DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 26 - 03:20 PM

Just heard from the gardening guru boss. They don't have a signed contract with the podcast company and his daughter is suggesting they drop that enterprise and try something else. I have to concur. Now if I can just get into the website.

That call is the reason I passed on a memorial reception I had RSVPed for today; the website and podcast stuff is at a hit-the-ground-running point to fix or shift things, and I wasn't going to be able to take the call at the luncheon and make much sense of it. But I feel better knowing that we don't seem to be bound to that setup and can get some work done today to clean up our social media (all of the links on Facebook, Instagram, X, etc., broke when the new site dropped, and I can update some of them working backwards).

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 26 - 02:55 PM

At the beginning of the year there are lots of tips on how to get organized, if that was your resolution. The New York Times has a "Wirecutter" post from 10 days ago that suggests "Don’t Try to Declutter Your Whole Life. Start With Your Fridge."

You’ll know it’s time to reorganize your fridge when you find yourself playing Tetris with every new grocery haul. To start, pull everything out of your refrigerator—yes, including the mystery Tupperware that’s been festering in a back corner—and toss any expired ingredients. After you give the shelves and drawers a wipe down, it’s time to create a new system.

My fridge is actually in very good shape after I instituted a number of Rubbermaid clear vented produce storage boxes that have a riser in the bottom to keep food from sitting in any condensation. They keep food for a long time, and because they're on the shelves at eye level, I use them more consistently than anything put in the crispers down at the bottom. Those drawers are where more durable things live now - jar of mayonnaise, container of baking yeast, mustard, relish, etc.

They also have suggestions for "the desk in your office" not understanding that I have basically an office-sized desk setup here. I periodically clear out the notes, postit pads, pens, thumb drives, etc. that accumulate under my monitors behind the keyboard. And all around are work surfaces. Bringing a cute mug in to hold my pens and scissors isn't a solution (and there is already a mug with those items over on a shelf in a bookcase).

My handbag is also in good shape. I have had a system for exchanging bags (a basket in my dressing room where I empty everything from one bag and then move it into the next one). The closet is also in good shape after sorting it several years ago. I rarely add more clothes, trying to rotate what comfortable pieces I already own ("fashion" and "current style" are foreign to me). I practice the swap of if I bring in new shoes, I give away or discard one of the pair I don't wear much or at all. There are a few pair for those rare occasions when must have low heels or dress shoes, but the rest are in play. I'm into sneakers, loafers, and ankle boots.

They conclude with a Digital category; I do sort every so often, but there is a lot of space in the drives I use and I try to put things in the proper drive when I scan or photograph, etc. I have a folder linked on my desktop that is named "Scan here first" and that is where I put anything I'm working on. The scanners save them all as bitmaps and I name and move them out of that folder. This morning I cleared out stuff that was still parked and needed filing.

Now if they decide to address things like books, music media, stuff you inherited from family members, and paper, then it might be helpful. Malcolm Gladwell wrote about "The Social Life of Paper" and one of the things discussed was the process of knowing what is in piles of paper. That is generally the case here, though if they are suddenly moved out of the way into a new spot and then ignored the system can break down. I've done some shredding in the last couple of weeks, getting rid of really old income tax forms and items no longer needed in the box file (the one I'll grab if I have to leave in a hurry and need current records.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Jan 26 - 05:37 AM

MaJoC - here 'tis - it's your very own round tuit just like those I bought from the Canberra Woodworkers one year at the National Folk Festival!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jan 26 - 11:56 PM

MaJoC, I have noticed that it smells slightly warm, but haven't felt any hot spot on the machine. Of course, when it happens it is full of water and I can't move it to check until it's empty (after I've unplugged it, etc.)

Overnight is supposed to drop to 21^o. Ugg. I added an extra blanket to my bed and I struggled mightily this evening to get Cookie zipped into her dog vest (she has the thin flat coat of a boxer). She likes it once she's in it, but hates the process.

Tonight was the opening skirmish in a modern media setup that I think may go south in a hurry. One of the partners in the new company spammed everyone on our site with a Jeremiad about what she expects and what we should or shouldn't be doing or asking of them. I can see that the new company was hoping the advertisers from our site would be a cash cow for them now. And she reads with a negative voice in her head - criticism where there isn't any. (I can also see why our old office manager decided to step away at year's end.) On top of this, the new web page dropped and I have no way to get in so I'm waiting to be given the keys to that operation. And training. I can still get into the old site through a backdoor to retrieve stuff there. This is just me grousing about a project I've worked on for years that may go out with a whimper (better than a bang.)

Time to head to bed with a book. Fuck it all for now.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 17 Jan 26 - 01:52 PM

Stilly: That problem with your washer (washing machine?) reminded me of a vaguely similar intermittent fault that our Dyson vaccuum cleaner has developed. The beater, which is driven by a motor rather than a belt, sometimes refuses to start; leave the cleaner unplugged from the mains for five minutes, and all is well again. I've deduced it's protected by a PTC thermistor, which the Wikipedia page says is used sometimes as a self-healing fuse.*

I also noted that the exhaust outlet is a bit warm, especially in the summer; and that the summer is when this tends to happen more often. I really must get delivery of a sufficiently Round Tuit and change the filters.

Anyway, mention this to the tech. There may be some part of your washer that's about to finally fail, and it's trying to send you smoke signals first.

* Briefly: Too much current, and it gets hot and goes nearly open-circuit. Remove the mains to let it cool down again, and service is restored. End of blethers.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: pattyClink
Date: 16 Jan 26 - 09:50 PM

Four more nights below freezing for us, but bright and sunny with highs around 60s is our forecast. Apparently we are in a sweet spot between messy weather fronts.

My cold is responding well to decongestants etc. The keep-you-up ones are wearing off right now, so it's time to call it a day and take the night time stuff.

Glad you got out to the protest, SRS. Wish a handful of backward Senators had your courage. They could 25th this madman in a week if they gave a flip about the republic.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jan 26 - 07:13 PM

Charmion, I now use the big cordless power scrubber brush (not quite this one) on my den tile and the porch, what a difference - it goes a lot faster than scrubbing with a small brush. There are lots of versions of that out there, and smaller ones that can attach to a drill. After scrubbing I use a sponge mop to remove the dirty water.

Today I picked up the ex (still not driving) and we had lunch with our daughter. Picking up a free local newspaper on the way out of the restaurant answered a question we'd discussed with its cover story and photos. Renee Nicole Good was murdered on January 7, and on January 10 marches happened all over the US. I'm so proud of our Fort Worth event - there were over 1000 people marching in a short-notice event that was well-planned (via Indivisible and other local groups; permitted gathering in a park, a march, etc.) We understand the assignment, and turning up prepared is possible now because we've had so much practice and I suspect most people are like me and have a set of gear ready to use. This was a larger attendance than we had at other events that had more notice and lead time. And I felt so good after, talking and walking with people with a shared goal. My daughter pointed out that we were a community and generated positive energy, and she's correct. That's why it felt so good even though it focused on the bad behavior.

This morning I finished the holiday baking by making krumkaka (on an iron on the stove) and distributed the finished cookies to the ex and daughter. Only one small fire in the process (a little oil dripped on the burner when I was preparing the grill). I keep a bottle of salt nearby for just such events.

patty, it's supposed to be quite cold here Saturday through Monday; are you also in the path of this major cold front? Today it was windy and dry, and I need to move some plants up onto the porch where they should survive.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Charmion
Date: 16 Jan 26 - 01:03 PM

It’s a bright, sunny day in Ottawa, which in January usually means deep cold. Sure enough, we’re supposed to get a high of -11°C but the thermometer is stubbornly stuck at -18°C. I don’t even want to think about wind chill. So I’m on the sofa with a book. Again.

All is not idleness, however — I scrubbed the kitchen floor this morning! A sudden notion struck me, so I leapt up and did the deed before I could think better of it. That floor is ceramic tile textured to look like pink granite, and I wonder if I’ll ever get all the grime out of all its random grooves. Yet more evidence that the previous occupants weren’t big on scrubbing, especially the kind that involves engaging the knees.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 26 - 09:01 PM

Are you sure it's a cold? The COVID tests these days test for all sorts of stuff. So far my health issues have been allergies, but I do wear masks indoors in public places.

If you find yourself needing another receiver I can let you know about the state of the ones I have here. I'm using one that came from Goodwill, a JVC RX-5022V (this sale has pretty good images) I got for under $20 and an OEM remote control was inexpensive. It took me a while to get the various speakers set up (I use two excellent ones from my dad and some good smaller ones from Goodwill). I have a handful of small speakers also, good brands. Some of the receivers are pretty heavy.

British murder mysteries on PBS tonight to go along with a jigsaw puzzle; they don't take themselves so seriously as some of the gritty American series (the various flavors of Law & Order and CSI, etc.)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: pattyClink
Date: 15 Jan 26 - 05:56 PM

Fighting off a head cold for a couple of days, praying it will not get worse. I don't know if it's just general bugs in circulation, or if people who flew up to the northeast for the holidays brought back something exotic. Whatever it is, there's been too many people coughing their way around stores and meeting places lately. Note to self next Christmas season and post-Christmas weeks, mask up!

One of my old receivers is going strong and can route music from turntable, tape player, and CD drive tied to the computer through some decent speakers I found at a thrift.

Alas, the actually 'better' one now refuses to give anything from AM or FM but a hum, even with a new antenna hooked up. I might get a friend to diagnose it. If it's not something we can tamper with then perhaps it will wind up on Ebay for 'parts or repair'. I knew there was a reason I was keeping old slabs of styrofoam that the workbench kit was packed in, they are perfect for that sort of thing.

It was a good day to order supplements online, my supplies are low and anything that will help with immunity is well worth fooling with.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 26 - 03:33 PM

Heavy lifting today to boost my mood back into a comfortable zone. It's difficult to get just the facts in the news without all of the lurid videos and commentary. I spent quiet time mending the pocket in my favorite blue jeans (a hole was in danger of dropping my pocket knife out and down inside the leg of the pants) and deployed an antique darning egg in the process.

Paycheck from the employer was handwritten and had too many problems to fix. The numbers didn't match and there was no date. The date alone I could have added, but unless I've had to write out a check for someone that they sign, I don't want to do any writing except to endorse. I'm really going to miss the old office manager and his computer software for cutting checks.

The across-the-street neighbors are seeing progress in the restoration of their house. I asked her this morning if she is going to put carpet back in, and got an emphatic "NO!" The problem wasn't detected for a long time because the carpet concealed the leak and allowed it to spread farther than it should have. Everything was made worse because their 1968 house was built with asbestos around pipes, so not only did more stuff have to be torn out, her health care aids aren't allowed to enter the house until the all clear from the insurance company inspector (maybe next week).

The Canon camera has returned and will be listed on eBay, and an eBay sale left the house this morning. A big improvement today after I shuffled things around in the front room and have all of the electronics (receivers, VHS players, cassette players) in stacks in one area. To process and list finally. Some of these things are here as a direct result of discussion on Mudcat, in particular the higher quality of the older receivers. Now to send them off to appreciative homes. There was a lot of dust so I expect to need Sudafed soon.

The washer has become glitchy and this morning again refused to drain during the wash cycle until it was unplugged for a few minutes. Third time will be the charm, when I call the tech to check it out.

Tomorrow lunch with family and I'll take along a small box my NYC friend sent with "useful things you might be able to use." I've tucked a couple of plastic bags in and we'll look through it at lunch and people can take what they want. When it first arrived I opened it and saw a bag of glitter on top and promptly closed it for later.

Good luck with navigating through snow, if you have to go out. Slip and falls on ice are so fast that I can imagine going out dressed for hockey with elbow and knee pads and a good helmet.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Charmion
Date: 15 Jan 26 - 10:12 AM

It's snowing to beat the band today in Ottawa, not quite Snowpocalypse, but close, if the CBC weather report is to be believed. Now I'm sorry I did the laundry yesterday, when getting about was comparatively easy; if I go out today, the falling snow will coat the proximity sensors on the car and cause a constant howl of collision warnings. Of course I could walk, but that's not much of a plan, either -- this fresh fall is coming down at a brisk 45-degree angle, and it's covering rather a lot of lumpy ice. I don't fancy performing my penguin imitation all the way through the park.

That leaves me with the jobs I've been putting off, such as hanging the last of the pictures and some telephoning of businesses that use AI bots to screen their calls. The plumbing company has one that supposedly "understands" speech, but its struggles to get my name and address right did not fill me with confidence.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Charmion
Date: 14 Jan 26 - 03:38 PM

No, Stilly, I have not seen the kitchen designer yet — I’ll expect him when I see him. That’s just how it is with anyone in the building trades who is any damn good.

The house is small enough that I don’t think much can be done with the footprint or layout of the kitchen. We went through that in Stratford, with a kitchen reno that eventually involved half the house because of ugly discoveries in both plumbing and wiring.

It’s the nature and quality of the cabinets that can change to greatest advantage, as they are both badly made (both in materials and technique), and very wasteful of space. Also, the dishwasher and exhaust hood are clapped out and way beyond ready for replacement. The stove (range, cooker) itself is fine, and the fridge is nice but much too big.

I have been twiddling my thumbs and waiting for January to be over. When the days start to lengthen I’ll feel more energetic.

Speaking of lengthening days, my Christmas cactus is covered with buds again. This is a first for me; in these parts, they normally flower in November, with a secondary flush around Easter. It’s in a north-facing window, too.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 14 Jan 26 - 02:27 PM

Unnerving experience in the kitchen this afternoon: I ran the cold tap in the kitchen, and it honestly smelled as if someone had just cleaned out the sink with bleach. I know Thames Water*, like other water companies, put chlorine in the water as an anti-bacterial measure, but I was so worried about which other smell they might be covering that I found two minutes later that I'd inadvertently made a peanut butter sandwich.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

* Yup: them; the firm that the expression "*Akkh* *Phht*" could have been created for.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jan 26 - 11:35 AM

Companies like T-Mobile offer a home wireless hub router, but I don't know how near a tower must be or if it is a satellite device. And if it is any faster or more robust than your hot spot. My daughter rented that kind of device you have when she travelled in Japan and Europe to avoid the extra charges on her phone.

I repacked one of the eBay items; a group of four old VHS players were in a huge box and the shipping costs scared off folks who need them for parts or to repair. Now they're in two boxes with much less padding and have already had a couple of views. The post office has done such a terrible job of delivering fragile items that even boxed inside boxes it's tough for glass and ceramics, but the players already don't work so they will probably arrive in perfect condition. Go figure.

What did you try to control that was actually out of your control?
Or to rephrase, where did you try to exert influence and only hurt yourself? The PMR is a result of trying too hard and worrying too much, so that has to be let go of.

When did you feel the most joyful?
It's always with friends and family or in sharing situations (working at the museum, etc.) - something I need to do more of.

Is there anyone you need to forgive in 2026?
No, but I need to give myself a break and be content doing what I can and still staying healthy. Trump and his ilk will only get forgiveness when they're in prison and no longer harming people and the planet. Then we can forgive and forget and move on.

What habit, if you did it consistently, would make your life better?
This one is a bit mangled. If it is a habit then by definition you do it consistently. There are a few activities I need to do often enough that they become habits. ;-)

This morning I went through the settings on Instagram and tried to retrain it to show me the non-political accounts I follow. I don't use it as often and if, when I open it there is an overtly political Trump topic, I close it again and move on.

Charmion, have you had a consultation about the kitchen? What is being suggested? Will you keep the same footprint or will this be one of those sprawling kitchen operations that merges rooms (as seen on TV)?

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: pattyClink
Date: 13 Jan 26 - 09:42 PM

Well the nights are still frigid but today we got a bright though cool afternoon. Gives one hope that winter might not be all bad.

Tech note: Apparently a hotspot is sort of a router in a palm-size package, and it has its own phone number as part of my phone plan. So I have used it for internet access while traveling full time, for laptop and tablet, and it seemed pretty pointless to secure a 'land line' type of wifi and router for the house desktop, I just kept the portable one. It's fine right now using the old chip in the new device.

Today I had a nice lunch with friends in Mexico, then spent time at a lovely library in the nearby US border town. I've been there before, but this time it was blessedly quiet, and I had time to pick out some used books and videos, and do some thinking and notemaking in a comfy quiet spot.   Our other libraries are fine, and I know there has to be lots of conversation to guide people, but gee it's nice to just have serene quiet.   

On the wall in the sitting area were 'questions to ask yourself about the past year'.

When did you feel the most joyful?

What gave you energy, or drained it?

What seemed impossible but you did it anyway?

What did you try to control that was actually out of your control?

Is there anyone you need to forgive in 2026?

What habit, if you did it consistently, would make your life better?

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jan 26 - 03:32 PM

patty, what is your Internet setup? Something that doesn't allow a wired/WiFi router to be attached to the modem? I've had to use my phone as a mobile hotspot during power outages in order to use the tablet or laptop but I've never had a separate WiFi hotspot device. Good luck setting it up. I used to do crosswords but in the last few years it has been jigsaw puzzles. They have the same meditative effect, especially when paired with an audio book. Yesterday while looking at puzzles at Goodwill I spotted a puzzle I've previously worked and my mind flashed back to the Inspector Gamache mystery I was listening to at the time.

Vacuuming the front room has stirred enough dust to result in needing Sudafed.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: pattyClink
Date: 12 Jan 26 - 09:38 PM

The past week has been a chain of nasty surprises. One was having my wifi hotspot die and learning one can't just run out and get one, the few available are tied to this or that phone carrier. So spent a lot of time at the library and etc, and paid extra to let my phone act as a hotspot, but could not activate it, none of the 14 possible 'passwords' would work. Today the new one arrived, had to trick the carrier into accepting the new hotspot by using the old sim card, it would not accept the new one. One does get tired of everything being made as tricky as possible.

The frustration level with that and many other things led me to slam on the brakes and work crossword puzzles. I think they are a form of meditation, in that the brain restricts itself to the task at hand and cannot wander and worry.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jan 26 - 07:00 PM

This morning the noisy dog was quiet and she sent the quiet dog out to bark in her place. [slaps forehead]

I see cabinets being assembled and carried into the house across the street as they finally get repairs done after a major leak in the house (nothing inside could be replaced until the sewer line work was completed). There is still a pile of dirt in the front, telling me that they may have foundations problems later if it wasn't all returned under the house slab. I wonder what kind of decluttering they did as things that were water damaged were tossed (I'll have to ask).

After a doctor's appointment today I visited my favorite Goodwill and found a good condition large folding dog kennel for my daughter's chickens (she uses them when the regular coop area is worked on or if one of them needs to be separated for health reasons, etc.) The only thing I would have bought for me would have been parts to go with things I'm already selling. The second Goodwill on that route I drive has a jigsaw puzzle section and I picked up three. I have a few here to sell or donate.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jan 26 - 10:51 PM

Last night I launched the link to the employer's new podcast (this was an introductory interview with the guy who owns the podcasting platform). It was haphazard; someone from the podcast page shared a Google sheet with me with the link. No one else seemed to be doing anything, anti-climactic for such a big move. Oh, well. I've got this.

It was a quiet day to finish another jigsaw puzzle, though there are plenty of other things I should be doing. I decided to enjoy the second Sunday in a row.

The power company I set up should take over service at midnight or sometime tomorrow. I'm watching the emails for confirmation (and ignoring emails from the first company that is asking me to set up my account information and auto pay.)

The next door neighbors are out of town for a week, so the morning biscuit at the fence won't happen. I've noticed my blue heeler doing a lot more annoying barking hoping to get his attention so the bark collar is going on tonight. Often the collar is enough, but she may need a zap tomorrow to break that noisy habit.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jan 26 - 12:35 PM

Sandra, the English Major in me was so tempted to tweak that listing (moderators can edit posts people put up) but I left it alone.

A further note on the piano - the inside is as beautiful as the outside, with the sounding board made of birds-eye maple.

The last time I had it tuned the pegs were so old (four sided instead of the modern style) that he had to dig around to find a tool to tighten them. And at least four of the strings broke, requiring repair. In the end he tuned it a whole note low, so it is very dark sounding (in addition to being out of tune now). It has a great action, the ivory still looks good, and I would love to have it restored. Maybe after I pay off the house that could be a project, but neither of my kids is likely to want the piano, so it would be just for me and then who knows. It would give it a lot more value for the future (see that site I linked to at the bottom of the above post).

The office is awash in paper on all horizontal surfaces, including lots of small notes to myself I need to either act on or toss. Annual things that need filing for taxes, the new electric company paperwork (including breadcrumbs so next time I land on the correct platform for choosing a company).

I've gotten back to using my subscription exercise program several days a week (and can feel it in my abs today). When I let it autorenew I knew I needed to resume using it almost daily.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jan 26 - 01:11 AM

what were they using him for?

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 26 - 10:32 PM

Returned home from the protest march where I connected with friends. There were lots of steps walking with a large friendly but serious crowd that assembled on very short notice. Many police working the march, less relaxed this time since bad policing was part of the reason for this march. Several of us made a point of waving "hello" to them as we passed. I was glad to see a number of happy smiles in return.

Surprise at the house when I returned home - the garage door was open! When I tried to close it, it rolled down only to pop back open because one of the top rollers had broken off and it was out of alignment. I hauled out the step ladder, disconnected the motor and muscled the door closed, inserted the last of my spare rollers, then pushed it into place. The spring is a bit tighter than it needs to be, so tomorrow I'll work on that, and get another set of extra rollers.

Finally, a chuckle. I moderate a freecycle site in town and this was posted: "Anybody have a stroller for a boy that they are no longer using?"

Diagram that sentence. :)

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 10 Jan 26 - 01:33 PM

> There is such a thing as an upright grand, it has to do
> with string length.

My ghast is duly flabbered. I stand corrected.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 26 - 11:28 AM

There is such a thing as an upright grand, it has to do with string length. Compared to a spinet. I found an instrument like mine online. Mine is a thick rosewood veneer and the front "legs" are ornately carved. It has the fancy panels on front and my pedals extend directly through the case, there is no shiny brass plate. I believe the family bought it new. I inherited from my great aunt.

Making a sign this morning after impulsively signing up for a rapidly-arranged "ICE out for Good" protest downtown this afternoon. Not dwelling on it, it's a one-off, but being part of a large group is energizing.

Just as I taper Prednisone (another 8 days at 3, then down to 2) I was tapering a bit of the wine left as I plan to do a dry January/2026. The last of the last bottle in the fridge was consumed as I worked my jigsaw puzzle last night, and when I turned to pick up some puzzle pieces my chair back knocked the glass and coaster off the credenza. I figure breaking the wine glass is a good sign that it completely begins now.

PS: Here a piano like mine on this site.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 10 Jan 26 - 09:15 AM

> upright grand piano

(*ahem*) Do you mean a non-electronic upright piano? Grands are by definition horizontal, methunk.

Admission: our battered ol' upright is so down-at-string that it has effectively negative value. Quite apart from the missing note(s) and it being so out of tune that it's torture to play, the C-sharp below middle C has one string which refuses to stay anywhere near in tune with its mate. Its main purposes in life nowadays are to hold up family photos, absorb furniture polish, and eat Christmas cards.

Learn from our experience, Stilly. I suggest getting someone in to see whether it'd be worth getting your piano in tune, at least with itself, to help stop further deterioration.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 26 - 03:26 PM

Yesterday and today I spent time on the phone making sure the new electric company I wanted to switch to has my information. Long story short, even though I know how to find and use the public information source that compares companies I still managed to land on the agency that masquerades as them. I'd set up a company then the agency wanted me to join them - arrgggh! I called and canceled (the company I was cancelling was very helpful and professional; I told the guy that if I hadn't landed there by accident I was sure I'd be just fine with them). The preferred less expensive plan is now set to pick up my power needs for the next two years. My next door neighbor worked in the energy industry so was all ears when I told her about this. And even for a professional, she says it's a struggle to really get the best price.

In mid-December I spoke with an NYC camera store about selling the Canon camera; I mailed the body, lenses, flashes, etc. It was appraised this week and turns out they wanted everything except the camera body and one lens (they work, but have issues). The check will arrive for about $100 less than the original quote and they are returning what they don't want. I'll list them on eBay for parts or repair, and will make back that $100. The camera store will note what the problems with the pieces were, so I'll share the camera store evaluation in my eBay listing and it makes the sale to someone who wants to do the repairs even easier.

I've ordered a table-top music stand so I can set up the electric keyboard on the dining table and practice there; the upright grand piano is so far out of tune it's hardly worth attempting, as beautiful as it is and lovely to practice there. Trying to have it tuned at this point might be pointless, but I'll check around one of these days.

Dorothy hasn't posted on FB since Dec. 25; I worry when she's absent for long stretches, then we learn the computer was left behind somewhere or an Apple device went pear-shaped and needed help. Fingers crossed it's just a technical issue.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 26 - 11:30 AM

The truck our street needs is the new trash contractor. The schedule is Monday and Thursday, but trash from Monday sat at the curb till yesterday. I didn't put anything out then, I've put a bag out today to see what happens.

Yesterday an eBay sale was cancelled (she should have asked her sister if she wanted the item BEFORE she bought it) so I cancelled the mailing label then relisted. A listing taken down last week is repackaged into smaller offerings. The former Canon digital camera was appraised at the NYC camera store and the check is in the mail. It was last fall I decided to get serious about clearing out this way, not a new year resolution, but as this new year rolls out this habit is established. I need to haul the vacuum into the front room and see how much dust I can capture.

I've decided to participate in the museum docents' book club. Mid-February is the next meeting, giving me plenty of time to read ahead. I'm wondering if there are groups like that at keberoxu's new community?

Dorothy, what are you up to now and how are you doing? You've been quiet for too long.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Charmion's brother Andrew
Date: 08 Jan 26 - 09:40 AM

One of the reasons that Ottawa doesn't name its snow plows is that most of them belong to contractors, not the city.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: keberoxu
Date: 08 Jan 26 - 08:04 AM

Weather in southern New England:
the warming trend has cleared off the plowed roadways.
We still have snow standing on the grassy places.
But if it rains in the next few days, we should lose the snow.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Charmion
Date: 07 Jan 26 - 09:54 PM

Alas, the City of Ottawa does not name its snowplows — probably because we have a lot of them. And yes, we’re digging out. We’ll be doing that frequently, up to several times a week, from now to the end of March. By April, we’re so fed up we let Mother Nature take care of all by the heaviest fresh dumps.

Eastern Ontario is having a warming trend right now, which means rain tomorrow and a helluva slushy mess in the streets. Then we’ll have another cold snap, and the slush will freeze into dangerously lumpy ice. What larks, eh?

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 26 - 08:39 PM

Are those of you in the north and east digging out of snow or seeing named snow ploughs on your streets? It's sunny and fairly warm here, but the air is full of more juniper pollen; after much time spent outside I'm sneezing and feeling it.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 09:52 PM

Good for you to be able to find a place to donate the long locks! And I've had those clogged drains with kids with long hair, even with drain sieves; it's still tree roots that are the worst drainage block here.

Today I drove to Dallas to talk over all of the changes that will happen on the website and the shift to podcasting. I could have added to my work on the business side but declined the offer. I got enough of a look at the new website to make a plan for how to preserve some content that would otherwise be lost in the transition.

I don't use a GPS system. With Google maps on the computer I write my list of roads and turns for a trip. The freeways in Dallas typically have long stretches of red - a standstill - and I hate being stuck on freeways. My trip there was via freeways at midday, but heading home in late afternoon I decided to take a cross-country route straight through downtown on what amount to the oldest roads, the earliest streets established through downtown, ("Main" and "Fort Worth Ave," etc.) across the river, under several of the freeways, and out west to home. I passed Dealey Plaza where Kennedy was shot. It was a beautiful drive, and I saw parts of town I've only heard about like Deep Ellum (think Stevie Ray Vaughn and others). I did a few miles of freeway in between, but then dropped into town near my university and took the same old highway system west into Fort Worth. It was a beautiful drive on a sunny afternoon and I feel like I visited the real Dallas. My employer lives in a historic area in the old town three blocks east of the historic Swiss Avenue with its gorgeous old Classic Revival houses probably from the era of railroad magnates and cotton gin owners (there are neighborhoods like this in towns all through Texas, built on railroad, cattle, mining, and farming dollars). After reading about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge last year, Swiss Avenue reminds me of the houses on Columbia Heights overlooking the East River (and that area discussed in the recent Ken Burns documentary about the American Revolution).

During this trip I got my hands on a small self-published booklet from one of the authors my employer worked with years ago. She is long gone, but there are traces on the Internet about her work with saffron. The book isn't in the Library of Congress, no ISBN associated, so I am going to scan it and turn it into a PDF that they can either put up on the new site or sell as a small item (print on demand) on the Amazon store (to be set up soon). This is a real treasure!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 06:09 PM

Charmion, I've had sink strainers in my kitchen & bathroom since the 80s when a long haired friend reported the verdict of the plumber who cleaned out their pipes. Mother & two daughters all had waist length hair - very coarse hair - & he had never seen such a blockage!

On another matter - in later years I had waist length, but mine is very fine & when it was finally cut off in 2017 - 70cm - the cancer wigs company didn't want it, they only used thick coarse hair. They would have loved my friend's hair when she finally got it cut after her physio said it was affecting her arthritis. I had a craft friend who made porcelain dolls & she was happy to accept my hair!

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Charmion
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 03:15 PM

The plumber was back again this morning, this time to clear the slow-running drains of both the sink and tub in the en-suite bathroom. Both were severely clogged with long, black hair — obviously not mine — and the bathtub drain also contained dental floss, of all things. Yet more evidence that the previous incumbents were slobs.

Marc Durocher, my current favourite carpenter, pinged me yesterday to ask if I am ready to get started on updating the barely adequate kitchen. I can hardly wait.

In other news, it’s been very damnably cold for nearly a week, but the next warm spell is due to start tomorrow or the day after. This is the rock’n’roll winter for which Ottawa is justly famous — or notorious, take your pick.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 26 - 06:04 PM

Still me, nattering away. :)

At lunch with my daughter we discussed photo cubes and light sources. She makes elaborate hats for various costume events and wants to photograph them; her Amazon wish list had a couple of expensive setups with elaborate lights and filters but I didn't buy her any, instead I left my photo cube up over the holiday to show her but we forgot to talk about it. Just as well - the items on her list were just placeholders so she could look into the possibilities. Today at lunch we went over the pros and cons and now I've sent her a list of links to the things I use. I often give the kids things, but this I use all of the time so she'll have to get her own, and hopefully avoid the overkill.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 26 - 12:08 AM

Several more eBay items listed. A couple that were previously listed will be repackaged, I think the way I packed them led to shipping costs that were too high.

Granola and another batch of crispy pecans completed; this time I baked the pecans hotter for a shorter time and got away with it.

Today was the first Sunday in years that I didn't have a bunch of work-related things to complete, which is part of the reason I made myself buckle down to the eBay work. Also this weekend I finished one jigsaw puzzle and set up another.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 26 - 10:55 PM

This is the first Saturday night in (literally!) years that I haven't had to prepare stuff ahead of a Sunday morning radio show that was the bailiwick of the guy I work for. It will shift to a Saturday podcast (from his home) in a week or so. For now, no more Sunday morning radio shows. It's kind of like retiring all over again.

To bed early, and not setting the alarm.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 26 - 06:07 PM

I mentioned adding new things to the task list on my bullet journal and I've found two more. I want to play the piano more, and today heard a sonata that sounds playable by someone who hasn't learned new music in years. I'll look to see if I have the sheet music before ordering it. And an interview on NPR with Jimmy Wales (who started Wikipedia) reminded me of a category I'd like to contribute to ("Women In Red" - those names highlighted in red that aren't articles there yet but should be.) I've been a Wikipedia editor for at least 15 years, not as active lately as when I was working and did regular posts on behalf of the library.

I find myself looking at ordinary household tasks and asking myself if this is something I need to do differently. The annual review seems to be part of the process whether we intend for it to be or not.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 26 - 11:49 AM

Consumer Reports discussed pros and cons of several major toothbrush brands, and a huge con on some was the price (up to $300!) In their columns of noise, durability, customer satisfaction, etc., the one that I chose was one of the best, yet least expensive. Philips Sonicare series 4000 was about $40. The brush head on it was medium, and as Charmion notes, made my teeth ache. I found it at Kohls (and while for some reason Amazon prices the colors of the handle differently, Kohls was $40 for any color). The ultra soft bristle replacement heads required some searching and I was surprised to land on Costco as a result. I mail-ordered the pack of eight heads with a modest shipping fee. Just as my refrigerator keeps track of the calendar and turns on a light when the water filter needs replacing, my toothbrush will apparently light up when the brush head needs replacing. Were I interested, I could go through a series of switch on-and-off and lights flashing steps to change the intensity from low to high. Low is fine with me.

A quick biology lesson regarding my smoked salmon. Wild caught salmon have gone the anadromous route, fresh water immaturity, heading out to sea for years as adults, then returning to fresh water to spawn. Catching them in the ocean is where they are largest and good eating. Farm raised "Atlantic salmon" are generally awful; poor flavor, artificial coloring, poor farm conditions and they've had a poor diet and the addition of antibiotics. My young friend in the market described the care and good diet of the farmed fish from Scotland, and I agree, they are excellent fish. But they aren't the best for smoking because they are like the eunuchs of the salmon world - well fed and kept in an enclosure where all they can do is develop more fat and less muscle. They would be nicer for grilling or cooking for a meal, but when the goal of smoking is low-temperature for hours to slow cook and dry the strips of fish, they are so oily the result isn't going to be the same. I smoked them for about five hours (if I were a purist doing the heating and drying just in the Little Chief I could leave them in for up to 12 hours) and put them in the oven to bring them to a uniform 125 degrees. If you're looking for good farmed fish, the company is Wester Ross, a small brand that is kind of picky who they sell their fish to. Texas' HEB owns a few high-end Central Market stores, and they had to talk the company into selling them their fish, and before that Wester Ross sent representatives over to see how CM runs their fish counters.

It's a lovely day again, sunny and highs in the 70s.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: pattyClink
Date: 02 Jan 26 - 09:40 AM

I had a great electric toothbrush that finally died. Its replacement was so noisy at such an awful frequency I couldn't stand to use it. I guess it's time to research getting a better one.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Jan 26 - 09:20 AM

I’m told that the cool kids these days prefer “intentions” over “resolutions” at New Year. That’s a distinction without a difference, in my opinion.

For the first time since Edmund died, my New Year review does not include any concerns over where I should live or how much stuff I have. This house needs work, to be sure, but none of it requires figuring out — it’s all obvious tasks to be done. Ambiguity and decision fatigue are over, and I have but to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Taking care, of course, not to slip on the ice.

When I last tried using an electric toothbrush, its vibration made my teeth ache. Is there such a thing as a low-stress toothbrush?

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 26 - 10:36 PM

When I was a child we had a remote lakeside cabin and a Monarch wood burning stove that a lot of paper and plastic was tossed into. Very little trash ever made it to the dump.

I agree about an annual assessment, I just try not to jinx good changes by doing it at New Year's. Another habit I've added to my routine is to use an electric toothbrush. My dental hygienist has suggested they do a better job of cleaning along the gum line. The "medium" brush that came with it was like a jackhammer so I waited to start when the very soft brush heads arrived. It takes getting used to but I think I'm there.

I am planning new things also, adding a few in the task list in this month's Bullet Journal pages.

The salmon is smoking now and I'm looking forward to comparing this with the wild caught fish. It's larger and a bit softer in consistency.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: pattyClink
Date: 01 Jan 26 - 07:09 PM

Happy New Year!

SRS, I don't have handy trash pickup, so I have been forced to learn to encapsulate any possibly smelly trash in tightly sealed containers or bags such as old bread bags, or even waste a ziploc if necessary. Then it can sit in the large trash bag in the back room til I make a trash run.

Trying to take time to assess the old year and plan some things in the new, got a couple of new/better habits started and hope to make some positive changes.   A bit disappointed that no one I speak to in real life is doing the same thing, there's a lot of scoffing at resolutions or anything resembling them. Oh well.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 26 - 03:40 PM

The sockeye was completely sold out for the season and the fellow who runs the fish department (who grew up with my children on the same little cul-de-sac; I call him my own personal fishmonger) is persuasive about a Scottish farmed product (given high quality food, no dye added, etc.). I told him I'd give it a try and it went from the brine to drying plates this morning. I'll see if there is time to smoke tonight, might have to do it in the morning.

The drawback to these large fillets is the packing (butcher paper inside a plastic bag with a bag of ice for transport) and the general fishiness that spreads around the kitchen sink from scales and splashing. Today the brine was poured down the sink (no oil, so not a problem) but the drain is kind of belching brine smell. I'll run the dishwasher soon and flush it out of the line. The trash bin in the laundry room has a similar blooming fish smell from those wrappers and will go out to the can by the driveway soon (fingers crossed it doesn't attract raccoons.)

I'm making this a dry January, probably a dry 2026. I paid for another year of my exercise program (Essentrics) and will try to be more disciplined about using that to not only stay flexible, it always improves my mood. Since my garden was so successful last year I'll keep that up and get started earlier, and after organizing my greenhouse I'm starting more plants from seed out there.

I'm happy with my progress on eBay, though I removed a few listings today. A couple will be re-packaged, another one will be offered on Freecycle. The new camera has made the work go more easily, and since I tend to sell the same kinds of things I have boilerplate content to reuse. Keeping boxes on shelves by the front door has reduced the clutter of boxes in the den.

Now to keep the political miasma at bay and get over the disappointments of 2025.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - 2026
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 25 - 11:09 AM

The morning is cool and quiet and I've cleaned in the kitchen then cleared the table to work on books; I use antique mylar book covers to protect the dust jackets on several received for the holiday (my father brought home two packages of these Gaylord covers when I was a child; I somehow inherited them and still have a good supply). These are nonfiction, but I have a number of mysteries here to tackle as well.

Headed out to get more salmon to smoke for myself (to brine it overnight and smoke it tomorrow evening). I'll do some baking today and tomorrow as gifts for friends, and pretty soon it's time to start putting potatoes in for next spring. I'll check the greenhouse and set up a few pots for starting stuff from seed. The domestic activity is just fine instead of going out to party or attend films or football games.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - '25-26
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 25 - 10:57 AM

Pet food. My blue heeler has been scratching and licking up a storm lately, the culprit probably a new type of food from Tractor Supply. As we neared the end of that bag I returned to the previous variety and started her on it as soon as it arrived (Cookie isn't bothered by the other one, so she's finishing it off). The scratching has decreased dramatically in just a week.

These two announce important arrivals at the house: family, delivery people, the trash truck in the street, and the mail carrier. They get it wrong occasionally so I look out to an empty porch or driveway, but they're right more than they're wrong, so today I'm waiting for the bark that tells me the mail carrier is coming so I can hand off the last of the boxes from my delayed gift orders.

On his wish list this year my son wanted "normal human shirts" (not polo). I went looking for good cotton t-shirts and Reddit reminded me of LandsEnd, that used to be its own company then joined Sears and is now out there again as its own company. A friend from Chicago who liked to sail introduced me to them in the 1970s. Today's parcel contains their shirts for him, but since they sent an email about their clearance sale I found two light fleece jacket shirts (I've been looking for those for ages). They zip up the front and are great for wearing around the house in cool weather. The one I have is from Royal Robbins (a mountaineering company) and it won't last forever. I like them in particular because the sleeves are long enough for my arms but are slim so they don't snag on things. Like drawer pulls, or pick up jigsaw puzzle pieces as I'm working on one. (As soon as I placed the order I set their email to arrive only once a month. I hate getting swamped with store promotions.) Xmas money well spent.

Finally, I don't make new year resolutions, they are made to be broken, but I have a couple of behavior adjustments I've been working on that I can see from this point in the year have worked. I always used to pick up my phone when I woke and look at several email accounts and a couple of the social media sites (Instagram and Bluesky). The cortisol generated from messages about the resident in the White House set the bad energy into motion for the day and I'm sure was part of the PMR recurrence. If I pick up the phone in the morning now it is to look at one email address (that receives no politics but does tell me if there is anything in the mail) and the weather.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - '25-26
From: Charmion
Date: 29 Dec 25 - 05:59 PM

Foul weather in Ottawa today: rain deteriorating to sleet and, eventually, to snow. Before the freeze began, I struggled downtown in the slop to retrieve a picture from the framing gallery only to find them closed, as they always are on Monday. Colour me peeved — at myself. I should have checked.

On the way home, I hit the Farm Boy, the dry cleaner’s and the public library, so the trip wasn’t entirely wasted. But I still have to get that picture, and pay for the new frame, before New Year’s Day — all debts must be cleared at Hogmanay.

Watson isn’t exactly happy with his new diet, but he’s putting up with it. Although he evidently gets enough to eat, I still get lots of feline nagging. He’s used to having kibble available whenever he feels the urge, but now I pick up his dish when he walks away because I don’t want Isobel to hoover up what he leaves (she has her own dish on the counter). So now he gets a small serving up to four times a day. So now I get ejected from bed in the morning with even greater emphasis.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - '25-26
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 25 - 12:01 AM

Two loads run through the dishwasher later and I've cleared the kitchen after today's festivities. This was a holiday for us and it was a carb blowout that I won't bother to record on My Fitness Pal, where the culprit was sugar, not flour. The rest of the cranberry bars (made with a gluten-free cake mix) are in the freezer (after giving a robust chunk to the neighbors next door).

I see some simple doll forms online to do with my thoughts about effigy burning/hanging/poking with needles. But focusing on the turd isn't healthy, so I'll consider if the therapeutic benefits outweigh the harm of focusing on the subject.

Two large eBay boxes leaving the house on Monday.

Subject: RE: DECLUTTER: *Sorting *Health *Progress - '25-26
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 25 - 08:38 PM

Another holiday celebrated, everyone stuffed full of brunch and back on the road ahead of the wind that is now gusting hard enough to keep the motion-detection driveway light on full-time (and carrying in more juniper pollen). And the biggest change, the radio show concluded this morning as the Internet podcast age begins. Not a lot of change for me, I think, except I no longer need an alarm to check that a contest photo has posted each week, and I removed a weekly reminder about posting it. I did call in to pay my respects, to give a voice to the name he mentions several times every week (since I post his social media I also send him a list of the questions people have asked during the week - it helps eliminate dead air when he's trying to remember what else people asked him about, etc.) Cat sitting was finished yesterday, and I have a few days in which NO ONE NEEDS ME TO DO ANYTHING. Wow.

I have a couple of classic film DVDs from the library to watch (that I hate to admit I've never watched) and I'm going to go pick up some more salmon to brine (the batch I made for the ex and our daughter was amazing and it can be reused several times) and smoke in the next day or two. I think a perfect use of a bit of xmas cash, buying wild caught salmon.

Xmas day chat and consultation with the librarian daughter who had a broken Achilles tendon repaired surgically a couple of years ago was helpful to her father, and the result is that we both think he needs to see the orthopedist. My knees and her tendon were repaired by orthopedic surgeons. So starting next week we'll see about an appointment for a professional opinion. The GP hasn't been able to solve this one and he needs to get back to driving himself around.

This thread can continue to run into the new year because it was updated for the Mudcat thread count. In a couple of days I'll change the name to 2026.