DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 21 Feb 23 - 09:22 PM

Dupont:

If nothing changes, I am off to Beaver tomorrow with a bunch of pots to fire and glaze and fire again. Thought about holding off for warmer weather but impending storm - Thurs - could affect the electric and the studio freezing would mean a bunch of lost pots (frozen greenware is not good!) and clay - worse yet! If I am there, I can bring these things into the house where the wood stove keeps me warm.

Leaving R with a pot of cauliflower soup and fresh batch of apple sauce. ARGHH! Excuse me While I put black beans on to cook ... There are none! Too bad! There are a number of prepared meals in glass in the freezer. He can make an effort! lots of bread and cheese, peanut butter...

Feeling that I weathered this trip pretty well. Good feeling! Tomorrow is only 5 hours.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 23 - 12:15 PM

Yes - I am anchored here by the dogs, so when I do have to go anywhere overnight I make arrangements with my ex to feed them. For a very long trip and I'd have to double up and pay someone to come over to give him a break, and ask him to spend the night here occasionally so they have more attention. I'm cat sitting for a friend this week and her cats protest her absence by inappropriate urination - she has a shower curtain (!) she is going to spread out over the top of her bed after the last trip. When I had cats I left out a lot of food and extra water and made sure the boxes were clean and that was it.

I had a camper shell over the back of the truck, so anything I hauled had to fit in the back. I wasn't interested in removing the shell to transport really large stuff. I do miss it, but the last truck had only 2 airbags and the cab didn't have extra reinforcement (the small back door and the main doors on each side met in the middle, there was no steel support beam for them to close against, so the top could have crumpled in a roll-over.) It would have easily held all of your boxes of books in a single layer on the bed of the pickup, and that vehicle was a gas hog. The SUV is better, partly because there is so much plastic in the skin of it. I always try to make trips efficient with planning a route that lets me make a loop of stops instead of heading out for single tasks. I'm due to buy gas after a loop that takes me to the gym, the store, the pharmacy, and my friend's house to feed her cats. The local run for wood chips is under a mile and probably will be separate.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 21 Feb 23 - 09:10 AM

Stilly, in my opinion an SUV is a better buy than a pick-up truck simply because its cargo area has a roof! It’s also more stable on the road and safer in a collision.

But that’s not enough to tempt me to own one — I’m just too stingy to buy the fuel required to run it.

Preparing for my trip to Ottawa makes me wonder how my life got so complicated. I have a long list of people to be told I’m going away, and chores to do in order to ensure that I don’t return to domestic unpleasantness.

Once upon a time, I could just toss some clean underpants in a haversack and lock the door on my way out. Those were the days!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Feb 23 - 08:57 PM

Dorothy, I think there are some areas where Amen's work is more sound. The advice about healthy foods and exercises and deep breathing are helpful. The brain scan, not as much. And frankly, he's judged by the company he keeps.

It sounds like a good trip to PA, and I hope the discussion with your son wasn't too troubling. I think something like that with my mother would have fallen on deaf ears for some of the issues we had when we were kids. The number one thing we hated and she ignored was her lifetime of heavy smoking. I suspect most reasonable parents wonder about the things their children harbor about their childhood, and I'm sure I'll hear about that one of these days. I know there are things I wish I'd done differently, or that I had done right at first and didn't have to learn from mistakes. I suspect that some of what we're learning now about ADHD might skew how we view past events.

Charmion, the reason I bought an SUV is because I couldn't afford a truck - even used pickups down here in Texas are expensive, they're so popular. So with three rows of seats and the third row always down I have a pretty good cargo area and when I'm moving a lot of stuff I lower the middle seats and sometimes push the front passenger seat forward and down. If I didn't feel like I had a lot of bulky stuff to move around fairly regularly having a smaller vehicle would be more practical. If I lived someplace that had really good and reliable transit I'd be tempted to not have a vehicle at all, to rent when needed and otherwise ride bus or train or cab. When I lived in New York City it was so easy to take trains instead of driving anywhere. I left my little pickup parked in Connecticut at my great aunt's house and if I needed it for a longer trip I took the train or bus up to her house.

Did I mention earlier that I have a daffodil blooming in the yard? And suddenly the weed grass is growing so I'll need to mow it this week while it's still warm out there. Spring comes quickly here, though we still might have some hard freezes, so to paraphrase Aesop, one daffodil does not spring make.

Good luck with your research, Sandra! Keep us posted on the progress.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Feb 23 - 07:11 PM

Dupont:

Back from PA in good shape. I did most of the driving and am fine. We are glad we went. The Amish Mennonite funeral was interesting. I was surprised by attendance of soon-to-be-former DIL and their #2 son, on their own. SIL was glad we came. The only other members of her plentiful family who spoke to me were her two sons who gave wonderful presentations about my bro as their father. One other very dear friend of SIL surprised me by coming and giving me a hug and a nice chat. Political differences...

Time with #2 son was good; he took us to lunch and we went back to our "home" and he spent about 8 hours with R and I, telling me a bunch of stuff I did/did not that upset him. R did a wonderful job of mediating; he has known my son for 50 years and explained very clearly that son's "engineer mind" thought it was explaining things to me but only another engineer might have understood - more or less! I am exonerated but missed out on spending a great deal more time with the grands because of the lack of clear communication. Water over the dam/spilt milk...   

On Sat, we, with son and his partner, had a last visit with SIL to give her more support before we left. Son did some computer help for her. We did not, however, manage to find the Parshall history book or the older family photos. Son has designated himself our family archivist.

Then we headed north until time to sleep. On Sunday, we had brunch near Albany with friends, went to see a building somewhere in upper NYS that had interest to R, then booted it on home, arriving at 7 pm and I went to bed!! Spent today deleting emails as I never opened computer for four days!

Laundry caught up today, folded and ready to go upstairs.

Surprised by what SRS found on Amen. I only saw his excellent ADHD materials, and Change your Brain Change Your Life.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Feb 23 - 04:38 PM

congratulations for finding the perfect home for your specialised collection.

Extra congratulations for the sensible movement of heavy stuff.

Inspired by you, I've finally just now emailed a friend for advice about finding a good home for s specialised collection I have.

sandra

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Feb 23 - 04:12 PM

I now have coordinating instructions from the Canadian War Museum bookshop, so the transfer of my fifty-year accumulation of books about military matters will happen on Friday morning at 1100 hours.

Eight boxes are packed, stacked by the back door, and ready to go. I’m pretty sure the car’s load limit is ten to a dozen; I have to be able to see out the back windows. If I ask him nicely, Neil across the street will probably help me load up on Wednesday.

My fuel bill for the outbound trip will be a stinker.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Feb 23 - 12:18 PM

Dorothy, I've had questions to answer in this ADHD research, and one had to do with Daniel Amen's materials that you remarked on. This morning I searched Daniel Amen and came across the linked Daily Beast article. There are a number of the popular medical folks who have lectured on PBS who have later turned up to have flawed data or a business model that does more selling than curing. I'm looking into exercises that might be useful in staying focused. (The WebMD blurb about Amen sounds like it was written by Amen's PR staff). I think his work with Pastor Rick Warren and Mark Hyman, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD, is the scariest part to warn me away. People lost weight, but I suspect they also lost their souls, or their pocketbooks came out a lot lighter around the four of them. Amen has a 30-day program and when looking for reviews of it went down that rabbit hole. He identifies "seven types" that he justifies with his expensive brain scans. All said, I suspect we're looking at a modern form of Phrenology from the inside out. I'm still working on this and will try to avoid over-sharing.

Today is a modestly popular federal holiday, so the trash was picked up and except for the post office and banks pretty much everything else is open for business. Mattress sales abound. While some of you are due for Winter Storm Olive it's overcast and humid 80s for the first half of the week, so time for some yard work. The weeds and winter grass need to be mowed in the front. Amazon knows no holidays and will be delivering an 8 ounce jar of my favorite seasoning salt (there are a few dishes where it is a great shortcut) and I've tossed the ancient contents of the 2+ pound jar that I bought in 2017. I can use that shaker jar in the garden, so there is still some good that comes from that huge purchase (putting diatomaceous earth in it to dispense on ant hills and such).

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Feb 23 - 10:50 AM

Stilly, I'm very, very careful.

That said, my packing method has benefits that outweigh the risk. First, I need to keep the garage door free of clutter -- it's dark, cramped, and in the kitchen -- and the library has both plenty of space and lots of natural light. Done right and within limits, carrying heavy things is good exercise; I have worked with personal trainers who used a wide variety of expensive fitness equipment to mimic the precise tasks involved in packing and moving boxes of books. Form is critical.

Also, I stop before I get tired.

Lent begins this week, and each day is brighter and longer than its predecessor, except when it's pitching down rain. I heard a robin (of all things) the other day, and the cardinals resident in the hedge are already whistling their "Hey, ladies!" song. It's just the mid-winter thaw -- plenty of foul-weather potential left in the season -- but very enjoyable.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: keberoxu
Date: 20 Feb 23 - 10:07 AM

Re: comfortable shoes
Ecco is, like Propét, a manufacturer of shoes
that are both sensible and stylish.
They run a little expensive, though.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Feb 23 - 11:52 AM

I have started one of those monthly bone-building medications that is taken on an empty stomach and for an hour you have to stay upright, not lie down or even recline, until it is out of your stomach. I used to go walking with a friend who was taking a weekly version of this and we would walk for that hour after she took her pill. I worked out a few chores to do (while the kitchen timer was set). I have finally reprogramed both thermostats in the house closer to the actual temperature I'd like; it was set as if I was leaving five days a week for an 8-hour work day, but it meant I pushed it up every morning because the house was cold. I've set it at 68 for the daytime, we'll see if that works (I have tended to push it to 70 when the morning is cool, but that 2^o can add up to a few dollars more on the monthly bill). I also started working on some of the eBay stuff that has been around for ages needing listing. (Mudcat is broken right now so try to post single paragraphs and they should go through.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Feb 23 - 02:26 PM

I tried to fix that but Mudcat is giving out error messages today. It is trimmed down from a remark about losing her guy who helped load and unload stuff and I thought perhaps that was too much information. This might not go through either.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion's brother Andrew
Date: 18 Feb 23 - 12:28 PM

Is a "guy" not a "person," Stilly? ;)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Feb 23 - 07:18 PM

Next time carry the books in small batches to the box and fill it near the garage door. The extra steps will be good if you use a tracker. Alternately you could stack them near the door and wait to fill the boxes once they're in your car. Over time there are tricks one learns when there isn't an extra person or a guy around to help lift stuff. These include using lot loaders to put heavy stuff in the car and then the part at home: while the heavy box is still in the car open it and carry the parts in piecemeal. Reverse that operation with the books.

Someone who lives nearby claimed the bag of light bulbs offered via the Buy Nothing Facebook page. It hasn't been a good week for gardening so I haven't gone to retrieve any wood chips yet through the offer I responded to, but I'll see about getting some tomorrow.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Feb 23 - 05:39 PM

... five boxes, each 1.5 cubic feet ... an excellent piece of downsizing while taking care of your back!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 17 Feb 23 - 05:10 PM

The first load of books — five boxes, each 1.5 cubic feet — is packed up and stacked by the garage door.

I applied literally every body mechanics technique I know, but carrying those boxes downstairs was still a serious challenge to my poor ol’ back. Nothing went *spungggg* in my sacro-iliac region, however, so I have reason to hope.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 17 Feb 23 - 04:19 PM

Here, too, Keb. And we had sleet last night.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: keberoxu
Date: 17 Feb 23 - 03:28 PM

Whoa, Nelly!
Western Massachusetts has had a week of weather
with daytime temps in the 50's and 50's Fahrenheit.
Today actually started out in that range.

I don't know what the temperature is now, but . . .
it's SNOWING.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Feb 23 - 12:31 PM

In 2021 while on vacation in Italy my daughter completely ruptured her Achille's tendon, and after a surgical repair is really picky about her footgear and ankle support. And because she wears a larger shoe size than average for women, "One size fits all" doesn't work so well and finding socks that aren't just men's socks sometimes requires hunting around. Socks for xmas means she can toss the worn out ones. We discussed this very subject earlier this week before she left for Japan where they will walk up paths on forested hillsides to view ancient temples. Gotta have good shoes.

Today is starting out calmer but cool, and the rest of the week is supposed to have more of the off-putting windchill that makes outdoor excursions unpleasant. It's not like Canadian windchill of minus 0 proportions, but it's that it looks like it should be good walking around weather and when you step out the door the wind whips your body heat away from your head and neck and any exposed parts of your torso and you need to go back inside for the hat and scarf and gloves.

I need to do a return trip to the attic where there is enough airflow that I hope the sun shining on the roof compensates for the movement of air through the space. I need to finish some of the projects I've started and my next batch of Attic Dek panels arrived yesterday (purchased from NewEgg but drop shipped from Walmart - which, when I search, lists a price way higher than I paid, so I am truly puzzled.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 17 Feb 23 - 07:37 AM

OMG indeed, Sandra.

Whenever I lace up my sensible walking shoes, I can hear my mother tsking “ I told you so.”

I can still wear Mephisto cork-soled sandals in summer, but I can’t walk much in them. For any jaunt farther than the mailbox, it’s socks and shoes such as I would not have been caught dead in when I was in high school.

Pain is a great manager of expectations.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Feb 23 - 09:21 PM

Sandra, good luck with your x-ray results. I do specialized exercises to keep my hips strong, and do the Essentrics stretching for a full-body level of fitness. Foot surgery can make a big difference (I got the bunion fixed before it became too pronounced, so they didn't need to break the bone) but feet take a longer time to heal, if it comes to that.

Initial soap-making research shows that it is best done in warm-weather (for good ventilation) and there are lots of types of soap to consider. How to Make Green Soap: An Excursion Through Time
This Ancient Soap Making Recipe Hasn’t Changed Much. Many of the soaps use "vegetable glycerin" that contains coconut oil, and though it can be substituted for others, the process involves candy thermometers and careful measuring. I buy olive oil soap at the Halal market and it's much cheaper than the soap you can see on the link. I often get the Aleppo soap (you'll see hand-cut bars through the linked listings - it's brown or green, often embossed with the company information on the top of the bar) and the Nablus variety (usually light colored in white wrappers). I'm not sure where the green bars come from. The Halal market offerings vary from one month to the next but sticking with this is probably my best bet. So, nothing much changes, but this summer I may try making some soap.

At Goodwill today I dropped off a light-weight wood unit for DVDs or books and a couple of bags of hardware and clothes.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Feb 23 - 05:51 PM

I'll get the results of my x-rays on Monday & find out what I need. One thing he mentioned was that I probably need extra support for my right ankle -OMG! worse case options - eek -

I shall get on with heading to the train & ignore doom scrolling.

sandra

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Feb 23 - 04:30 PM

Sandra, I was looking at the listings on Amazon and eBay for the Propét styles. My first pair was on clearance at DSW (a big US shoe store chain). It's unusual that I wear narrow sizes any more (they're not out there that often). I first tried a 9 narrow and it fit like a glove and was so comfortable to walk in. They are like most shoe companies and retire designs regularly, but if you're looking for comfort and not worried about the current color of the year, you can find them discontinued at a savings. And Walmart sells them in the store. I rarely buy shoes without trying them on first and I don't by from Zappos online, etc. But when there is a documented style that works and I can reproduce that purchase online, I'm good. They're true to the size—you don't need to go larger or smaller than your normal size for a better fit.

Damn but it's cold here today. I led a tour at the museum where I volunteer, then scanned slides, and when it came time to leave and head for the gym, that wind hit me and I was ready to head for home.

I'm researching how to make my own soap and my own tincture of green soap with olive oil. It involves lye. A friend once told me that it's worth the risk of second degree burns to make a good bar of soap. I will report back later.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Feb 23 - 06:10 AM

Stilly, Propét shoes are available here, but of course they cost more in $AUD
I can check them out

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Feb 23 - 06:04 AM

speaking of flat feet, one of Australia's best source singers, Duke Tritton, applied to join the army in 1914. He was told his flat feet ruled him out. He was astounded as he'd spent years carrying his swag (possessions wrapped in a blanket) walking around the state looking for work, & probably spent most of his time in any job on his feet! He must have had the same condition as Stilly.

I look at pretty floral sandals & sigh.

solid shoes & socks in hot (or any) weather - nah! The last 2 winters have been very mild & I've worn my sandals all year long, but than I live near Sydney's harbour & spend much of my time in the inner suburbs, which are much warmer that Sydney's western suburbs, some of which get frost.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Feb 23 - 07:47 PM

I have noticed of late that the current fashion is for white sneakers/lace up walking shoes/whatever you call them, and while I applaud that on one hand....comfort, etc....in Oz's hot summers all I can think of is "sweaty feet, erk!"

Following a twice-fractured foot (a Jones fracture, yes, it is a thing) I need to be careful what my feet are clad in. None of those mesh fabric type sneakers/runners for me, no; my shoes need to be proper supportive leather. I can wear sandals in summer (thank goodness for that) so long as they are not high or flimsy.

So I look at pretty sparkly strappy sandals, and sigh......

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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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 - 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.