doctorates, they are not just toe-nail clippers!) & sent me off for x-rays which I haven't had for years. He also frowned at my pretty (sensible) sandals - I've worn orthotic since 1983 - & suggested fancy walking shoes.

Gloom, desolation, I hate socks & walking/running shoes, tho the new styles might look colourful & cool (or is that an eye-rollingly Olde Pharte word?) they don't compare with purple floral sandals

I've never been able to wear fashion shoes, having pigeon-toes, flat feet, knock knees with foot, leg & back pain - gloom, desolation ...

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Feb 23 - 07:36 PM

A podiatrist who surgically repaired a bunion ~20 years ago told me I had "functionally flat feet." I walk fine, no pain, etc. When I look at this diagram I have a slim print like I always have so I set aside that information as possibly incorrect. (He wanted to sell me some custom orthotics.)

That said, since the surgery I wear flat shoes, with only a couple of pair that have a 1" heel for special occasions. And a few years ago I found an orthopedic brand called Propét that has a lot of attractive walking shoe styles. Much less expensive than the ones Sandra linked to and these are incredibly comfortable.