DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 23 - 03:54 PM

Thanks, Sandra! Here in time for the New Year in the US:

DECLUTTER *hoards *bad habits *toxic stuff - 2024

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 31 Dec 23 - 08:02 AM

the 2024 New Year fireworks are booming! so too are the crowds ...

Happy New Year

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 31 Dec 23 - 02:06 AM

It's 6pm on New Year's eve & I'm battened down. I popped into the supermarket earlier as I'd run out of eggs & a few other things - $51 later I leave. Lotsa' folk were buying ice & other stuff to bring in the New Year - I'm sure the sellers of alcohol were also busy!

My neighbour works in suburbia (we live near the harbour) & reported trains into the city were packed, everyone is heading to a good spot in our little piece of paradise to watch the 9pm & midnight fireworks, & rain is expected!

But we are in our apartments, I'll be working on the archives of Australia's oldest folk club which turns 70 in October & will of course hear both sets of fireworks & the roar of the crowd(s) & will be sipping on my favourite drink, vanilla malted milk & might even have a buttered crumpet!

Happy New Year!

referring to the topic of this thread - as I've pulled out lotsa' archives & piled them around the scanner, I have to step carefully!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 23 - 10:04 PM

Handkerchiefs happily received!

Making dinner I had my usual things on the counter (I've kept a cutting board and ceramic knife handy for cutting up fruit and vege to encourage me to eat it more) but my friend kept looking for a knife to do things that were liable to break the ceramic so I finally took that and another one away from her and gave her a very sharp steel knife. Oy. She must think I'm paranoid - but I am - when you read the reviews those knives have their proper use and they don't get used on plates or to pry things or cut frozen stuff, etc.

I hope everyone is having a great last weekend of 2023!

Dorothy, how is Montreal? Charmion, how is Ottawa? Everyone else, especially our lurkers, how are your homes and environs?

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 23 - 04:15 PM

Turns out in my sewing room I had several cotton men's handkerchiefs (I had a dozen or more at one time but used them to line some of the earliest COVID masks I was making - they went to a good cause!) The three I'm giving her will suit better than the lightweight linen I was thinking of using, but I wanted to use the new machine to embroider on her initials and there is a learning curve. I also needed to stabilize the fabric (after looking up homemade starch I found a folder of Solvy water-soluble stabilizer) but then still had to practice setting the machine up for embroidery and do some test stitches on scraps.

Doing this as a surprise is not easy when you have a curious house guest, so I sent her out with my ex to visit the museums (they do this every visit) and I have just finished the hankies and put them in the wash to remove the stabilizer and any of the disappearing ink I used to mark the position to sew.

The sewing machine tutorial from a couple of weeks ago was helpful, though I still have one part of it to figure out. I have the old White Rotary that I bought at Goodwill to take in for a new foot pedal and to be tuned up, so I'll ask her at the same time.

It's about time for a new declutter thread. It's going to be a tough year politically, getting on all of our nerves, so turning inward and working on self-improvement and creative projects will be a good distraction and contribute to better mental health.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 23 - 02:39 PM

When you have a few hours to yourself in a busy week the computer isn't the best place to spend that time, but I had a couple of things to look up this afternoon. Mudcat in general is pretty quiet this week, so that people being busy doing other things seems to be the norm.

My friend who is staying has been looking for some real cloth handkerchiefs to keep in her pocket to dab her nose. I have some linen that is the right weight so if I can find it I will get out the old White Rotary 1941 machine with all of its wonderful hemming feet and other fancy attachments and do a rolled edge hem on at least a couple of hankies, then I can do some fancy stitching for initials with the new machine. It may have a rolled hem foot, I'll look, but I have used the old one so often over the years it's the best technology for this job.

It's a super bright cold day again, that seems as close to winter as we will get this year.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 23 - 12:32 AM

Yesterday and today were the calm days between storms; the family gift giving and meals were Tuesday and this evening a guest arrived for several days. I haven't had a chance to do some of the more recreational things that would have been part of the holiday (making cloth gift bags) and I still have to finish my holiday letters—now New Year's letters.

The spectre of the accumulation of thrift-store items in the front room is looming - the boxes and envelopes and packing materials that should be managed are bulging into the front hall. It will be my big chore in 2024 to restart listing those items in an efficient and frequent manner. (eBay is reporting sales as income over about $400, so I need to keep track of what I paid for things before I sell them. Paperwork.)

Meanwhile, or adjacent to that work, I had an interesting conversation at a holiday party this week with a woman who works at an estate sale business. There is so much that goes into pricing - and whether the items are in prime condition or need work - selling them at wholesale or retail prices accordingly. It's the same on eBay, where scarcity is a factor. Too bad bread machines are passe (I read that in Martha Stewart Living this week) - I have several to list, but eBay is stuffed full of them. But other things I have that they aren't overstocked with. (I played with the sentence and couldn't get past ending with a preposition. It isn't really a problem, but the English major rules die hard . . . )

My guest is snugged in the front bedroom (she loves that firm mattress and all of the pillows) and I'm wrapping up my day. And year. I seem to have at least one resolution (but in the continuity of activity here it is just another day, not another year.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Dec 23 - 11:31 AM

OMG you're gonna be like Dick Van Dyke one day. You will dance the night away.
"If you stop moving you are done for" said the octogenarian.
Longevity is not the goal but quality of life energy. After all even a thoroughly melted lump of Henry Kissinger still hit 100.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 23 - 09:31 AM

Yesterday during our holiday dinner a friend picked up a cookbook of "knockoff" recipes and read out one that is kind of depressing: you can make your own "decaff tea" by using any caffeinated tea in the following manner: when the water is on the boil, pour it over the tea and let it steep for 30 seconds. Pour away that water and then use more boiling water to brew a cup. What remains is the decaff part, and it is what I always feared - it is where the flavor went as well.

Lovely bright day today and is my gap between festivities; yesterday's family event means the house is tidy for the next arrival tomorrow, but I have to distribute a few extra xmas cookies so we don't eat them all ourselves. Last day of cat sitting so I'll leave a bag at her house, for starters.

This month I've been back at the gym more consistently (and my knees are happy about that!) but the library book I was listening to ran out before I could finish it and there was a hold so I couldn't renew it. I think the best thing now is to check out the digital text and simply read the last few chapters since that one is available right now. I started another one in the meantime but I can already tell it is going to be a long slog, and possibly a bit depressing. #FirstWorldProblems

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 23 - 09:51 PM

Taking the holiday meal in a new direction was a success - everyone enjoyed the grilled lamb souvlaki along with related Mediterranean items - rice with orzo, spanakopita, yogurt sauce, etc. The most work for this meal was last night when I cut up the lamb and made the marinade. In the past we've made one of several Puerto Rican dishes or ordered takeout.

Not all gifts have arrived yet so will be delivered later in the week. Tis the case these days - but it means that when I meet my daughter for lunch with the book for her partner she will return the pie pan that she took with her this evening. Our history of pie pans is storied, and quite a few have disappeared into the abyss of her house. I keep several extra pyrex pie pans just for these swaps, though today she transported the leftover pie home in her father's pie pan.

Houseguest arrives on Thursday.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 23 - 12:17 PM

This morning I unboxed an indoor/outdoor laser decorative light thing I bought years ago on sale and never used. Turns out I can set it up on a table and it will do nice things light-wise on the ceiling. It's set up for our get together tomorrow.

Scrubbing kitchen counters after yesterday's dough-rolling, preparing to make one more batch of cookies, and to do a lot of wrapping (including sewing gift bags). Meanwhile, dog beds in the wash have brought up the "uL" light (unbalanced load) and several attempts still haven't got it spinning right. These beds will have had a lot of rinses by the time they're out. I'll mop the den before putting them back. (We're about to the point where the Lab gets to wear diapers - because he's deaf he sleeps so soundly he sometimes doesn't wake up to head out when he should.)

Bright as can be today, and cold. That's as close to xmas weather as we usually get.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 23 - 10:24 PM

Two afternoon's worth of cooking are finished and two dozen Puerto Rican pork empanadillas were handed over to the ex this evening. Filling made yesterday, dough and made into meat pies today. They are good (we each ate a couple in the process). That was the biggest cooking project for the holidays, and doing it now means our family event on Tuesday will be easier, just the meals for that day and nothing else.

Thunderstorms overnight and lightning in the distance tonight - this is more fall than winter weather. Driving around this morning was in pouring rain; the sun came out this afternoon. It was clear this evening when I went out to feed cats dinner. On the way there most stores were closed but a Family Dollar was open and I was able to get five pounds of flour. Good save - I ran out this afternoon and need it for our pancakes (or maybe cinnamon rolls) for our holiday breakfast.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Dec 23 - 11:57 AM

Dupont:

Went to "Saturday BF" yesterday. Sat across from two Leons; the one with a fancy hearing aid showed me how it works and encouraged me to get a hearing device. The other kept saying, "You don't need a ..." I could hear him perfectly but not the other one very well - same distance, same background noise... Some people I hear perfectly, others... I will check it out in the New Year. Frequencies!!!

We are having Christmas supper with Cousin Doug and family. I asked R to ask Anne if we could bring dessert - so I would have something I like to eat! I doubt he has done so.

But this am he informs me he has a turkey! I guess I will cook it on Tuesday? "It's in the car - frozen" With the outdoor temp on the cusp of freezing ... Oh, yeah, the car is in the city... I did not yet ask where he got this turkey... He is having a quiet Sunday in bed. He needs it.

When he came home last night, his clothes looked as though he had been rolling in a dump. "Sawdust" "Sawdust is toxic too! ...Take them off and put them in the washing machine.... NOW!" "I want to eat." I blew a stack - "You do not go in the kitchen with those clothes"... and he took off the outer layer, agreeing to take a bath after he ate. I got up about 6 am and turned on the machine, and back to bed and put them in dryer about 8, took them up and dumped them on bed about 10. He said TY for each effort!

His Mom and Dad were both environmentally sensitive; He knows but refuses to behave accordingly -for me. Gotta get tough! ...tougher!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 23 - 09:27 AM

Adulting today; showered early, headed out to feed cats (after posting the last of the social media for a couple of days on a job site) and going to the gym between morning feeding and separate medication stops at the cat house. Once I get home, it's nose to the grindstone to finish clearing up for the family event on Tuesday so on Monday I can work on preparing parts of the meal ahead. The mantle is looking good and there is a pretty library table to hold lots of gifts under a long holiday windsock that I put up on a high hook (it would probably blow away if I tried to use it outside).

It is pouring rain and is in the 60s today with the forecast for the rest of the week is high-50s. It is officially a strange winter. The end of the El Niño.

Safe travels to Charmion and Dorothy and the lurkers who drop in. We haven't heard from Jon it a while - how are things at the house with your parents? I hope the siblings have come by to visit and help out. (Now to drop in the Mudcat Tavern and see what ducks and cats and ghosts and squids and all are up to.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 23 - 08:46 PM

Finished the meat part of the empanadillas for the ex, only to realize I'd forgotten to purchase the Spanish olives (pitted, stuffed with pimento). Those were picked up this evening on my way home from cat-sitting, and the dough for the crust part of the Puerto Rican meat hand pies will be made tomorrow. Assembling them involves rolling out golf ball size pieces of dough, spooning some of the meat on half, adding a couple of the olives and some extra pimento, then wetting the edge, sealing with a fork, and placing in shallow oil to fry. I was tired enough after all of the work to produce about a quart of the meat filling today that we're ok with leaving the rest till tomorrow. He'll come back for them or I'll drive them over to his house.

I'm still picking up around here, and more of the same tomorrow.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 23 - 01:03 PM

Cleaning the kitchen and I got a new little restaurant checkered tablecloth and rearranging some of the antiques that sit up on to top of cupboards in the kitchen. I'll work out from here; gifts to be wrapped have been moved to the bedroom so they won't be stumbled upon by any recipients here before the holiday. And I've taken bread and cookies to the neighbors on each side of me.

Shoes on the FB page were claimed and one left to be retrieved any minute now. Clearing out a little at a time. I won't list any more till after the holiday, but I have a stash of things growing that will go that route.

Cooking this afternoon. Gift for the ex (a dish his mother used to make), and preparing for the family dinner on Tuesday. More cookies, mostly.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 23 - 12:04 PM

The mantle is decorated, not with the sparkling red and gold garland twined with faux-evergreen that I've done for several years. This time I put up smaller pieces that have a history and would be lost behind garland. I think there is a string of lights I can add to make it show up better. I've moved a panel of leaded glass (found years ago at a garage sale) that usually hangs near the back door. It is now propped on the sill of a double window and looks really good so I may leave it there. The hook it was previously suspended from is where my basket on a macrame support hangs every year. Small gifts fill it and it is essentially a faux tree (shape-wise). Must find a place to park the Nissetroll to guard it (she is hidden but with a view of whatever serves as the tree).

While pulling out ornaments I decided to deaccession two larger pieces I rarely use; a large glitter globe from the 1990s (I'm always afraid I'll drop it and have glass and water and the broken resin figures everywhere). Also a large but fairly recent and inexpensive nutcracker. I think I used it once. Someone has spoken up on Freecycle and will retrieve them at midday from the porch. Next, list some of the shoes and the light-weight trench coat I never wear (too big).

Meanwhile, I've had an idea for some re-usable gift bags. I'll pick up some holiday fabric today and make a few bags in various sizes. The fabric will have to have enough white or light color so I can use one of the erasable markers to write the recipient's name. They can be ironed after the holiday to remove the names. This occurred to me yesterday when I was over at the sewing machine store for the two-hour tutorial to follow up after the machine purchase last month. It was very helpful! I can use a fancy stitch in a contrasting thread to attach a ribbon tie to each bag, etc.

Safe travels, everyone!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 21 Dec 23 - 11:09 AM

Counting down to departure, I'm mentally listing Things To Not Forget. My Ottawa bus pass is already in my handbag because it's easily left behind. A load of laundry done today will ensure that clean underpants are available when I come home. I must -- repeat must -- buy cat food. The cat visitor has been paid.

The big variable is weather. Ottawa is considerably colder than Stratford at this time of year, but how much colder will it be during the specific week when I will be there? Will I need boots suitable for getting about in deep snow? How 'bout the serious mittens and the windproof hat? When I make the trip by car, I can put all that stuff in a just-in-case box that stays in the car if not needed, but going by train I must guess and roll the dice. I'm taking the down-filled coat that has room inside for an extra warmth layer, but should I pack the thick wool socks and the silk long-johns?

Decisions, decisions. Note that fashion and elegance are not on the list of criteria. This is an important part of age privilege.

A major crisis in the family of another member of the church choir leaves me as the only cantor for all the Christmas Eve services. That means packing on Sunday afternoon and an early supper, and getting to bed sometime around two in the morning. VIA Rail's schedule gives me only 39 minutes to change trains in Toronto, so I must also pack a lunch for the trip -- train food is both nasty and expensive, especially in steerage, where I prefer to travel. Another thing not to forget: my Kobo reader (electric book). Also earphones.

Speaking of gadgets, I have given up on my wireless earphones, the Apple kind branded as "AirPods". They never held more than about three hours' worth of juice, and then one decided that it didn't want to recharge any more. They were hideously expensive, and I'm fairly sure that I didn't get even a year's worth of use out of them. Back to the wired kind, despite the cat's delight in capturing and gnawing on the earpieces. He probably thinks he's decapitating a snake.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 20 Dec 23 - 07:40 PM

Dupont:

R spent the weekend at home! He cleared the current boxes of books from the hallway to the "library". And helped me de-clutter - moral support is good!!! getting rid of boxes and jars!!! I feel lighter! And the hallway is easier to navigate. And no boxes of bottles under the DR chairs! I also did some organizing of the hall closet and took some things out to the garage.

Geri will not be getting the car repaired until after the NY so that is off my mind. R has not yet made a decision about whether we can go to beaver for a few days over Christmas to NY... I shall just go along as though nothing will happen.

Today I went to a "cookie exchange" - totally foreign to me. I put on one of my Christmas sweaters and dangly earrings - stars - found a nice star shaped plate (I hoped someone would love it and could get rid of it!) and bought cookies at an Italian deli.

I was overdressed! But it was a nice couple hours of social interaction, getting to know a bit about the 7 attenders. A very unique experience for me. For them too, no doubt, as I tried to answer their questions concisely! As in "where do you live?"...

Otherwise, mostly on the computer, reading and doing small tasks around the house as I think of them - and feel like doing whatever...

We are celebrating the solstice at the open mike at Mariposa Cafe tomorrow night.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 23 - 11:20 AM

Executive decisions help this time of year - figure out how to get something done efficiently and go with that plan. I was perilously close to being swamped with cooking on the day we do our family holiday get together, so I'm going to make one part of it (the holiday gift I make every year for my ex) ahead of time and deliver it so it is out of the way. And the meal for that day won't be takeout (we order it then the ex runs to the places to pick up and it takes a while), but it also won't be the big messy Puerto Rican rice dish we often make. I found a small boneless leg of lamb that I will cube and marinade overnight and put on skewers and grill the day of our family lunch. And with it will be some rice with orzo and spanakopita (I found some frozen at Costco and am hoping they're decent). There will be vegetable sides. If I get to the Halal grocery between now and then I'll pick up some baklava. Now I just have to get a handle on everything else to do with that event. Cleaning and decorating.

I hope Charmion's fruitcakes are well received! I've started delivering baked goods to the usual recipients. This afternoon or tomorrow I'll tackle the julekaka (stollen). I have the fruit I prefer, but I may need a few more sliced almonds, so they're on today's shopping list.

Stay healthy, everyone! COVID is rearing its head and there's a nasty cold still making the rounds. I wasn't the only one wearing a mask in Costco yesterday.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: keberoxu
Date: 19 Dec 23 - 01:31 PM

I, too, wear socks in bed, but not in the summer.

The Christmas program was a long one, I get tired just thinking about everything we sang.
Several works by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, for instance:
A Spotless Rose
Serenity
The Holly and the Ivy
Ecce Novum (with string quartet)

Then there was
Morten Lauridson's O Magnum Mysterium
Hans Leo Hassler's Verbum Caro Factum Est

and arrangements of
Silent Night ("Still, Still Night")
I'll be Home for Christmas
There's No Place like Home for the HOlidays
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Peanuts)

That's all I can retrieve out of the post-COVID memory recall.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 23 - 01:25 PM

Charmion, have you discovered the joys of flannel or fleece sleep pants? Year-round I wear various long t-shirts to sleep in, and in winter add the flannel.

My Eddie Bauer heavy terry cloth robe finally wore out and I should have grabbed one of the heavy hotel ones at Tuesday Morning before they went out of business. Terry cloth is hard to sew on with any kind of machine, but I find a couple of colors in stock at Joanns. Searching for a pattern online should be easy at Joanns, they've carried them for years, but it isn't. A random Google search is better, and I see a Butterick one that would work. That I would still buy at Joanns. For now I found a robe on Amazon that seems to be cotton terry cloth and added that to my wish list shared with the family. Making a heavy bathrobe is kind of like making your own shoes or heavy wool coat - best left to someone who does it all of the time with the right equipment. (Fleece and various lighter polyester robes abound out there, but I like the heavy cotton for this, like for bath towels.)

I pulled a couple of pairs of shoes that I rarely wear from the closet this morning. Sneakers I thought I'd use at the gym, but rarely do. Loafers with no cushioned sole, etc. They will go on the Freecycle site. I should try on some of the others that I save for cool weather, to see if they are still comfortable. The hall closet also needs to be visited; any of these things could go to Goodwill also, but I might as well offer them free first.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 19 Dec 23 - 09:49 AM

Of late, I have developed another irrevocable sign of encroaching geezerdom: this winter, I wear socks in bed.

Full geezerdom is still a ways off, however. If I'm still wearing socks in bed by summer, call me a gone goose.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 23 - 08:59 PM

Awww. But good thing you got Paxlovid. My daughter caught COVID last year at a big museum event and the Paxlovid Rx came quick enough that she felt much better quickly. And Charmion, at least you can wear a mask on the train, not something very practical for choral singing.

Keb, what did you sing this year, and are there videos?

I headed over to the gym this afternoon and stayed for my usual full hour workout. Sometimes I've gone in for shorter sessions, telling myself that I'll work up to the long one, but I needed to jump in and keep going. It feels good after, and that's the important part.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 18 Dec 23 - 06:12 PM

So sorry, keb. Last year, I caught COVID during Handel’s “Messiah”, and ailed all through December. This year, I have sung in two large concerts (plus, of course, all the rehearsals) and so far dodged the bullet.

For my next trick, I’ll take the train to Ottawa for Christmas and back again. Let’s see if the virus takes VIA Rail.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: keberoxu
Date: 18 Dec 23 - 06:04 PM

I am decluttering myself of a case of COVID-19.
I asked for it, you might say, by singing with a chorus.

The chorus had three Christmas concerts. I sang in two of them.
Two days later, the chorister standing next to me e-mailed me to tell me
that she had just tested positive for COVID-19.
By then I had a cough that was keeping me awake at night.

By the time the vomiting kicked in,
I had tested positive already.

I am fortunate to be in a medical institution where
for a considerable extra amount of money,
I have been put in a room near the nurses' station.
The medication Paxlovid was immediately forthcoming.
Meals came from the dining room.
IN other words, my care could not be better.

In the meantime, my chorister friend who stood next to me sings in
Boston's Tanglewood Festival Chorus, where she says her fellow singers are
"dropping like flies" -- surely she means dropping out, not dropping dead -- with COVID-19.
That's probably where she contracted the virus in the first place.

Choral singins and performing had long been known as a
super-spreader event, and how true it is.

I'm feeling a lot better now, and will be tested again tomorrow.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 23 - 02:08 PM

It's beginning to look like a lot of people will be here on the day when family can come for the holidays, with the overlap of the annual visit by an elderly house guest (who is like family and knows everyone). Enough that I may have to dismantle a major portion of the working setup in my sewing studio to make access to that bed for the smaller old person who will be here for several days. (It has a wooden frame with wood slats holding up the springs and mattress. She gave me the mattress when she moved out of town years ago.) This would leave the steel-frame queen-sized bed in the regular guest room for two larger adults to stay one night in there. Maybe if I pile things on a table and cover it with something there will be less discussion of all of the projects going on in there (and the large amount of stuff that really does need to be donated someplace else one of these days.)

It also means I have to get busy and put out a few decorations for the holidays so they don't think they're visiting the Grinch (before his conversion).

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 23 - 09:01 PM

In the doldrums of this season I'm figuring out how to improve my mood. Part of that is that my brain needs new stimulus when it comes to listening and viewing habits. I've switched around radio stations because of an NPR pledge drive this week (and too much xmas music on another favorite station) and I need to do the same thing with the TV.

I have resolved to stop with repeats of favorite programs - for all that they're well-written and acted, they're known to me. I watched a couple of the Jurassic Park movies last night that I hadn't seen before and as gruesome as they are, I find myself thinking back about what I saw and realize part of the funk this winter is that I need new material to think about. So this week I'll pointedly tune in programs I haven't watched before, and catch up on episodes I've missed on others. I also have a few DVD movies to watch that I've set aside for someday and this may be that time. I can also do some of this concurrent with sewing projects.

This week I need to finish any local shopping in preparation for a holiday event with family. And a houseguest who will arrive sometime after the 26th.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 Dec 23 - 10:07 PM

Dupont:

Still feeling good! Left my happy home on Weds morning; stopped at bakery for wonderful muffins, scones and a quart of their wonderful quinoa salad for R; then to the cheese factory, a few miles away, for two 5kg loaves of extra old, white; Then to the shop, a few miles off the highway, that has the "best peanut butter cookies ever" and bought 4 packages for R; then into Kingston to find the LLBean store - with minimal difficulty, to purchase my new shoes after a try-on to be sure the new ones are, indeed, as wonderful as the old ones - They are!! -I wore them all day today and they are as comfy as my slippers! Like walking on air!

After the shoes, it was a straight run for 3 hours to walk into Dupont at 4:02! And unload car, and eat and a short lie down, then start organizing.

Thurs, a trip into an obscure part of the city to pick up lymph tonic - with the help of my phone which had readable directions but refused to speak to me - haven't figured that out yet though today we used it to go about an hour south to look at an interesting property and go to the Farmer's Market - close to each other. The Market venue is an incredible old church in Byzantine style! - so I just spent some time googling it! BUT, the market is tomorrow! I may go back... It is an hour each way...

Trip to the Bakery for desserts and visit with Geri. Will be offering to help her get car repaired - it is far for her and she will need to get home and then back to repair shop - when it can be arranged. No public transport down there.

Laundry is done, kitchen is under control. I managed to get all the goodies into the freezer. Tomorrow is yet to come! We are getting a couple above freezing days and then it drops again, but not a great deal.

At a small craft sale this am, a woman had hats, mittens and more out of recycled wool. Amazingly delightful designs. She gets wool garments at thrift shops and processes it. Her work is beyond "craft" towards art with her use of colours and designs. I got her card and be on the lookout for anything I can give her to recycle.

And I re-connected with an anglophone support group which may offer some interesting socializing.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Dec 23 - 12:19 PM

I love fruitcake - too much. I can go through a small one pretty quickly, so I rarely ever buy it for myself. There's no "off" switch.

I'm using the last eggplant from this year's garden to make fried breaded slices to take to across the street to the neighbor who loves it. I picked four of them at right before the last frost and have a fresh batch of babaghanouj in the fridge that I made with the other three.

Parcels have been arriving at destinations ahead of whenever our family decides to get together to eat and open gifts. A trick my son taught me - when I use Amazon he's in my address book there and is listed as His Name/My Name on the label, and that means they send me a photo of the delivery. When I had the mailbox delivered to my daughter I did that and was glad to see they honored my request to drive all the way up to the house and leave it on the porch. Their driveway is the equivalent of a couple of city blocks long, and I wanted to be sure it wasn't left at the road where it could be grabbed by a passerby.

Last week I put the new big orthopedic dog bed in the heavy-duty almost waterproof cover on the floor. It turns out the dogs seem to be surfing the tile floor with it. I come into the den in the morning and it has slid up against some or other piece of furniture. I may have to get one of the rubber mats that goes under a carpet runner to keep it a bit more stable.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 16 Dec 23 - 09:39 AM

Fruitcake finally got made yesterday.

The Kitchenaid stand mixer came out for the occasion, but was not actually as helpful as I thought it should be. This recipe produces the stiffest, heaviest batter in my entire culinary repertoire, and I find it more challenging every year since Edmund died — he used to do the grunt work. For people who genuinely like fruitcake, however, the results are worth the effort.

I do not give fruitcake to anyone who has not said that fruitcake is eagerly anticipated. That would be stupid.

I’ll wrap it for travel this morning.

At noon, I have to be on deck for the Stratford Festival’s community Christmas concert. The soloists are all members of the acting company, backed by the amateur rabble of the Stratford Concert Choir. When it’s done, I’m off the musical hook until Christmas Eve.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 23 - 02:45 PM

The weather for the US east coast and north into Montreal sounds like it will be very sloppy over about a 12-hour period sometime this weekend. Dorothy, please don't find yourself on one of your long or convoluted drives during that period! And have R stay home and safe as well!

Two types of bread are finished (soda breads); the next one is the more involved yeast bread called Julekaka. Last year I had trouble getting it to rise properly after running it through the bread machine cycles (on manual then removing dough to shape), so I'll be more hands-on and use the Kitchenaid stand mixer instead. It's a sweet fruit bread (versus a fruitcake) that is more bread than fruit. When I was a kid my mother didn't make this one, but a number of Norwegian relatives did. Mom got a taste of a central European bread called Poteca (pronounced po-teez-ah) that involved clearing a large table in the kitchen and rolling out a humongous flat dough that is then smeared with a crushed walnut mix and carefully rolled from one side to the other (think huge cinnamon roll) then that roll is twisted around itself to create a large crusty bread that when sliced through has beautiful layers of bread and nuts. I like it and will eat it if it is around, but I'm not interested in THAT much work. Julekaka is plenty involved on its own (getting it to rise in the right shape on a flat baking sheet, not in a pan, then ending up with a glossy surface that is drizzled with icing).

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

Blowing dusty air from the vacuum (I know the type you mean, though it isn't the type I have) sounds iffy for a food storage unit. The hair dryer does much the same thing with cleaner and warmer air. Directing the hot air to the crevices between the freezer compartment and the larger box is enough that the large pieces of ice eventually fall off. The goal wasn't to melt it all in place, it was to dislodge the chunks. And to be patient. If you try prying ice chunks loose with anything too sturdy (screw driver, etc.) you can pierce the aluminum and kill the fridge. We're talking a vintage handheld Vidal Sassoon Quiet Styler, not a bouffant cap or something less directed. :)

Continuing with baking fancy breads this morning, baking in small pans so I have several small loaves instead of cutting slices from a large loaf.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion's brother Andrew
Date: 15 Dec 23 - 09:34 AM

Stilly, if you have the sort of vacuum cleaner with a hose that can be plugged into its exhaust and a crevice tool, you can use the warm air blown out of the crevice tool to cut through the built-up ice and then remove large chunks of it before they melt.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 23 - 10:37 PM

The neti pot trick for me was getting the right amount of salt and baking soda; I mix 2 parts salt to 1 part soda and of that put about 3/4 of a teaspoon into a cup of warm water that is poured into the pot half at a time. It was a lifesaver during that last head cold, soothing and washing out the usual cold kind of gunk.

Walking the dogs this afternoon was a nice stroll around the neighborhood and a loop of the park; the only person we saw was the jerk who came through a gate in the fence at the side of the park and he proceeded to let his dog take a dump, that he didn't scoop. There's another small wild spot on our walk that has similar evidence of similar disregard of the polite thing to do when walking one's dogs. In a state with no rules about who can carry a gun, it just doesn't pay to shout over to the guy to scoop the poop. Get your brains blown out.

This evening I tackled a job I've put off for ages. Months. Possibly years. The little fridge that came from a friend's house (he lost the house to the bank, we moved out a lot of stuff to empty it when the bank offered to pay him to do that) and has sat as the overflow fridge in my kitchen since then. I shift shelves every year and use it for brining the Thanksgiving turkey in a large stock pot. It's an old fashioned type with the little freezer compartment on top and the fridge below, and ice was built up in the freezer and at the top of the fridge area. About 30 minutes of pointing the hair dryer at the small glaciers finally dislodged three very large chunks (and a half-gallon of melt water). I had a large mid-century upright freezer I used to defrost once a year, it was a huge project (it has been replaced with a new frost-free unit). This job wasn't so bad, I only use the fridge part and all of those contents fit into the regular kitchen fridge for the duration. When I look at this little fridge I remember the life that my friend had with his (late) partner and how much fun it was to visit them over there (I took my kids over one Christmas to see the huge decorated Victorian dollhouse on the dining room table - it was magical!) Before his partner became ill and then died, they had a really had a wonderful life, and this little fridge that sat in the interesting bar in their living room is a reminder of those charming days. Who knew; a fridge as memento.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 14 Dec 23 - 05:52 PM

Because it's still under warranty, I have to get my car serviced at the VW dealer in Kitchener, 40 km away. That means about spending anywhere from an hour to half the day in the waiting area of their service department. The dealership is on a pedestrian-hostile street with nowhere to go and nothing to do. I always take a book and settle in for the duration.

No holiday decorations for me this year; I just can't be arsed. I'm doing my bit by singing seasonal repertoire wherever and whenever I'm asked, which keeps me quite busy enough. The neighbours have overdone themselves to such an extent that the dark spot on the street that is my house comes as something of a relief.

I have been suffering with sinus headaches again. As a last resort, I bought myself a Neti-Pot at the pharmacy, and I've been using it since Monday. I hate to say so for fear of tempting fate, but I think it's working.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 23 - 10:52 AM

I pulled up the URL for a message texted to me by the Nissan dealer last month during the oil change and have noted all of the easy fixes I can do from the recommended list - change filters and top fluid levels. For the rest, I'll find a local mechanic who will do things as I wait and work through them one at a time. I had several places recommended after I complained about the dealer scare tactics. (It was easier when I took vehicles to the Chevy dealer six blocks from here, I walked home to wait and back when the work was finished. But I don't need to start taking my Nissan to Chevy, though in theory I can because they sell lots of models on their used lot. The price at both is a killer.)

This year I have been slow to put up holiday decorations; I usually focus on the mantle, garland resting on the top around the edge then objects set behind it. The TV was moved to the hearth during the latest reorganization of furniture so I may shift my garland to a doorway. Since we never do our gifts and meal on the xmas date itself this stuff would possibly be out into the new year before we meet. (Nothing to do with 12 days, we're all atheists, it's just working around kid schedules. We enjoy the gift giving and the meal together without the religious pomp.)

Got trash out to the curb with five minutes to spare this morning, and included a really ratty pair of yard shoes that I can't imagine sticking my feet into any more. "Yard shoes" is the designation for any pair that is so worn and dirty that their only reasonable use is to slip them on to go out into the garden or yard or sometimes walk dogs. I have a routine now so I don't forget and wear them someplace like work or even to the store, they are placed by a bench by the door where I sit to change into them and out again.

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

Jennie and Charmion remind me that I need to sign up for a few shifts at the big light display going on at the local botanic garden. We are essentially human road signs and I offer regularly to take photos of the whole group when there is one photographer clearly going to be missing from their family photos.

A stop at the nearby garden center yesterday bagged two boxes of mixed-color replacement holiday lights for the strings for my front porch (a few burn out every year). And rolls of garden cloth (also called floating row cover) for my daughter the gardener with a new place to put in crops. It helps when you realize the temperature will dip below freezing for a few hours and your tender plants won't survive. This stuff does a good job and is reusable (I'll be relying on it in the spring since the trick these days seems to be to plant the garden as early as possible so you get a crop before the killing summer heat sets in.)

Did I mention that I'm thinking of buying my daughter a clothing rack that I will load with stuff from her closet here and she has to take it all to take the rack home? (That page has some pricey pieces; I'm looking at the affordable commercial folding rack that has a pretty good capacity.)

I hope the shoes are the perfect fit, Dorothy! I've never known of any brick and mortar store or cash desk for LLBean; having lived most of my life in the West it has always been mail order only for us.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: JennieG
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 05:10 PM

Well done, Charmion!

On Saturday evening our ukulele group played for a Christmas carols concert at a small village 15 minutes from town, a mix of fun Christmas songs (although we did throw in one of the https://abcalumni.net/2022/12/10/the-abc-of-australian-christmas-carols/, as did the choir also). It went well, the audience had a good time and so did the performers, but it was a struggle given that we are currently in the throes of a heatwave which started over a week ago and looks like continuing for at least another week. Our ukes didn't like the 38 deg C heat, and I can't say that we were thrilled about it either.

But....it was a fun night!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 03:00 PM

Beaver:

Shoes are at the cash desk at LLBean in Kingston to be picked up on Weds! Of course, if I had looked carefully, there is still a legible label in the old shoes telling size and origin! YAY!!

I have never even looked at fitness thingies due to belief it had to be on arm. I had to stop wearing a watch about 1982 due to pain in wrist - it is still there but only painful if I touch it with minimal pressure. Now I shall look for a fitness thing.

Today!!!! I threw pots for first time since September!!! Soup cups to be will be trimmed tomorrow and handles added. So great!

A pot of soup is on the stove cooking as I am at library (outdoors), computering. No solar gain but just 32F. Cloudy predicted ALL week and flurries on Weds. I hope the flurries keep to just that!

Found some nice yarn in the cabinet for hat or two? Maybe, if I can find crochet hooks!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Charmion
Date: 10 Dec 23 - 01:44 PM

The Stratford Concert Choir’s 2023 performance of Handel’s “Messiah” went down-range last night. We tried something new this year: a sing-along, with the audience joining the choir in the choruses. The hall was packed, and the concert was boffo.

I’m utterly beat, and not alone in that. Half the church choir also sings in the concert choir, and of those who do both only three of us managed both gigs. The concert choir conductor is also the church organist, so we had a sub this morning at St James’s.

Properly done, “Messiah” knocks the stuffing out of a singer.

My house is full of cat hair, and I just don’t care.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 07:39 PM

Dorothy, I would be happy to put a few of these ankle things in the mail for you, if you'll tell me how large your fitness tracker is. (Size of a quarter, size of a half-dollar, size of a modern dollar coin, US coins of course.) Or I could just make some that are a little large but will still tie and stay put on your ankle. I'll share a photo of them over on FB or via Messenger (FB is out of whack right now, but I'll post when it stops being glitchy). Meanwhile, I'm so glad to read that you've been waking up feeling good!

I've figured out a solution to the sewing machine table problem, and solving the difference between two machine sizes will start with a template made to match the machine and it's attachment points (two hinges set into the machine itself). I won't need to take the top apart, I'll fit new pieces of wood in (glue and screw into place) with a couple of supports along the side when putting in a piece to fill the existing hole that is too large. It won't happen right now, but soon.

Frozen fruit and vege have thawed but I need to start this baking project earlier in the day so the loaves can cool and be put away soon after baking instead of staying out on the counter overnight. I'll do this tomorrow starting around midday.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 06:32 PM

Beaver:

Two things no longer on my mind: Trying to remember the name LLBean so I can look for something specific there! And the tracker thingy: I have looked for one for my foot as I cannot tolerate anything around my wrist. Now I know it can be done! TY, SRS.

Other than that, had another pep talk today about the business of hearing ad frequencies! Very helpful.

Took a bunch of pottery up to our shop today. Hoping for some sales by Christmas. Went to a church rummage sale and bought a better toaster oven - not sure if it is too large; tomorrow I will bring in the house and try it out. Also bought 4 small bowls; will take them to Dupont and replace some I don't like as well - take to a thrift shop. Also left a very nice redundant coat at the sale.

Feeling better and wondering what was wrong with me, in addition to the trauma of failing to understand 3 hours. Another visit to the church; the pastor said the first 3 rows were iffy! WHY would they do that! He was not interested in being helpful.

The snow is melting and expected rain will reduce the pile. Cleared the back deck in hopes it will get cleaned by the rain. Going back to QC on Weds by way of a few errands.

Managed to find sources for Arnica - coming by purolater and Lymph Tonic which has been a huge help can be picked up in Montreal on Thursday. Apparently, the govt is trying to pass rules about supplements so people are forced to go to non-existent doctors for prescriptions for toxic and expensive pharmaceuticals. Suppliers are holding off on producing in case the govt prevails. Petition is being signed!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 23 - 12:44 PM

Yesterday when walking the dogs I forgot to put my fitness tracker in the holder (hollow band) I made for it (that I tie around my ankle). I tucked it in my sock, but was afraid I'd drop it out and not hear, so we didn't walk as much as planned. I've now tucked a band into the pack I always wear for our walks (with treats and bags for any cleanup). Why tie the tracker to my ankle? Because when I walk the dogs my hands are relatively still holding each leash, they don't swing back and forth in the normal way when walking, and that movement is what the tracker detects.

I have one in my gym bag and one on the kitchen counter to use when mowing, walking dogs, etc. I make them out of t-shirt jersey remnants from making t-shirt yarn on the COVID 3D masks. There is still a lot of that in my scrap basket and it seems to be a good time to make several. This is my own invention and I don't know if anyone else bothers with this kind of thing, so not exactly an ideal holiday gift.

Pint containers of mashed banana, frozen pumpkin, and cranberry pulp (after steaming juicing) are all thawing so I can start making holiday gift bread later today. I'm loaded up with the ingredients and there is room in the freezer so I can store them till I need them. Of course I'm doing this when what I really should be doing is finishing and addressing my holiday letters. My mailing list has shrunk so much I need to keep mailing a few to hear back from the friends who are still alive and can be located.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 23 - 06:22 PM

Sewing machine sizes and tables and hinges were not standardized, even when made by one company (White). This is my conclusion after comparing three of their machines and two of their tables. I have realized that if I want an interesting carpentry project I could take the top off of the table I want to keep and make a new hole and reuse the existing hinges and supports for the machine I want to keep. It does mean I would finally have to learn to use the router I bought years ago on sale at Sears when I first moved in here.

There are also many different ways to store that model machine (I did a quick survey of the machines and cases on eBay), and one version involves a simple box base that the lid snapped onto. Heaviest carrying case around, but whatever. My goal is to have a machine that doesn't require a lot of setup to use it and set in such a way that I don't need to put it on a table that I'd then worry about scratching.

In the meantime, I have removed the oldest machine from the table I want to keep and will take it in to be cleaned and fitted with a foot pedal instead of a knee lever. I'm not going to test it until then (and the shop will test it for me. There is a receipt in the drawer that shows this 1927 machine was serviced in 2002 so it isn't a total goner.) This will probably go on eBay at some point.

Winter weather is approaching this weekend. I need to do any of my outdoor stuff right now or tomorrow ahead of it. Maybe I can finally put the mower away for a couple of months (until I need to mulch the neighbors' leaves that land in my yard.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 23 - 11:46 AM

The process of decluttering a home that is in good repair and is simply a bit too full is one thing; houses of hoarders that are health and safety hazards are something else entirely. And both are so subjective that I suspect a neighborhood effort might go awry. That said, I completely understand the impulse. In my town I can drive through pretty little streets with charming small homes that are in need of repairs that are probably unaffordable by the owners. Even to repair and paint the outsides of homes would be a boost to the residents, but how to go about such a program?

There is a home of a friend that I entered a year or two ago and realized they have a real problem. But they are two grown adults with grown children so I'm not going to offer to help. This is me who realized this week that if I go dust now, after dusting just a couple of weeks ago, that the microfilament duster thing will be very effective and get most of this. I wait until things are so dusty that it means frequent trips outside the shake out the contents.

Don, a friend of mine swears by a small portable sauna for aches and pains though it sounds like you're using more pressure on that spot. I'm not a fan of chiropractic but that also sounds like something people go to them for. (Osteopaths used to get the "manipulation" training along with their medical training - and I had a dislocation fixed by a DO once).

Things suddenly got busy here, and that can help elevate the mood during short overcast days, but I'm reminded to not beat up on myself if I don't get everything done at once. Pacing myself this holiday season.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 08 Dec 23 - 10:19 AM

We need a national/international declutter day where friends and neighbours mobilise to help people whose clutter is getting on top of them.

Any ideas of how to mobilise people, get donations of cleaning and storage supply from the corporates and, probably requiring the most tact, convince people that they need one off help to improve their living environment?

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Dec 23 - 09:38 AM

Freecycle here is voluminous with many posts.
fyi
For muscular skeletal problems I use what I call hydrotherapy.
A hot, on the verge of feeling cold, throbbing handheld shower spray is directed at the area of concern. After a week of treating a shoulder with an 8 or 9 nauseating pain, a small click was heard and now the shoulder only feels slightly sore without pain. Three minutes is a short treatment and 15 minutes is a long treatment once or twice a day.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 23 - 08:33 PM

Another sleeping bag out of the house; this is an almost unused extra tall LLBean bag. I got smart and took it out of the bag and folded it into a large box and tucked in other stuff (great padding!) The money I spent on postage is a lot less than buying a new bag so it's a good way to handle it.

Recycling dropped off at the village bins and the stuff brought over by my daughter was (ironically) in a box that the sleeping bag in its case would have fit in, but it was kind of light-weight corrugated. It went into the bin (flattened).

I was reading a FB post about a past member of this group having trouble getting out of the house, and it dawned on me that my putting off various things and staying home may be also a low-grade anxiety. Not wanting to deal with the issues that are out there, or dress appropriately for the places (dress for the occasion instead of my usual jeans and t-shirt), etc. Something to consider. I do feel good once I return home and have accomplished something; it's looking forward to that success that may be needed to get one out of the house some days.

On an environmental note, after clearing out the weeds in the front bed next to the porch last spring the resident lizards moved away. They loved to hang out in all of that brush and would come up on the porch and bricks there to hang out in the sun, but with the beds clear and mulched I didn't see many on the porch all summer. I've let some of the undergrowth return and this morning there were two lizards out there, one a Texas Spiny and the other an anole. Welcome back!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER * Health/Home Ecologic-Innovation *2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 23 - 01:35 PM

Dorothy, the trash went out last night sans the lamp, but I put a long piece of painters tape on it with information that it works but needs a new base and shade. I may put it out at the curb on Sunday and if it isn't taken by Monday morning I'll unscrew the post and drop it into the bin.

I volunteered to work with the Freecycle folks because they are so slow to approve posts I've given up trying over there. I'm hoping I won't regret this; I've read through their dos and don'ts and am going to learn soon if the reason there is so little posted here is because the group is fairly inactive, or if they post lots of nonsense that never sees light of day.

The combination house warming and holiday gift for my daughter is a new good-sized steel locking mailbox. It will be mounted on a 4x4 post that gets a steel sheath dropped over the top of that before the box is attached (and the post sheath is screwed onto the wood post to keep it all in place.) A determined thief with a lot of time could unscrew things and carry off the very heavy box, but the goal is to have a sturdy box where the several roommates at the new place can all receive their mail. The current standard sized box is a bit small and is vulnerable on a quiet county road. After reading lots of reviews the parts were ordered and are wending their way to her new property. I asked Amazon pretty please to drive the parcels all the way up to the house (they have a very long driveway on some acreage). It's the USPS that won't drive up the driveway. She agreed that they can buy the wood post and get the concrete for the footer, and they will do the installation.