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28 Sep 10 - 07:18 PM (#2995605) Subject: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage It's such a lovely fall day, it feels so different from how most of September felt down here in Texas, let's see if we can't nudge fall into sticking around a little longer and get a good early jump on October. Baggage left behind, de-cluttering ahead and the fall version of "spring" cleaning takes hold. Here's the last thread My gardens are going to get partially de-cluttered of weeds for planting and partly staged for next year. I've been moving stuff that was in the way so I can mow where the really tall grass is growing. I'll be preserving a lot of herbs and getting winter crops going. The work in the house is making strides forward - I still have more stuff than I have reasonable space, but I'm whittling it down at a slow but steady rate. A few rugs have been washed, the vacuums (I bought one when I thought the old one had died, but it hadn't. I suppose I could de-clutter one vacuum!) have been pressed into service and next I need to make some kind of dust cloth ball to throw at the high ceilings in the living room to take down some of the cobwebs up there. And it's Secret Santa coming up soon. Who knows - one person's trash is another person's treasure - perhaps this is the year of the oddball gift. :) So, get out your long sleeved shirt or sweater for the cool mornings and evenings, enjoy this weather, and let the energy this lower temperature brings on do great things in your house and yard! SRS |
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28 Sep 10 - 08:06 PM (#2995640) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Great idea, SRS! I have a bit of catching up to do, so here goes: On Sunday, we rearranged all of the LR, moving the sofa away from the front window, to a catty-corner against the wall on the other side of my desk wall in the DR and the single sized window in the LR. Rog put up a shelf under the big front window and I put my large Norfolk Pine there with a wooden rocking chair on the left side, near the front door with my dad's child's rocking chair next to it. Roger's reclining chair is at the right side of the big window, near the end of the sofa. The pine really sets off the whole look with the mini-blind slats opening, the light filtering in in the mornings as it faces east. Morgan's music center with the keyboard, taiko drum, baskets of drum sticks and other percussion instruments, plucked psaltery, and parlour banjo were moved to under the bookshelves where it fits very well and feels like more of the room, rather than apart. The wall behind the sofa is bare with no artwork, but when I look out on the LR from my desk in the DR, it looks spare with clean lines and I like it quite a lot. Of course, there are still books piled on the shelves, etc., but it shows how the rest of the place will look when the clutter is cleaned up. My puir office, on the other hand, is sad. Everything extra was ferried back there. I can still get to the desk and make jewellery, but there are things for etsy, ebay and giveaway which need to be dealt with. I can do this...it's just going to take time and patience with myself. I also stripped the sofa of the covers which protected it from dog hair as that is where Merlee slept a lot. I miss him, very much. It has been very quiet and rather subdued here, but there were measures we had to take when he was around that we can now relax: no gate across the access to the catboxes to keep him out of searching for "tootsie rolls," no need for covers on the sofa, etc. On the other hand, Rog and I will have to be careful not too take too much food on our plates as there is no one to "tithe" to when we are almost finished and we have to be careful not to accidentally drop any food on the floor because, again, there's no "clean up on Aisle 5" crew available. *sigh* Morgan came over Sunday morning when I asked for his help in moving his music center. That kid never ceases to amaze me. He announced "I can do this by myself" when I was talking about where to put the sofa and he did with a little guidance from me; he had it scooted into place in no time. Then, intrepid climber that he is, he was in and out, over and under various pieces of furniture as we jockeyed them around the room. He also helped Rog to carry stuff to the back office. He was as good as having another adult available to help out. Just amazing and very proud of himself, for good reason. He earned a new Hot Wheels car and the $2 Rog had in cash in his pocket. Yesterday I did two loads of laundry, folded and put away. I also swept the DR and kitchen. Rested my back before tackling the dishes. Trsytan, my grey tabby, enjoyied the sunshine on a cushy office chair in front of the LR window..even he adds to the decor.:-) Finished the dishes...over a week's worth with lots of pots and pans. Phew! Today, I did qi gong this morning, the vigorous routine then worked on getting my account reactivated at the ISBN site so I can register one of my unused ISBNs for Prairie Child as I have made the decision to release it as an eBook at Amazon. I am taking my time, being careful to get the format just so, etc. It feels good to have made the decision and though it doesn't really declutter anything physically, it has done wonders for my mind!:-) Oh, I also typed up a short legal-type notice for my ex this morning. Got some really lovely garden fresh tomatoes for doing so. I also helped Morgan with his "homework" today and, well, I won't gush, but he is a Wonder. We've had cool nights in the 50s here, but almost to 90 during the day. C'mon...Fall! |
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28 Sep 10 - 09:42 PM (#2995697) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg ...the fall version of "spring" cleaning takes hold.... Nuh uh, mines is all done! Fall starts a month early up in these mountains. ~Susan |
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28 Sep 10 - 09:52 PM (#2995703) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Great list, Kat! On the other hand, Rog and I will have to be careful not too take too much food on our plates as there is no one to "tithe" to when we are almost finished and we have to be careful not to accidentally drop any food on the floor because, again, there's no "clean up on Aisle 5" crew available. *sigh* I know. I still miss the little thump on the foot of the bed when one or both cats would jump up to sleep with me, but not on me. The dogs stay on the floor, though Poppy clearly knows that dogs sometimes sleep on beds and she leans on it with those big brown eyes, hoping I'll let her up. Talk about the camel's nose under the tent! Anyway, they are the team that comes and checks the floor. I have taken many of the covers off of chairs and the couch, now that the cats aren't here. There is no way I could let the dogs on the furniture. The one love seat they used to sometimes hop onto is gone, sold via Craig's list last spring. I was dabbling before, but future work would be on more of a schedule. I pulled some tortillas out of the freezer and made small quesadillas this evening with leftover chicken, hatch chiles (thawed) and cheese. The huge store-bought tortillas might work for larger quesadillas, but when you read the ingredients, they're full of stuff I really don't want to eat, including preservatives that let them stick around for weeks. Fresh homemade ones (remember - flour, salt, shortening, warm water) stick around for a couple of days if you don't freeze them. Guess which is more healthy? I have to finish processing photos this evening and burn them to a disk. I'll turn the disk and my invoice in tomorrow. If I could keep up the work like this it would certainly help my bottom line, but it's pretty spotty. I'll probably start doing some work on Mahalo dot com, where I have earned a couple hundred dollars since last spring. I look forward to using a light blanket on the bed tonight. I've had windows open for a few hours today, and if it weren't for the mosquitoes getting past the screens, I'd have one open in my bedroom tonight. SRS |
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28 Sep 10 - 09:54 PM (#2995704) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage We cross-posted. I know, Texas is on a later schedule. And I ask tolerance from our Southern Hemisphere Mudcatters. They are just getting to Spring Cleaning for real. So I hope a few will post! SRS |
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28 Sep 10 - 10:52 PM (#2995736) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Finally sorted out Getaway lodgings, transportation, and packing. Now to sort out Micca - a bit like herding cats. Becca is house sitting and tending to my three felines AND Seamus who is thrilled to be staying at Aunt Mary's. He always gets Swanson Chicken Broth on his kibbles. Dinner at Jacqui and Kendall's tonight with Becca and Claire Bear. They are visiting up north tomorrow while I am off to work. Busy week and weekend ahead. Then back to the Castlebay house concert and a meeting about a tentative maritime festival in summer '11. The house concert schedule is amazing. Castlebay, John Roberts and Deb Cowan, Grey Larson and Cindy Kallett + Jed Marum,maybe Seamus Kennedy and Matt Brown,and and and. Jacqui has done an amazing job of organizing. Alas, my house is what it is. Hope Becca doesn't bring a camera. Happy Fall all. SINS |
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28 Sep 10 - 10:58 PM (#2995738) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Ok. This is my 5th try. I took Ambien maybe 20 minutes ago and already my visual stuff is blurry. My fingers are tripping over each other and I'm about to sleep. I love early fall as a time to take care of organizing things and for cookingl So yay! MOre later when I can type more cohereantly. I have to be up early to take a friend to Geisinger (2 hour drive one way) and then a day of fun....part of that funwill be going to a farmer's market) Fall still lingers here in these mountains....leaves are hanging on although not as brilliantly as they were last weekend....but the air is crisp and to me, that feels like a motivator to get busy. I have aproject in mind for this winter to keep the brutal cold winds from torturing our house....it won't be pretty but I've made a bet wioth the man I love most in this world that it will work. How kind he is to humor me. I suppose I could ramble on but the truth is, it's not mre, its the ambien. I can't see much [ast my poofy cheecks. And yes, Jeremiah is tucked into bed and is sleeping soundly with daddy keepint out an extra ear. Let's suffice it to say that I did a ton of stuff today and tomrrow will be more....and I need the sleep. Nighty night. |
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28 Sep 10 - 11:36 PM (#2995758) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I almost fell asleep just reading your attempt to post, Michelle! I've made progress on the photos. Not finished, but close. Again, I'll get my shower before bed to keep any allergens off of my pillow and away from my face overnight. It seems to have helped from yesterday to today. Kat, I envy you having the time for your jewelry making. I WILL make time for my beading this winter. SRS |
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29 Sep 10 - 12:04 AM (#2995775) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Don't get too green, yet, SRS. I haven't gone back there and actually done any, yet.:-) Have to do that, though, to get some stuff up on etsy. |
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29 Sep 10 - 07:34 AM (#2995947) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall We've been away, travelling in Alberta and visiting offspring. It will take me a while to catch up reading all the posts in the previous thread. I've managed to unpack everything and wash all the laundry. When we came home tonight we discovered that the house sitter hadn't watered as requested and that frost did some damage while we were away. I'll have to convince myself to work hard this week to get my flower beds ready for winter. I'll hate to dig up anything that is still blooming. rags |
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29 Sep 10 - 08:53 AM (#2996009) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Well, the decision has been made to offload the sideboard to the YMCA (who will come and collect it). I made a graph paper outline of my future living room, measured the furniture, and played with cut-outs...the sideboard is going to be a nuisance, and I'd much rather have more seating. I also have to make room for a digital piano. It's not mine, but I've got it until my daughter moves to a house big enough to keep it in! This will not be for a few years. In the meantime, I may go back to learning, if I can find a teacher locally up north. So I visited the shop in Doncaster, and bought the 2-seater sofa which matches my sofabed. The only difference is that it has the scatter cushion back as opposed to the standard back. However, there are matching cushions on both. The shop say they'll hold it as long as I want, and in the meantime I am boxing up the contents of the rather large sideboard. As soon as that's done, I'll phone the YMCA and get it out. I'll then get the sofa delivered, and try to configure the pair of sofas in this living room. There's still a lull in proceedings at the moment, and the survey report still hasn't come. It shouldn't be long - 5 working days is quoted as a minimum wait. (They send them to South Africa to be typed(!), and there's been a weekend in between). Next on the clear out list are the toiletries that never get used, and the old bed base and mattress from the spare double room. I've started picking my pears now. It's a dwarf tree, and easier to get at the fruit. So later today the dehydrator will be up and running yet again. I've already done a load of apples, and there are still lots on the tree, but there are more than I can deal with. Andrea |
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29 Sep 10 - 09:35 AM (#2996042) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Go Andrea! Sounds like you have all work well in hand. South Africa?!? Will the report come back singing like "Graceland"? === he doc wants me to double up on the Stupid Pill-- BP not dropping yet, and option is hospital stay to attack BP. But that would crash my activity level as well as cost money we do not have. I had a complete meltdown last night over THAT but it was healthy, cathartic rupture of tears and I'll wait a day or two to see how it clears up my thinking. Back to discuss with him/see if it worked, next week. ~Susan |
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29 Sep 10 - 10:34 AM (#2996075) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Weigh in this morning showed 1.4 lbs lost! Considering what I've eaten in the past week, I was quite surprised. rags, good to *see* you back here. Don't worry about catching up, just dig in here or, your flowerbeds.:-) Sorry to hear things weren't watered as needed. |
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29 Sep 10 - 11:09 AM (#2996097) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Sometimes over-watering can look like under-watering. The effect can be the same- it impacts the plants and how healthy they look. I was astonished at my water bill for August - I hadn't been watering too much myself (I use soaker hoses), but I was away for a week. I think the neighbor who watched my yard really poured on the water (he prefers using a hose and nozzle). But that didn't do it any extra good, it still looked stressed from the high heat. Blood pressure has to be under control - good luck getting that down to where it belongs, Susan. Finished a freelance job, will turn in the disk and invoice today. Didn't get much else done while I was working on that. I picked up some bananas and yogurt yesterday, so this morning I made a smoothie with banana, yogurt, and some frozen strawberries. They taste good and they are very filling. Hopefully this is also a healthy breakfast (some of my dieting friends look askance at bananas, and will eat only 1/2 at a time. This smoothie had 1 1/2 bananas). SRS |
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29 Sep 10 - 11:21 AM (#2996109) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Weigh in - still down 25lbs. No change despite not watching what I eat. I'll take it. BP under control at 113/76. Glucose also under control at 76 - 130 max. Now if I can make my cholesterol behave...exrecise will do it. SIGH And David Coffin has joined the house concert roster. A brilliant singer out of Boston who performs with his daughter sometimes (we hope this time). David put the tune to LEJ's shanty for Barry Finn. Straighten up continues - what Nana Sullivan called "a lick and a promise". Martha Stewart does not live here... |
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29 Sep 10 - 12:03 PM (#2996143) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg BTW September's lodging project lost me 7 pounds with no dietary changes, in fact I ate more. Maintaining that space and the rest will probably lose me more. ~S~ |
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29 Sep 10 - 01:00 PM (#2996187) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage A friend of mine just commented in an email that he has to take his blood pressure pills (two of them) at two different times of the day. If he takes them all at once in the morning they make him light headed. He divides the dose and does one in the morning and one in the evening. Something to think about. Disks burned, invoice ready, I'm out the door. SRS |
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29 Sep 10 - 01:13 PM (#2996203) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I did that, too, SRS, thinking it would be okay. Wrong, the docs were concerned and explained to me why it was not a good idea. I'd be sure your friend spoke with his docs. My BP is now so low it gets ridiculous. The docs tell me if I can "tolerate it" it is best, so I trundle along with an average of 65-70 over 45-50!:-) As I lose even more weight, we will have to adjust it, of course. |
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29 Sep 10 - 01:16 PM (#2996206) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL The best part about my numbers is that we have a Wellness Program at work. I will pick up and extra $200...AGAIN. Just for keeping my numbers down. |
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29 Sep 10 - 01:38 PM (#2996224) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I'm following doc's orders-- the great doc I had found has moved back from Philly to here. He does want me to take divided doses (and we are organiing for it as I type). The best sub-news is that the doc's office is now on email, saving drives and co-pays for tweaking things. I will not be looking for any advice about it here; support and encouragement are appreciated and I wish all here the best. ~Susan |
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29 Sep 10 - 02:30 PM (#2996265) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: VirginiaTam new corner sofa bed is here. I like. congrats to all the losers on the thread. I am not weighing or measuring myself but I wore a pair of winter trousers today and had trouble all day keeping them up. Also pulled out my winter mac and it buttons with loads of room to spare, so must be losing weight. Still feeling pretty good and best of all.... wait for it I slept beautifully last night and did not wake until 4.20am. Normally I would be up at least 2 times before then. Went on bathroom break, straight back to bed and slept until 7:40. TSO had difficulty getting me to wake up. It was gorgeous. Myocardial perfusion scan tomorrow... wish me ..... I don't know.... luck or good energy... or sumfin please. I am a little bit scared. hugz to all you lot. |
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29 Sep 10 - 02:52 PM (#2996276) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Myocardial perfusion scan tomorrow... wish me ..... I don't know.... luck or good energy... or sumfin please. I am a little bit scared. I pray you peaceful and confident energy, e v e r y t h i n g you need, and tugs in the right direction via your kitteh-twhiskers (And much love), ~Susan >>>>(((Tam)))---->!!!!! |
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29 Sep 10 - 06:01 PM (#2996395) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Accountability: Went to a large buffet for lunch today and behaved myself rather well and made a fabulous spinach salad instead of going after other yummy stuff that isn't so good for me. :) Michelle |
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29 Sep 10 - 06:10 PM (#2996402) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Thanks, Kat. Clearly there are different strategies for these meds. I'll let my friend know what was reported here and ask if this divided dose was suggested by his doctor. I don't practice medicine but I think he's glad to have a friend who cares enough to occasionally fuss at him about taking care of himself. Lovely weather today, the kind of weather that makes you feel empowered, like you could do anything. The list today was short enough: discs of photos delivered, proof approved. Several projects are right on target, some are ongoing, a couple are early. I'm aiming to get ahead of all of this stuff. Wishful thinking? I've shared that roasted tomato and garlic soup recipe with several folks and it meets universal joy from cooks and gardeners alike. I have my eyes open for the right tomatoes (truly local, homegrown) to test it. I stopped at my new favorite farmer's market stand and came home with some fresh fruit but their tomatoes weren't local and were very expensive. Maybe after payday. . . On the fridge I have a list of projects that I need to do around here. I haven't looked at it in ages, and I think it's time to do more than just post that list, I need to consider it and to place them in a hierarchy. For example, I've been looking at some tile and grout projects that might need to be put on the top of the list. I'd like to finish off that, which has been one of the longest-running projects in the house (going back almost to when I moved in). SRS |
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29 Sep 10 - 07:27 PM (#2996482) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Well done, Lily and Miss Tam. A good night's sleep is pure heaven. Final preparations for the Getaway are wearing me out. I know I will forget something critical. LOL As long as it isn't Micca. The Getaway auction is my excuse to declutter a bit around here. If things don't sell, I will tuck them into people's luggage. SINS |
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29 Sep 10 - 07:39 PM (#2996490) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Mary you are wicked. Wicked! Because you know any of your victims will use those luggage items for Secret Santa Micca sounds like a bonus for the event. I was reading the current version of "where's Micca" - it sounds like he'll be celebrating retirement (in a non-retiring manner, one suspects). Unloaded rather odd tall and heavy crystal or flint glass vase. I found it a couple of weeks ago in one of the trunks packed when I was moving out of the old house (where my ex still lives), and was pretty sure it had come from my ex's bachelor household, not from all of the glass from my great aunt. I cleaned it up some - it had many years of dust in it even before it was packed away. The ex stopped by to say hello, to visit the pooches (they love to see him, especially since he is one of those individuals who knows how to feed them!) and pick up this chunk of glass. It is lovely out, but the mosquitoes are really bad this year, especially at sunset, so I think I'll leave my mowing till tomorrow morning. I can move some more furniture in my son's room for both exercise and de-cluttering purposes. SRS |
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29 Sep 10 - 11:54 PM (#2996577) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Worked up a sweat this evening. I cleared the desk in Moonglow's room, and lugged it into my son's room. I'd cleared the longer folding table in his room that used to hold his computer and slid it out to Moonglow's room. I lugged my son's big honker television off of the wire shelves and put it on an oak slat table. I slid the wire shelves out of his room, and though the current arrangement will be revised (computer desk and tv table need to be reversed), I've ended up with more floor space in his room and I think he'll be able to work at the computer, watch television, or play games easily from his office chair or from his convertible sofa. The longer table is now in Moonglow's room holding my sewing machine. The wire shelves are standing in the hall right now, but I think I have a place for it in the sun room. There is a smaller wire shelf in there that this bigger shelf could replace. It would handle storage for gardening tools that I keep in the house and would extend enough past the window that would let me put some plants on one end of it for propagating or starting seeds. Lights off, doors closed for now. I'll finish that job tomorrow. I kicked back with a small glass of pomegranate juice (I found two bottles of the Pom Wonderful juice on half price at the grocery store this week.) Pomegranate grows here in Texas, so I am going to see about finding a bush to plant in the spring. This stuff is good, and very healthy. That's my report! SRS |
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30 Sep 10 - 12:01 AM (#2996578) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Phew! That sounds like a lot, SRS! Pomegranates are so good. It was a special treat for us, when I was growing up. They only came but once a year in the grocery stores in WY and mom was very careful about budgeting enough for us each to have one. I loved them! |
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30 Sep 10 - 12:03 AM (#2996579) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I spent about 2 hours today decluttering the Department of Homeland Medications today, tossing expired scrips and empty bottles I had thought I might refill. It took up an entire XL wastebasket. Then I re-organized what was left in a new way. I decluttered my LR side table and found several important documents I needed for a grant application. I had hoped they were in there; not only were they, but some additional support documentation was in there too, as well as a lost headband that matches my favorite shirt. Alas, no wallet. It must be here somewhere. Maybe in the car. Out in the car I found and nabbed the spare pair of specs I don't really need for driving. I want to turn them into a second pair of readers for my home office. It's a simple (AKA cheap) prescription; maybe I can use those old spares at the puder, tho, with a second pair of magnifiers over them, till I can scrape up bucks for new lenses-- it's a pretty cheap prescription and the frames are fine. A friend who is moving next week was kind enough to take a rolling kitchen island out of my van that I had thought I might put up in Room #1 as a TV stand. She can use it more than I can, and she gave me the decluts from her herb/spice cabinet as she packed. As well as a lot of dried exotic garlic bulbs, and instrux on how to get new plants from them. The new schedule continues to work fabulously. It supported some additional LR decluts today and some downtime after the intense meltdown of last night. I learned something really interesting and scientific about cats today in that downtime, as well as Chinese lacquerware. I'm reconfiguring an interior step-up that sits at the foot of the stairs to Room #1, and I cobbled up a mock temporary step to measure how high I need to build the new step. It will make a safer landing place at the foot of those stairs. (LF has been up there and will recall the awkward last step.) I had to go up to the room to fetch some 2x6's that were up there, and an ext. cord for my full-spectrum light. It was nice not to have been up there 5 times a day for awhile, and to see it after all the work I had done. Nicer than I recalled-- always a nice reward for the work. Anyway, going up there I carried up a few items destined for that space that had accumulated in the stairwell, and stowed them up there in their rightful places. That made room for the fella coming next week to tack carpeting in there-- ooooh, we have wanted THAT for YEARS. Hardi and I decluttered someone's ordination process this week, providing an anti-racism training our ordinands are mandated to take before they collar up. The woman we worked with had already had tons of it, in secular work settings, and just needed the theological part. As usual we teamed well and enjoyed the whole experience, but more importantly we set (and documented) a precedent for how to handle such instances-- long overdue. This is the first night on the doubled-up Stupid Pill. It's lovely to know it will help me sleep, but I am more interested in how it will affect dreaming and the day's-end storage of memory into longterm memory. In the AM I will find out if the sleepiness carries over past waking, and have a couple of clear hours hopefully before the AM doubled dose kicks in. Folks, it is likely I will be very repetitive while I adjust to this one, and I do not plan to tax my mind by checking every new post to see if it a repeat of already-posted stuff. If this dosage works, the doc will then try me on some other stuff in the same class, till we find the one that doesn't have the Stupidity side-effect. It might be helpful for folks to realize I'm doing my best here and not actually trying to be a pain in the ass. A friend is keeping en eye out and will let me know if I run off the rails, so-- it will not be necessary to notify me of that here, thank you very much. :~) ~Susan |
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30 Sep 10 - 02:50 AM (#2996589) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: VirginiaTam bleagh... well the good night's sleep was not to be had last night.... more up than down since 1:20 with headache, achy legs, palpitations, nausea, etc. I feel terribly bloated, though looking at my legs and hands doesn't show edema. Last night was methotrexate night and I guess it is causing the bleagh. Off to shower before hospital. Thanks for good wishes. |
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30 Sep 10 - 07:46 AM (#2996723) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: VirginiaTam Well the first part was a singularly unpleasant experience. Haven't felt that bad accept the couple of times I started going into shock (allergic reaction). They let me play my bones to help calm me. Technicians were quite impressed. I got really panicky because of the meds they dripped to simulate exercise. I did my best to keep the pedals going to 50, but I kept slowing down to beg for something to throw up in. ECG showed lots of arhythmia (technologist said it is no wonder I feel bad) and the blood pressure was 200 over 125 before start, then 185 over 115. It had got down to something over 110 before they sent me to go eat something fatty (fat clears the gall bladder so better pictures of heart can be had). Heart rate 88. After the meal they did the xrays. I go back on Monday for another isotope injection and another fatty meal and xrays. But no more of the nasty thing that made me feel I was dying. So glad to get that over with. I feel quite yucky right now, but I think it is the methotrexate and all the fat I had to eat for the xrays. Know what is great about new sofa? It is so firm my posture is improved sitting on it and the design is great for playing guitar. Don't feel like I am subluxing my shoulder to play the big guitar. |
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30 Sep 10 - 07:53 AM (#2996734) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Liz the Squeak MAjor clear out required - computer table has decided it doesn't want to stay in one piece so it's going... which will deprive me of a sewing table I don't use and give me a chunk more space.. trouble is going to be finding time to do it! Busy month ahead with a concert, a wedding and a quilt to finish before 20th Oct.... If I lost any weight in September, it's entirely due to upset stomachs and chest infections, I have ceased to care. LTS |
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30 Sep 10 - 08:34 AM (#2996757) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Survey is here! The surveyor has classed the house (estimated as c.1850: younger than I thought) as a "reasonable buy", which is class 2 out of 4. 4 is "money pit". This is despite a good list of work needing to be done. It's 70% damp, downstairs and will need a damp course (it never had one). It will also need some timber treatment for isolated outbreaks of woodworm, and need inspecting for rot where floorboards are touching damp walls. The party wall in the roof space will need building up for fire safety. (This will need the access hatch to be made bigger, or NOBODY is getting in there! - Planning officers, please note!) The rear lobby does not comply to any building regs ever, being single brick, and needs to be rebuilt (I don't mind that, as I wanted a new door on it anyway). This would be subject to a planning notice, apparently. The solid floors in that and the kitchen will need a membrane putting down (been there, done that before!) The doors of the 2 reception rooms are modern replacements, and should be replaced themselves with reclaimed old ones (I'm all for that). There are some general routine roof repairs to be done too, and the annexe, lobby and lean to outside are roofed with asbestos, which will need specialist removal. (That IS expensive). The back gutters don't collect water properly, and they need reworking. This is accountable for some of the damp, apparently. As they are attached to the next door house, I will have to be nice to the neighbours! The plaster work is of the old horsehair and lime on wooden laths, and is in danger of suddenly dropping of through age and/or damp without much warning. The surveyor recommends that as the place is decorated, the plaster is renewed. It's a project. Not dissimilar to this house when we took it on, or the work I've just been through! Once I am in, the list will be: Plumber (check or sort heating); Electrician (check wiring and rewire if necessary); Sweep (check front room flue and make sure it's working); Planning officers (get them out and see what I can and can't do); Builder (find a reliable one, and get estimates for a programme of work). And it's still classed as a reasonable buy! The surveyor has done rough estimates for the main works, and it comes to what I knocked the price down by. I would think a realistic cost would be at LEAST 50% more, which I was prepared to do anyway. (There are always hidden horrors that pop up once you start poking around) So....according to my solicitor, the sale of this place is ticking along nicely. She hasn't received any paperwork yet from the solicitors at the Northumberland end, however. I hope that doesn't screw things up too much! Task for this afternoon? Wrap and pack all the beer and wine glasses to further empty the sideboard. Andrea |
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30 Sep 10 - 09:14 AM (#2996777) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Andrea, despite the language differences, I think I followed all that-- and I agree (not that it matters) that you are on the trail of a real gem. Full speed ahead, as "that she blows!" Go Captain Andrea! ~Susan |
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30 Sep 10 - 10:50 AM (#2996836) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre VT, I am so happy for you that the hard part is over. The anxiety is a killer (literally) and combined with pain...well, I wish I was there in person to hug you close. When I know I am about to have to go through some horrible medical thing, I try to plan something to look forward to IMMEDIATELY following the test/procedure. Not something big because honestly, it's the smaller things that make me the happiest. I hope you are able to rest today....snuggle right in. I have to do my pill box today too. I keep 2 (larger) mini laundry baskets (the kind you get for a buck or so)....one with current meds and the other with meds that have not been used up but may be needed every once in awhile. I do a week at a time with the phone nearby to call in any scripts that are getting low. It's a very rainy, yucky day here today...damp and kinda coldish. We will be turning on the pellet stove to soften the dampness of it all. Normally we are adament about NOT turning that stuff on until Mid-November (or firing up the woodstove) but while we can tolerate a bit of chill, the baby cannot. Luckily, the pellet stove was throroughly cleaned out this spring and is ready to go. I will have to find a new place to store Jeremiah's carseat/carrier though as I have stored it on top of the pellet stove all summer long when it obviously has not been in use. The dishes were done last night so I have a relatively empty sink so I'm glad to not have to fuss with it this morning. I think I'll put a roast in the crockpot to simmer all day, make some bread and oh....I have a bunch of books from that library sale that I need to find a space for....most of them were put away already but I have a pile here for Jeremiah. :) I won't sweep the floors today as Pete (who is working from home today) and the dogs will be in and out...no point in doing anything with the floors until tomorrow when it's supposed to be more dry. I have Weight Watchers later today but since it's a drive (my choice to go to one a bit further from home)and the folks on the news are warning of *ponding* on the roads, I'm going to skip it today. If my scale and the WW scale match up (usually fairly close), I'm down about 6 pounds this week. SIX. I've been trying to track more and have really been making an effort. Time to go. Pete just went down to the barn in all this crappy weather to get us some fresh eggs for breakfast. :) Michelle |
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30 Sep 10 - 11:26 AM (#2996862) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Last spring I rearranged the cupboard where I keep my prescriptions. Put in a couple of those plastic Rubbermaid lazy susans and one of them is for OTC treatments (cough, cold, allergy stuff) and Rx, the other is for vitamins (that are cheapest when you buy the large bottles at Sam's Club). If I were to take off my cupboard doors I don't want this on display, so I would have to find somewhere else to keep it all. Since it became noticeably cooler here last weekend I've noticed that I'm not storing as much water. My wrist watch band is flopping on my wrist when it used to fit enough to stay put, and I feel lighter. Moving to a cooler climate would be the way to avoid this annual occurrence, I suspect. (I wish!) There may be a funeral soon, the husband of a co-worker passed away yesterday. He had been ailing for a long time. I'll make sure I have something suitable to wear ready to go. Too much funeral stuff lately. SRS |
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30 Sep 10 - 01:55 PM (#2996974) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg We often "travel" (teleport afar for pastoral calls) on short notice, so I stopped using anything but the spacebag to hold the current stuff-- I can grab and go. A smaller sorter is alwasy with me-- one in my purse and one in my overnight bag in the van in case I lose the purse. A copy of the scrips usually is in the spacebag too in case info is needed. Right now with the "try it" BP med, I do not have the purse or car sorters set up on the new dosing timing.... and that is scary all by itself. The BP-med trial... well, here's how I just described it to someone: Today is the first use of doubled Clonidine (per order) while awake. If I were at work right now-- any job I've ever held-- I'd be fired. If I were driving I'd be in a ditch. (Is it supposed to give me a bi-polar day each day I take it? I'm "down" for 3 hours and then "up" till bedtime.) === SO. I am not taking it doubled in the mornings, again, until I can clear my head, find an open calendar date to spend the day at the doc's office in my camping recliner, and let them check my BP hourly while I sleep off the morning's Clonidine, so they can at least see if it is doing any damn good! I have no way to safely get to WalMart or CVS to see if their cuffs fit me.... my home monitor died and I can't find one that fits that I can afford.... the heck with it.... I have to go back to bed now or be "in crisis." Yet I know that I will be quite clear by 4PM. ~S~ |
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30 Sep 10 - 03:16 PM (#2997041) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Dollar store timers, the size of a pedometer work really well for reminders of when to take meds. Just a thought. If I'm home, I have just used the timer on the stover. I imagine your compute has some kind of timer you could use too for free...a pop up kind of deal. Michelle |
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30 Sep 10 - 06:01 PM (#2997156) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Everyone seems so productive with lots to report! Did get all but two of the storm windows back on the house with the glass cleaned. The last two windows had a lot of problems with the wood and are not finished yet. I really need all new windows on the house, but who can afford that? I do have a very small painting commission, but I am still working on trying to pay the bills... no other sales yet, but have been able to continue creating and adding items to Etsy. click. Sorted through some more of the old photos and books yesterday. I definitely need to re-organize and get rid of the extra books and purge more of the old files. Winter project? Hard to be in the basement when it is actually sunny and NICE outside! A. |
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30 Sep 10 - 07:19 PM (#2997200) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg TBTG that Stupid Pill finally wore off-- back to the brain I woke up with, and articulating curriculum. The bottom step I mocked up for the attic stairway (LF, the pallet between attic step and woodstove) worked GREAT! The attic-stairs door does not run into it when it swings open, so it will not need to be removed and shaved, and will thus not break the air seal between laundrty room and attic airflow. The step's edge that meets the kitchen door threshold is close enough not to trip anyone. And THAT all means that the cost of a slab of plywood (and a 2x4 to cut for shims) is justified to fit a new, shimmed surface for that step-pallet. Where one will step off that step-pallet onto the slate floor, there is enough clearance where it meets the guest fridge (the old MudMeet beer fridge) to tuck in a shorter step-- more like the short step that is there now for MY runs to the laundry room and bulk-cookery freezer. A saw-using man to cut the plywood pieces to my measure has been found, and I will be able to assemble it all with my hand tools, YAY! Another LONG-wanted safety project about to be DONE. ~Susan |
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30 Sep 10 - 08:32 PM (#2997237) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Wonder if I will ever get packed. Micca and I have hit the cheap white wine and good champagne.Remembering our first trip together up and down the east coast. Mudcat Central, Bert's breakfast at Anna and Honey's house. We will never get out of here tomorrow. Sigh. |
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01 Oct 10 - 12:06 AM (#2997320) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Mary and Micca, have a good evening. Enjoy the visit and the wine. Don't worry about tomorrow until tomorrow. You'll get there. I moved a little more stuff in my son's room, and while I was at it, I programed the remote for the HD receiver that the old TV needs to operate. Now it turns on the box and the television. There is so much floor space in there it's hard to believe it. The computer parts are all placed where they need to be, except I need to get another hard disk to put in and install everything (he took the other hard drive to AZ, and it failed while there, I suspect he moved the enclosure while it was working, so I need to install this old Dell from scratch). As an aside, I'll report that I watched the 2-part PBS program Nature about dogs, and was so proud of my two girls! One is full-breed "pitbull" (one of several get that name, she's an American Staffordshire Terrier) and one is a mix of a couple of things (catahoula and blue heeler). In part two of the program they showed the absurd lengths people have gone to to breed useless (and sometimes dangerous, health-wise, for the dogs) features into these animals. I have two healthy normally-formed athletes, and they indeed do a better job than a burglar alarm on the house. They have distinct barks for different occasions. I know I can go back to sleep with several o the noises they make, but there is one in particular, the "hey, human-who-I-don't-know, what are you doing?" bark that always gets me up looking. Last time Poppy did it there was a man on the next door neighbor's roof. They are so good at their jobs! Tomorrow is Friday. I've put in some extra hours for work this week so it'll be a short day for me. This is good, because I think it will still feel like fall. I'm hoping to get some garden time in. I'll look forward to reading how the Getaway goes. Have fun, all! SRS |
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01 Oct 10 - 04:02 AM (#2997369) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Alice, you too have been getting a lot done. I am sure I am not the only one still in awe just at the painting-a-day commitment you took on-- the wealth of creativity pouring out of you. THAT is inspiring. === For quite some time a huge Gateway box has sat in our LR looking like a big cow (but feeling like a big elephant) in the room. It holds items my MIL would have reviewed (later today) on her annual visit, so she and I could take the box to the post office and ship it to her home. But she's not here this year-- her appendix burst in August, and she's just gotten home from rehab. And TBTG for that-- a good friend just lost his mom the same way. This box originally brought me the puder I am typing on now, with the proceeds from our 2000 housefire. I love that box. It represents redemption from that post-fire hell we were in, the sweetness of the Catter who spec'd it so perfectly, and the great things I've done on that puder. Several techies have sentenced this puder to death. Nyah nyah, the joke's on them-- it's like a pink bunny in a cow suit: still hopping AND mooing, nowadays in my very own productive office/nexus of healthy living. That box has made a very handy horizontal surface to hold stuff I need to sort, and has never become a junk surface; right now it is holding 2 very full, stacked boxes- mostly some stuff that came out of last week's kitchen cleanup. CET's cat Atticus nearly toppled those last night, in one of the mad-cat dashes that relieves kitteh nerves (Hi Charmion!). It appears there is only one healthy thing to do. If Charmion were here on her way to Getaway I KNOW what my moral duty would be, and with military precision she'd set me to work and mando-pick a rousing work rhythm. So-- [sniff]-- tomorrow that box and its contents leave the LR and go back out to the cold storage section of the addition (beneath the former Mudcat Attic Dorm), contents and all, to wait for MIL's visit NEXT year. The two boxes of mess I took out of the kitchen will move to a spot right in front of my OT-study desk, where they will get some WORK done to reduce them. I'll do a ruthless purge on the day the Stupid Pill most makes me want to go to sleep-- the only antidote to which is movement and mind-focus. I doubt it will all purge in one day, but my larger goal is a LR guests can enjoy, so all these boxes-- "Love ya! Gotta go!" And I do like to purge, when in MadCat mode myself. ~Susan |
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01 Oct 10 - 11:33 AM (#2997591) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage It's Friday! It's Fall! It's PayDay! Whew! So many good things all at once! My house is in generally looking better and a little less cluttered, but it still has plenty of clutter and lots of things that aren't in what should be their final resting places. The chair in the hall outside the office that is stacked with donation items, for example. the folding cot that is sitting in the front room because the chair in the hall is blocking the closet where the cot usually hangs out. And the possibility of finally putting in a new and different shelf in that back of the closet and then getting the chair and the cot out of the way. As you can see, there are domino effects to some of this de-cluttering. De-clutter my bank account today, find something else to list on eBay (I have several small items I can just list that don't require research of fancy photos), mow the back, etc. Will report in on all of that later. Michelle, you have made so much progress. You're so soon after your chemo and tests and such it's simply too soon for anything else that might turn up as a result from the initial cancer. I know you've been worried. Take the advice I posted last night (you'd be surprised how much something like that helps anyway, let alone if your insides have been rearranged and de-cluttered in recent months) and I hope in a week or two to hear that that fear has been allayed. (No cryptic speaking or all-knowing messages here, just common sense from someone who has been there and done that. Some of that, anyway.) SRS |
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01 Oct 10 - 11:39 AM (#2997599) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg TBTG my missing wallet/ID pocket finally turned up today. All my documentation is in there! ~Susan |
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01 Oct 10 - 12:26 PM (#2997624) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Thanks SRS....it's what I'm hoping for too. Sometimes it's hard to keep in mind that while I am home and my outside scars have healed that my body is still full of toxic chemo stuff that can take a LONG time to get out of my system....I know I am way too hard on myself about what I don't get done or how tired I am. It makes me feel lazy and sloppy. Today I did the dishes, found the counter, made way for more canning to take place, found the kitchen table...or at least a good portion of it, have the second load of laundry in the dryer, swept the kitchen, bathroom, living room and hallway. I'm just about to go wake up my wee one from his nap for some tubby time, bottle, some fruit and then off to run errands. I'm picking up 2 bushels of apples and this weekend my husband and I will work together to peel all the apples and prepare them to make apple pie filling to can. We will also make several batches of applesauce and apple butter...and thankfully THOSE apples do NOT need to be peeled as we have a gizmo (the name eludes me at the moment) that allows us to run cooked apples through it while it separates seeds and skins from the cooked apple. It is going to smell SO GOOD in here!!! Off to get my cutie patootie ready for the world. :) Love to all, Michelle |
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01 Oct 10 - 01:01 PM (#2997646) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage She describes a weekend on her feet doing all of that canning stuff and still manages to characterize herself as "lazy"? That is hard hard work! Not only that, it's so wise to have all of this ready to use food during the year because with Jeremiah your time utilization has changed and you will all benefit from this investment in good eating. Good thing you found the wallet, Susan. The work to replace lost documents is an exponential list of tasks. It's hard enough if any one of them goes missing. To lose all of it - oy! SRS |
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01 Oct 10 - 01:41 PM (#2997673) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy I can admit to putting a load more pears on to dry, but nothing as immense as your wonderful achievements, Michelle! It will be the last because I need to start getting stuff de-cluttered and sorted even quicker - my buyers have signed their end of the contracts, and it looks like very shortly I will have to do my end. I then have 2 weeks to shift (that's quite good really, because once contracts are exchanged I theoretically have no legal right to remain). I am getting removal and storage estimates from 3 companies on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will hopefully be able to get stuff away and stored in time (depending on when we actually exchange). The northern end of the business are now aware, and are going as fast as they can. I know I said I was bored because nothing was happening, but..... At least they are happy for me to leave the appliances, so that's less stuff to shift. Andrea |
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01 Oct 10 - 01:47 PM (#2997676) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg found the wallet It';s one of those memory-issue things that happens periodically. The car keys go missing when I'm overbooked and myu mind sabotages my ability to go onemore place. The wallet is th eone that always scares Hardi, because he worries about identity theft. But it always turns up. The one time it did ot, it was the whole inner part of my purse that carries the meds, essential toiletries, etc., and I'd left it at th epool. If you leave somethig in this comunity, the managfer always looks inside to find ourt whose it is and calls you, so I never worry-- either I have t ior they have it and thuys it's OK, or I really did leave it where the Bad Guys wil rip me off, in which case it's to late to worry. I let Hardi know it'sa goone out of my sight and he or I usually strumbkle acorss it in the house or one of the cars. Of course this is one of the things that is harder to straighten out on the Stupid Pill, but today I am back to the more manageable one per AM and one per PM, so I hope not to multi-post all day-- and focus on my OT curriculum. :~o It's hard to correlate 4 sources and 3 schedules into one organized course of study (distance learning), even while wide awake! :~) At least today I can DO it. But next is that box, mentioned upthread. Here it goes..... ~Susan |
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01 Oct 10 - 02:35 PM (#2997706) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: VirginiaTam Apple butter.....homeresque drool.... can't get it in UK. I am kicked back on lovely new sofa after a very naughty dinner PizzaHut delivery. Asshole downstairs is screaming at the crying baby again. Going to drive me potty. Had nasty fluttery palpitations all day today. Finally eased off after 2.40pm. Why do they make you feel so horrible? Played through about 5 songs and started learning 2 more on guitar this evening. Going to watch Terry Pratchett's Colour of Magic tonight on the new sofa wif my honeybun. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. |
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01 Oct 10 - 04:21 PM (#2997752) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I've not got much done except a load of laundry and made some salads for my brother and me for lunch, with Lean Cuisine personal pizzas. Rog was called out at 148a as all of the power went off at the station and the generator failed to kick in. Some idiot was drunk and texting whilst driving. Sheared a power pole in two and walked away! Anyway, I was up and down all night, watching to see when the station would be back on and Rog back home. I found I don't feel as comfortable alone at night without the dog. Rog didn't get home until 1230p. Lied down for a nap at 1p and was phoned three times before giving up and going back in. I don't think the people who work there could find their heads in the proverbial hole without him! So, now, we are both feeling really tired...it will be a low energy day and early night, I hope, depending on when he gets back. I will be picking up Morgan in an hour or so. He ran in this morning yelling at me to come look outside. There were the across-the-road neighbour's free-range chickens in our yard hunting and pecking. They were so cute and he just loves them. |
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01 Oct 10 - 04:39 PM (#2997764) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Catherine Jayne Hurrah! I met my target weight last week and feel great! I've not been this slim and light since I was 16!! I've got my final dress fitting tomorrow...should have been last week but the dress had to be taken in another dress size. I've only lost 1 lb this week so hopefully the frock will fit. I recieved my confirmation through that I have a place on the London Moonwalk next year so I will be walking 26.2 miles over night in my bra with thousands of other women to raise money for the Walk the Walk charity for Breast Cancer. Click Moonwalk to find out more! |
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01 Oct 10 - 06:17 PM (#2997823) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Catherine....that is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO SO HAPPY for you!!!!!!!! Of course, I'm not surprised because you GO GO GO all the time!!!! WOOO HOOO! Will we be able to see pictures of you in your dress? Please???? And regarding me being lazy...you guys are too kind. Seriously. For example, the baby is now napping and I think I should be bringing in the apples from the car and getting them started but I'm tired...so here I am, sitting in my recliner with a book nearby and a plan to start dinner around 7ish. It's times like this when I do have my hands baby-free that I think I should DO DO DO. I just can't. Maybe I'll catch a second wind in a bit but for now, the dusting can wait...as can just about everything else. *stretch* Michelle |
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01 Oct 10 - 07:17 PM (#2997848) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg The best thing you can do is to take the rest you need..apples can wait..if they rot they rot. I can tell you first hand that pushing yourself too hard too long is not going to result in long-term productivity. mg |
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01 Oct 10 - 07:30 PM (#2997855) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage When the baby naps, you should take a nap. Naps are important and increase your energy level. Congratulations on the weight loss, Catherine. And the energy must be wonderful! I finished several design projects today, and have a couple of more things to finish this evening, and then I'll have crossed off several projects on my "to do" list for the week. Will de-clutter checking account today, to pay bills. It goes out so fast! SRS |
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01 Oct 10 - 07:34 PM (#2997860) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Michelle, sit! Stay!**BG** More in a PM, later tonight.:-) |
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01 Oct 10 - 10:58 PM (#2997919) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Hi, all. I haven't been doing much in the declutter/accountability area lately, so haven't had much to post. I do look in from time to time, but was really surprised to see 56 posts on the first day of the month. Ha-ha! The new kitchen light fixtures have been installed, and I also had the electrician fix 3 switches, replace the doorbell chime and re-wire the attic fan. Now all I have to do is patch a few little holes in the plaster and paint the areas where the old fixtures used to be. I'll probably touch up the paint around the two window frames at the same time. We had a lot of rain a couple days ago, and the grass needs cutting one more time. I need to dead-head some plants, and harvest some of my tender herbs, because it's supposed to cool off into the 50s next week. Tomatoes are all over with & I've pulled up all of the plants; maybe a few green ones will still ripen. Maryanne |
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02 Oct 10 - 12:42 AM (#2997943) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Good to hear from you, Maryanne! Sounds like your garden is doing much the same as mine. Most things are finished, though I get a cool-weather season that doesn't happen up north. Onions, garlic, chard, etc. Okra is still producing (I forgot to pick it today, so it'll be huge tomorrow.) Scans ran and did some decluttering in the computer. Washed the dishes, pulled laundry out of the dryer. The usual. I'm ready to hit the ground running tomorrow. Kat, you know there is an easy way to deal with the quiet of sleeping in the house when Rog isn't there. The animal shelter has the dog for you, if you'll go take a look. Maybe smaller, older, a different breed, but there is an animal there just waiting to love you to death in a new home. Whenever you're ready. SRS |
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02 Oct 10 - 09:37 AM (#2998054) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Catherine Jayne HI Michelle...I'll post a link of The Frock and me next week! So, dress fitting happened.....and I need another one on Wednesday. It's cutting it a bit fine but the frock needs to be taken in some more. My fitness instructor told me to eat more cake!!LOL!! It's all go here! |
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02 Oct 10 - 10:20 AM (#2998076) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Well, I know a man named Adrian is coming over one day next week to do 6 hours of helping here laying some carpet, and I sure hope that date is on my Boss Clipboard because it is NOT anywhere else, and I do not know what day he is coming, nor what his phone number is to ask HIM! And that clipboard is..... somewhere strokebrain thought was a really good place to put it. Maybe he'll call me..... or maybe I'll find it when I do the chores I SHOULD have done (scheduled) on one of these recent "Stupid Pill" days. But I DID file my ed plan with the Bishop and Dean this AM. First things first! :~) ~Susan |
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02 Oct 10 - 11:27 AM (#2998120) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Michelle, are you on facebook? I follow a group called Canning Across America (I first followed their Twitter feed, and have branched out). Send a photo of your canning this weekend if you get a chance! I'm sure your jars of pie filling and apple sauce will be beautiful - as are all canned goods! Lovely day. Have been drinking tea and paying bills, but I'm about to head out to the store (with my shopping list) and the post office (to find the water bill.) And I'll mow and work in the yard, I hope. I moved the chrome wire shelves to the sun room last night, and will consider how much of this gardening stuff should be transferred onto it. Or if it has a higher use somewhere else. SRS |
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02 Oct 10 - 11:49 AM (#2998134) Subject: ADD: Ninja Luke (memoir) in PY (Pennsyltucky) From: wysiwyg This is a story you are all free to read... or ignore. Near the end it becomes clear how it relates to clutter, because THIS is how MY porch gets put to bed for the winter. NINJA LUKE, PENNSYLTUCKY MAN Over the years we've lived here (since '94), the original landlady's vision has been fulfilled over and over again, and it typifies life here in Pennsyltucky (their name, not mine). In '94 Hardi was Called here. We needed housing, and on the quick-- sight unseen. This house was coming open for rent around the time we needed it. I called the owner, with all my tenant's-rights/advocacy experience in hand. We discussed what we needed and what they could offer. (I thought it was a business transacation. I was wrong.) "OK, then, we just need to sign the lease, " I said. "Can you mail it to us here in Chicagoland?" She laughed an old-lady-wisdom laugh. "Honey, we do things here on a handshake. You come on ahead. I expect the people in it now will be gone in time." (They weren't, so Hardi threw a mattress on the floor in an empty room, and bunked with them for the 2 weeks it took their new house to be completed.) We really enjoyed Iris and Walter. (I wrote about Walter once, here, in "Them Ducks.") Iris is in fulltime care now, I think, and it's her farmer-son Bruce (our age) who wears the landowner hat. Bruce succeeded Walter as Farmer. Over the years we've helped show Bruce's kids some of the facts of adult life, because he did the same for us. My son Dave still thinks of Bruce as one of his dads. Bruce and Peggy have four strapping young men, now, at various ages of development. This year it's young Luke (HS) who they send down when we need help in a hurry. (Hardi helps them in a hurry now that our teens flew the coop). It's a reciprocal relationship very common here. Why is Luke "Ninja Luke"? Over the summer I urgently needed an item from the house while we were on vacay, camping. Luke had been designated "housewatcher" for this year (we had another petcare helper, tho usually that has been the chore of one of these young men). So Luke, cellphone in hand, went on a hunt in my crazy and filthy house to locate the item. I guided him thru the maze of doors that divide off this house in sections. (When the property was in active farm use it made sense. Now I use it to divide doggehs.) It took awhile, and many turns, to get to the room I thought held the treasure. I said, "I'm sorry the house is such a mess." He said, "No-- it's just a little like being a spy. I feel like a Ninja!" We both laughed. "Ninja Luke it is!" (And he's HUGE-- in a dark alley he'd be so scary, because the good-hearted grin would be invisible.) The item was found and duly shipped after his excellent research on how to send mail to a PA campground site-- we had no idea how, and that's another story!-- but a parishioner works for the parks so Luke just called him up. A thank-you gift (per older brother Mark's recent, helpful guidance) went to the family. It was a "fat" note, get it? The next time I needed help I called Luke's cell. "Are there any Ninjas around?" I asked. "As a matter of fact I have an hour later today," he said, "if that is when you could use a hand." At the agreed time he appeared and blew thru what would have been a painful 6 hours for me. That day he learned how to do a number of things. "Call me any time, I'm your Ninja;" he said, and frowned. "But don't you worry about money--= we really do have everything we need." This is Iris' youngest grandson, the last of four who have been continuing her Country Living Curriculum. Each of them have been able to boss me like a man does here, and still respect me more than any man I have ever known elsewhere. You can't help but learn. They make me a Better Woman, and can always get around my stubborn insistence that while I understand they "can't be paid," I can't have help that ISN't "paid." But I get around them right back. (They teach me how.) Ninja Luke just left, having come on the hop to manhandle a dresser I thought I could unload-- and probably could have, if it hadn't been Saturday with tonight's service to save my back for. It was just like Luke. "Hi, it's Mrs. H," I said. "Hi," he said, "How are you?" "Well, I thought I was doing OK till I ran into a dresser it turns out I can't unload today." "Can I come right over?" he said. "Sure, I'll throw some clothes on." "OK," he said, and he gave me ten minutes and then showed up. "How should I do this?" he asked, because at home, his ma can't get him to help like this. (We couldn't get our boys to cooperate either, like other adults could.) So since I do not call very often, Luke has not had much experience handling non-farm or non-athletic heavy things. "Well, you grab here and tilt here and walk it across the porch," I said, and gave the now-coming-out-of-my-van dresser a good tug where I'd taken out a drawer to make a grab-point. "Or I can push it out to you from the other end." "Oh, OK, I see, I think I can get it." And out it came, and across the porch it walked, and he learned how to re-attach legs... and put in drawers... and put furniture cups between the legs and the bluestone-flagged porch floor.... And I gave him a message for Mark who made a surprise visit home this weekend. (We have a contact for Mark, in the parish.) And THAT is how I caught the flow on what is the only warm and sunny day we have had, or may have, for quite some time. Up on the hill behind, in Bruce's pasture, the beef cattle are trying to graze. They're running off hanging weight while gas drillers run machinery that I SWAR sounds just like a freight train taking all day to go by. By the end of October, an enormous flamethrower will be sending "War of the Worlds" klieg-lights up into the reflective clouds to terrify us all. Again. And my drinking water will be even MORE fracked up, but then I'm ahead of the game-- I already cleared the new winter drinking-water counter in the laundry room rebuilt after the 2000 fire blew THAT out. One of the mutual appreciations between us and the "landlord" is the fact that we stayed in the house, post-fire, and paid rent while it was unfit to live in, and they had the lawsuit against us thrown out that they had not known their insurance company had begun-- oh my, Iris was SO MAD the day her lawyer told her about THAT after the year of depositions we endured! "Why didn't you TELL me this was gong on?!?!?!" she said when she called us, from his office. "We thought you knew," we said, "and just tried not to worry." Building codes here BTW are very funny-- sitting in the lawyer's office doing a deposition about "our" "poor" fire safety practices-- with the ins. lawyers-- while staring at the lawyer's VERY unsafely-installed AC. Well, the ins. lawyers weren't "from here." We laughed with the local lawywer (a friend) about that the next time we saw him. Some people understand that THESE are the people I choose to learn from, when it comes to life HERE, in the hills. ~Susan |
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02 Oct 10 - 12:13 PM (#2998147) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Well, today is probably one of our last warm days, so I need to take advantage of that and de-clutter the garage work bench for the winter. Here is a great organizing example (photo)! A. |
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02 Oct 10 - 02:28 PM (#2998210) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I found the missing Adrian from upthread. He was right on my clipboard and it was right where I had left it. I had added the date we booked right on his ad-paper ad, and from there recalled the whole conversation perfectly-- I was to call a day or two ahead with a work plan so he'd know what tools to bring. Rugs! Carry, lay, cut, tack. I'll get the tacks when I go to Wally World later tonight for eggs-- because he's not coming the Thursday I recalled, or my alt worry Tuesday-- we booked the 4th and that's Monday AM, bright and early! I may even remember to ask Hardi where his knee pads are!
But viola! In that fashion I also found two of the three books I had told a fellow classmate we could share-- I read them long ago and didn't mark them, so they're hers if she wants to write in them (we start a class together next week).
~Susan |
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02 Oct 10 - 03:09 PM (#2998239) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage These long entries are looking like stuff for a blog or another thread, Susan . . . Alice, that's a cute photo. Today I finished re-sorting and organizing my CDs. I had some of my own, mostly classical and folk, and I had a bunch of my fathers, that were about the same. These had more or less been merged for a while, but then last year I got that bin of 300+ CDs for $20. The woman was convinced no one would touch all of those high dollar classical CDs. Maybe she didn't know the names Angel, EMI, CBS, DGG, Telarc, etc. Anyway, I had them arranged on their own for a while so I could look at how the previous owner had collected, and enjoyed comparing versions of pieces, different conductors, etc. But this year I found I was having to hunt all over to find pieces I knew I had and that I no longer distinguished as those from the scholarly Mr. or Ms. X, and my own. So today I finished sliding my disks between those of the un-named collector. I had more Chopin, Haydn, and Vivaldi. We both have tons of Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart. The house sounds so nice on weekends (especially when I get tired of the public radio pledge drives) to have classical music in the five-disk changer so it just keeps going and going. Making my selections for the afternoon means none of the nonsense from our local commercial classical radio station, where they play only one movement from a symphony then a half dozen commercials. How's the canning going, Michelle? I've decided that today later (probably after dark) I'm going to slice up all of the peppers I have in the fridge and freeze them on trays. And I'm going to experiment with cubing, blanching, and freezing eggplant the way the Ball Blue Book says. And I'll finish the blog entry about my garden. SRS |
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02 Oct 10 - 03:22 PM (#2998245) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=101795&desc=yes#2908066 |
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02 Oct 10 - 03:29 PM (#2998250) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Got some exercise in this morning by walking through two stores, health food/grocery store and supermarket grocery store and the post office all without the extra O2!! I've been going without for little bits, recently, but this was the first time I've done so much, for so long without it. It feels good...I am getting over the lazy breathing, again, which supplemental O2 can cause without a person even realising it. I had been on it for over a year this time; now I feel confident enough to go without it during the daytime. I guess I will try to get some books loaded up to Etsy and/or elsewhere this afternoon OR get Rog to help me in the office. I am still feeling ambivalent about the books. Half of me wants to just box them up and give them away to get them out of the house/office and open up that space. The other half thinks it would be a shame not to sell them to folks who might really enjoy them and/or give them to individuals I know. As I look at the spareness of the LR, I realise I am really ready to have that look throughout the house. Alice, love that picture!! |
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02 Oct 10 - 04:14 PM (#2998262) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine I got up early this morning to bake a sour cream coffee cake, to take to a meeting. Used my mother's recipe, but I had never made it myself before; turned out fine. Thanks for the FB Canning Across America. I'll follow it. It's been raining all day, so no yard work today. Will try on Monday. Maryanne |
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02 Oct 10 - 04:19 PM (#2998265) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre I get an *F* for the day in decluttering. I went to a 10 mile yard sale. Six and half hours later, we called it a day. I found loads of great clothes and toys for Jeremiah (much of which will be wrapped up for Christmas) for a steal. My best deal of the day? Actually, I have 3 of them: A brand new apple peeling machine with a price tag of $30.00 for $5.00; a Hugger Mugger yoga mat for $1.00 (while my Manduka lives at the studio...this one will be for home)....normally a $35.00 mat and my biggest steal of the day? A WOODEN ROCKING CHAIR (dark wood to 19match Jeremiah's crib & dresser) for $20.00!!! It's an old, old chair in really good shape...a little worn at the edges of the arms of the chair from people using it to stand up...but to me, that's character and I LOVE IT! I also got 2 older cookbooks (think 1943 I believe and one from the 1950s) which I LOVE LOVE LOVE. And to make them even better...people hand wrote notes in them, added more of their own recipes and left newspaper or magazine clippings of recipes from that time period. The cookbooks were $1.00 each. I could NOT resist. I have no idea what the attraction is but I LOVE old cookbooks! I have a thing for objects that start with the letter B (blankets, bowls, (cook)books and bags). Weird, huh? Anyway, I've added to the mess today instead of taking away.....but in my defense (or my own justification...however you prefer to see it), the prices were good and I did not get one single dust collector...everything is practical and will be used, enjoyed and resold when outgrown. :) In addition, today is the annual date for the church antique sale and another town has 2 giant craft fairs...I am thrilled that I didn't go to any of those and spend a ton of money on stuff that would just sit around (although I bet there were some great pottery bowls at the antique sale or hand thrown ones at the craft fair that I would have loved). Extra bonus? I spent the entire day with my mom and we laughed ourselves silly....a wonderful day to remember. Michelle who failed Decluttering Class for October 2, 2010 |
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02 Oct 10 - 04:49 PM (#2998283) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre SRS....about the canning. That won't start until tomorrow. The apples are so fresh and they keep for a bit so we are waiting an extra day. :) I went to the yard sale today and am thinking about the 3 of us going out for dinner as I am tuckered...maybe even too tired to go out to dinner! We shall see! I am on facebook (love FB) and will look into the group you linked to...sounds like it's right up my alley!!!! I think the afternoon of classical music sounds good!!! I'm not a huge fan of classical stuff and I don't know much about any of it but I do find that when I put it on the CD player, there's something special about it. I really ought to play it more often (I have a few very basic CDs). It makes me want to curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of our favorite weekend coffee and a good book....and to watch the snow fly outside....while I listen and read in front of the fire. Yep. That's what it makes me think of! ;) Michelle |
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02 Oct 10 - 04:49 PM (#2998284) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg OMG, what am I gonna do (giggle chortle smirk yippee)-- I stumbled across a book I can REALLY get into-- theology! It's more fun than TV! More fun than Mudcat! More fun than.... music! But not as much fun as decluttering, which is what led me to spot it today while fixing and decluttering an antique picture from church I needed to scan for the website. And I have WHOLE BAG of "formation" stuff to paw through! I forgot this was sitting in my office, but it sure pays to go spelunking. ~S~ |
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02 Oct 10 - 06:08 PM (#2998338) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage To get started this afternoon I cut up a very large trunk of crape myrtle from my next door neighbor's yard - when her yard guy trimmed stuff he didn't notice this go over the top of the fence. I'd left it by the garage gate and was going to haul it to my curb, but after trimming off the leafy branches I find a have a beautiful twisty multi-branch topped limb with smooth wood (the bark peels off of these). I think I'll bring it in and wrap lights around it for the holidays. It should look fabulous in the corner by the fireplace. If it won't prop I may need to get a bunch of smooth gravel and a stand for it. I loose points on de-clutter but earn one for recycling. It might do to use instead of a tree altogether - what a find! :) After that was out of the way I took the wheelbarrow full of cactus roots and pads I dug last week out through to the back gate and spread them along the upper edge of the bank over the creek. They should root pretty quickly. Right now I'm taking a breather from re-working the wall around my keyhole garden out front. I originally used smaller rocks to build it up and it didn't look that great. I realized that with the other large rocks I've used elsewhere in the yard (all limestone leftover from a big thing that used to be in the front porch area as a wrap around planter - dumped by the back fence years ago) that this looked funny by comparison. So I dug around the outer edge to get the grass out, put down mulch and am simply pulling the first wall down and using the bigger rocks and new rocks hauled from the back to build this about 6 inches out from the old. The garden will be bigger but will also look more like it fits here. I'm about 1/4 of the way around it now. I hadn't planted it yet so grass got established in the fill dirt. I'm having to weed the thing as I go. I think I'll do half of this today and half tomorrow. I'll set up the bread machine to make dough for pita bread while I make my next pass at the garden. There is also a trip to the grocery store in my plans today, and if I remember to get fresh lemons I'll bake an eggplant and make a batch of babaghanoush. Mmmmmmm! I need beer for snail bait, and maybe the cook will have some with a late Mediterranean dinner! :-D SRS |
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02 Oct 10 - 07:11 PM (#2998377) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Morgan's Decluttering Contribution, Today at Mama's. I didn't ask, he came over, looked around and said, "I'm going to wash the dishes for you guys!" Did a good job, too. Otherwise, Rog and I finished packing a huge box of original (our daughter's) artwork, framed prints, and this and that to send to, Kyrstie, (same) daughter back East. She graduates from a two year college program next week and this is part of our congratulations to her...all stuff she remembers hanging on my walls which she loved and wants for her own, so that's a major declutter. Rog will send it out on Monday, then the table at the end of our bed will be empty!! |
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02 Oct 10 - 08:04 PM (#2998399) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I had to wash my own dishes again. . . Morgan is a cutie! Here is a look at that branch I described: Propped in the back yard so there's a little contrast. I tried leaning it against the chimney but the shape doesn't show so well. I think I pulled a few muscles out hefting those rocks (got about 1/3 of the thing finished). Occupational hazard, but I thought I'd clenched my stomach each time I lifted. Time for the ibuprofen and a shower, then a little shopping and in for the evening. SRS |
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02 Oct 10 - 10:32 PM (#2998447) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks! I think so, too, naturally.:-) I think that would make a lovely tree for the holiday season, SRS. I plan to use our Norfolk Island Pine in the front window this year. It always gets a few tiny lights and ornaments, but this year I think it will be "it," so a bit more decorations and a real centrepiece since we moved it. |
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02 Oct 10 - 10:43 PM (#2998452) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Morgan... cutest... dishwasher... EVER! SRS, for Christmas I used to use a birch branch I brought in from the tree in my back yard. I was worrying about the cost of getting a tree the first year we used it... I looked out back and the wind had blown down a big branch like the one you have, and that was it! It was from the same tree I painted with the birds nesting inside. Garage almost done. Made lots of headway there and I have more room in the garage now than I've had in a long time. I have to keep adding to etsy every day to get the "shelves stocked" with items. click I added a shirt transfer of the old typewriter that says, "keep calm and blog on". A. |
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02 Oct 10 - 11:07 PM (#2998459) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre I have to agree...Morgan is THE cutest dishwasher I've ever seen! What a GREAT kid!!! You are one lucky Mama!!!!! Michelle |
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02 Oct 10 - 11:12 PM (#2998461) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks, gals, I know...I give thanks for him every day! Alice, I admire your perseverance, so much. Beautiful! |
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02 Oct 10 - 11:16 PM (#2998462) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Your work is varied and beautiful, Alice. I hope you're getting some sales from etsy. Dinner over, wasn't Mediterranean, but was filling. Chicken and rice with okra and for dessert a big peach. Bread dough is rising for a regular loaf. Last week I froze half and that worked out very well. I'll try again tomorrow for the pita loaves. Finishing up some computer work and some casual cleanup this evening. I'm looking forward to finishing that keyhole garden tomorrow because then I'm going to plant it (seeds) and get cool season crops from that and the garden beside my kitchen door (which is badly in need of weeding). I also need to re-weed and plant the new garden down at the curb. There's a lot to keep me busy in the next couple of weeks if we get that much fall weather. SRS |
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02 Oct 10 - 11:59 PM (#2998475) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice |
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03 Oct 10 - 12:03 AM (#2998477) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice ooops, somehow posted a blank. No sales at Etsy yet, but it's too soon to expect much. Not even a month open and I really have to get more items listed and still working on promotion. I'm trying to focus on mostly eating plants, like Bill Clinton is doing to reverse heart disease. Weird, but I had a dream about Clinton last night... that he and Hillary had adopted me when I was orphaned, which is odd, as we are about the same age!! Tomorrow must dig up the last of the potatoes and compost everything to put the garden to bed. This summer went by WAY TOO FAST. A. |
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03 Oct 10 - 12:55 AM (#2998484) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Dreams can be funny! Finishing a few loose ends from the week, then headed to bed. The house is gradually looking better, from one week to the next. It's nice to be able to see the progress. SRS |
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03 Oct 10 - 03:11 AM (#2998504) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall Yesterday was beautiful and warm, today was cloudy, cool and humid. After looking at the weather forecast for the next fortnight I realized today would be the last opportunity to do any painting/staining this year as the temperatures from now on will be too low for anything to dry. That motivated me to repaint my weathered white trellis with brown stain. I'd like to use it near the house through the winter as base for a bird feeder and possible also a bird bath. I'm hoping that it will be high enough to provide the birds and squirrels with a safe place where my neighbours' cat can't reach them. There is still so much I'll need to do before we hit the road again on Friday. It's difficult to get motivated and find the energy to do anything. rags |
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03 Oct 10 - 07:57 AM (#2998621) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: VirginiaTam enjoying reading the thread and following the links... nothing to report except I have resolved not to fall asleep in silly positions. |
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03 Oct 10 - 08:31 AM (#2998634) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Catherine Jayne Did an hours spinning class this morning, didn't do as good as usual as my asthma is playing up a bit at the moment. We're hoping it'll all be ok by Friday. Seen the beds I'm going to order for the twins soon. House was cleaned top to bottom yesterday. I'm going to attack the ironing pile later once the kids are in bed. Mum and Dad arrive on Wednesday! |
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03 Oct 10 - 08:59 AM (#2998649) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine At 4AM this morning the dead-battery signal in one of my smoke detectors started "chirping". Had to get up & take out the battery until I find a replacement this morning. |
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03 Oct 10 - 09:43 AM (#2998659) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: VirginiaTam that has to be one of those sod's law things. smoke detector batteries will always go flat at the least convenient moment, ideally when you are sound asleep. |
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03 Oct 10 - 10:29 AM (#2998690) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Last night was an occasion to move quite few things around/away. A basil plant went to our chef; a set of missing OT pages were found at church, copied, and inserted into my OT notebook; a pair of slippers needed at home came home from church; some early Christmas shopping was done; a music-planning workbook went back to church because I do not need it at home any longer. Oh and a bagful of CD cases in my van went into someone else's van to go downstate, instead of into the church basement, where I still have two huge boxfulls to sort and ship to Catters. That one was really neat-- I tossed the bag into the van that picked me up for church thinking I'd have to lug them in and down, but a bandmate visiting town (and also riding in that van) wanted them, so I was able to just leave them for him. Some musicians' playbooks' index tabs turned up ydy and I set them out to take along, but by golly I forgot to look at the note I left myself so I failed to the grab them when we all left for church last night, but they'll go any day now-- they made it to my dnstrs launching area, and either a bandmate will pick up or I will deliver. This AM I discoveed that a small photo album I'd found and left for Hardi (he has zillions) was actually MINE from a (2004??) ministry trip I'd been wanting to report on, here. Strokebrain had hidden from me the memory of making the photo album, but I'd made a very nice one showing how our area related to the area I'd visited to explore small-church stratgies in rural areas-- conversation-starters in hardcopy form, for churches lacking computers. Today a used washing machine will arrive in my van, plus a brand-new AC and a used kerosene heater. I have to pay for these, so will probably sell some of it that we do not need. Friends are moving and anxious to empty their house quickly in time for their buyer to move in. ~Susan |
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03 Oct 10 - 12:12 PM (#2998758) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg They say that what goes around, comes around; when he packed the van our friend tucked in "a little food"-- two large bookshelves-crammed-full's worth of canned goods. Gonna be fun sending THAT around-- all health food, too, from the looks of it. A LOT of soup to make this winter. Hm.... must be time for another Soup Supper..... hope it doesn't freeze while it sits on the front porch getting sorted and boxed up. So glad I designated that porch for storage-- it has a virtual loading dock built in. ~S~ |
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03 Oct 10 - 12:16 PM (#2998762) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice A $5 coupon to our local hardware store came in the mail. I need to get planter trays to put under pots I will be bringing inside for the winter. That was a timely coupon to arrive! I have green peppers in a pot on the deck that are still growing and spearmint and basil in a pot in the garden that I want to bring in the house for the winter. Reading news websites this morning, I came across an interesting video interview of the founder of etsy. What a young guy! No wonder they call anything over 20 years old "vintage". Anyhoo, it made me feel even better about being on etsy. Here is the video page:Business On Main: Etsy A. |
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03 Oct 10 - 12:34 PM (#2998770) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage ragdall I crave being back in that climate again one of these years! Your yard is lovely (and aren't you a cutie - I always have to decide when I get ready to run to the store - do I change out of the pants with the paint stains or just go as I am? I usually just go, if it's Home Depot, etc. and figure I'll fit in with the contractors.) We should each walk outside and take a photo of the front yard and back yard so we can see the season at each of our houses. :) Maryanne, do yourself a huge favor and change all of the smoke detector batteries at the same time. They'll one by one drive you nuts if you don't. I change them all out (we have 5) when I change the clocks in the fall, so it'll be time again soon. The batteries still have a lot of life in them, but for about $13 for the pack of batteries, it is worth keeping them at the top of their form and avoid that stupid chirping. The code in my village says I need the combination wired/battery detectors in each bedroom and in the hall outside (4) and one in my office (that could also be a bedroom). I stopped trying to keep a battery-only one on a nail in the laundry room because kitchen smoke would set it off occasionally. I should probably set one in the next room over so if a kitchen fire got out of control then it would go off. (No, knock wood, I don't have fires in the kitchen, but I do occasionally accidentally singe things, like most cooks.) The four in the bedroom side of the house go off in unison and are so loud they hurt. This morning I've been shifting the contents of wire shelves in my sun room, from the small one to the newer large one. I linked a few shorter bungee cords together and wrapped them around the shelves a few inches up to keep the contents from pitching off if it gets bumped. I think I can confine my gardening stuff to the bottom couple of shelves and use the top for storing things like my extra cloth grocery bags and a box of outdoor gear (hats, gloves, etc.) since it is beside the door I use the most. SRS |
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03 Oct 10 - 01:30 PM (#2998807) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Okay, here is a view of my yard today. Oct. 3, 2010 front yard. The back needs to be mowed before I take that photo. It's a jungle out there after the last heavy rain. On the far right side, near the cactus (that's still my yard) is that low wall I mentioned earlier. That's the one I'll be working on again today. The side is kind of pie-shaped beside the driveway. The house of course and the red crape myrtles are in the next door neighbor's yard. SRS |
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03 Oct 10 - 01:42 PM (#2998815) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Spent quite a bit of time scrubbing our tub this morning. Little Baby Jeremiah is ready for time in the actual TUB (with a bath ring and mama) instead of just his little portable tubbie which he is getting too tall for (those little legs just fill it right up!). Anyway, the tub was in ok shape but we have hard water stains....fact of where we live. Last winter we installed a water softener but I couldn't get those stains to budge and they are UGLY. BUT....today I found that Comet and some serious elbow grease worked just fine. Comet, scrub, rinse. Add dry Comet to wet scrub brush making a thick paste, scrub HARD. Rinse. AHAH! It worked! I still have some orange spots but NOTHING like what it was. My tub is white under all of that. Who knew? I don't want my little one going in an orange tub even if I know it's been bleached. Looks good and I feel better. Michelle |
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03 Oct 10 - 01:43 PM (#2998816) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Alice, thanks for the video link. How neat!! I remember reading about etsy when it first started, in fact, I think it was on the Mudcat Crafters thread, years ago, but how cool to hear the founder etc. Wouldn't a craft night be fun!? Rog put away clean dishes, I've done a couple fo loads of laundry including the cover off of the dog's bed...it's time to put it away for awhile, at least, put some already folded clothes away, Rog swept while I scrubbed the bathroom and we cleaned up a bunch of miscellaneous in our bedroom. We also taped up the huge box to our daughter. It is by the front door on its way to Rog's truck and I packed up a box of stuff to a friend, plus had three more books requested from paperbackswap...so packaged those up as well as one or two to our son, so there is a pile of mail by the front door, also, which will go out tomorrow. After it is gone, I will take a picture of the LR window with the Norfolk Pine to share with you all. SRS, I'd love to see more of the gorgeous yards you all work so hard in, but ours looks like a wild mess...maybe a shot of my few perennials would do. The backyard is sad-looking. OH and we really don't have much in the way of Fall colour changes, yet, soon, though. I wish I could get up to the high country today to get pix of the aspens as they are golden, now, but it's just not feasible, today and they'll probably be done by next weekend. Rags, your backyard and trellis look beautiful, as do you. Looks as though you were having fun!:-) Rog is going to help me try to make a dent in the office, then I think I will try to get some more vintage books up on etsy or some other things. At some point Morgan is supposed to call me, when he gets done going to work with his dad, and we may go have lunch. He told me his dad's boss needed "another guy and that's ME!" But, as he is not getting paid, he could "take a break and call you any time, Mama!" He must be having fun because I haven't heard from him, yet. |
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03 Oct 10 - 03:07 PM (#2998878) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Kids get so much out of seeing the example of their loved ones working. Good for his dad, taking Morgan with him to work. Spoke with neighbor this afternoon, she's doing some heavy yard work in front. My tiller hasn't been run for a while and I'm afraid would tear up her irrigation system, but this was a reminder that I should use it on occasion to keep it running. Had a late lunch, now back out to the yard. I have several CDs in the changer and will resume listening at the next break. So far it was Glen Gould with Bach's Goldberg Variations. SRS |
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03 Oct 10 - 03:46 PM (#2998899) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing After about 2.5 hours of strenuous work, Rog and I have mucked out the office! That room has been calling me, my sanctum and Morgan's are in there and I didn't even want to go in to light candles and incense, it was such a mess. Rog has been a trooper, today. He carried about 3-4 loads of stuff out to the caravan for storage, stuff we use when needed, but doesn't need to be in here all of the time. He also hauled out trash and giveaways. We got my laptop set up, again, on the huge desk, with external monitor, keyboard and wireless mouse, (wait 'til Morgan sees that!), the rest of the desk cleared off except for jewellery making supplies, so now I truly can get comfy and CREATE! My first project will be something along these lines, MESSY CHAIN, as it is supposed to be THE thing this Fall. I think it won't take me too long to come up with a piece or two for Etsy. Also in the office, I used a narrow, tallish old nightstand with one wee drawer and two shelves to display some pieces of Beauty which I had nowhere to display, previously...a beautiful large seashell; some driftwood; a basket of small seashells and sea glass; two tiny pottery pieces with collected stones; and, a bronze-casting I made from a bittersweet vine which I'd dried in the form of a circle. I used to make dream webs using them. The bronze piece unintentionally looks like a "crown of thorns!" (Hmmm...another Etsy idea has come to mind!) We also got the shredder set up beside my chair in the DR and there is a box of papers which had been sitting in the old office, waiting to be be fed to the shredder. SRS, with all of your talk about your wonderful CD collection, I have become more determined to finally get all of the rest of my CDs loaded into my external HD, then put away in my 300 CD changer. That way I can listen to them, either way; one reaches the back of the house, i.e. bedroom, better than the other; they will be preserved both dust-free in the changer and on the HD. I am just about to order an external DVD/CD player for my laptop, but will also use it out here for loading the CDs onto the HD as it will be easier to reach than the built-in one. Thanks for continuing to inspire me to get more done! We're sure clicking along this month. Only the third and already almost one hundred posts! |
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03 Oct 10 - 07:04 PM (#2999003) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Congratulations, kat! Clean office... big WIN for you! A. |
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03 Oct 10 - 07:09 PM (#2999008) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks, Alice! Now, I might finally be able to get going with more stuff on Etsy as it is all back there, waiting for me on the shelves Rog put up last weekend.:-) |
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04 Oct 10 - 02:28 AM (#2999132) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage A clean office is quite a luxury! Good work, Kat, and again, it sounds great about the access to the beading materials. I know enough people with tangled chains that didn't need any special construction - I don't know that I would want to wear the weight of that tangle around my neck on even the chain they show. But I'm not quite ready yet to even work on the modest single strands I have in mind. The back lawn has been mowed and I pruned a few branches in the way and little trees growing up in the fence line. The limbs are piled at the curb for tomorrow's trash. I worked on my keyhole garden a little more, digging and setting a few more stones around a big curve in the wall and filling in with three more bags of humus and top soil. I also did some shopping and found pot roast on sale so picked up three that are now cut into 1 and 1 1/2 pound pieces in the freezer, enough to last me for quite a while. I use this for my ground beef now instead of buying hamburger. I was thinking about grinding a pound of the last batch of that beef chuck, and took it out yesterday to thaw a little (it is easiest when it's still slightly frozen). It thawed completely, so today I made a small pot roast. With 2 carrots and potatoes it was enough for a meal this evening and leftovers for another dinner. I also made banana bread, so breakfast is handled for this week. Kitchen is clean. Trash is at the curb, linens changed, groceries put away. The garage has been adjusted because the weather is finally cooling. Window closed, door closed, and the dogs can go through their dog door now into their cozy hay-filled stall and dog houses. SRS |
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04 Oct 10 - 05:31 AM (#2999184) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall SRS, Your house and yard are beautiful. What a lot of trees and shrubs you have. rags |
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04 Oct 10 - 08:44 AM (#2999271) Subject: ADD: "Gee I love it when a plan comes together" From: wysiwyg Another frequent saying around our place is, "Gee I love it when a plan comes together." This is one of those days. Adrian-the-handyman is indeed coming today as scheduled; the other job that threatened to squeeze us off his schedule for the day is an outside one, and it's due to pour buckets today. So as he predicted Sat., he will be free for the time we booked. (I'll never be able to afford to claim a week's worth of his time, and am happy just to fit into the edges of his schedule.) I'm glad he's busy-- that means he's good. Now, Adrian's pay is coming out the the Oct. 1 grocery check. I figgered on a lot of beans and hot dogs this month, but his pay is still a pretty deep cut in the bottom line. Silly me-- I hadn't anticipated that dear Pat would fill my van with beans and fruit yesterday. Adrian will unload it. "Gee I love it when a plan comes together." These cans went into the van via Pat's laundry basket (dumped and refilled x number of times). I do not have such baskets, nor boxes-- I have the same dear Pat's 5-gal plastic nursery pots, only a few of which were in use this year. That's how we met Pat and Brioan and Sean and Orla and Katy who now lives with us-- FreeCycle. "Gee I love it when a plan comes together." Adrian can use the pots to stow cans for me to paw thru and sort-- we used one last ight to bring in a representative batch for supper, YUM! Pat's an organic shopper, and also a huge supporter of my back-to-life plan. A lot of this is stuff she can no longer eat. "Gee I love it when a plan comes together." She intended most of these cans to go up to my home office kitchen. I know there's not room for TOO much of it and we DO know a lot of hungry people-- not least of which is Steve, who helped Pat and Brian load the lot. Steve is homeless (don't worry, he will not be worried that I gave his real name), and has nowhere to store cans.... "Gee I love it when a plan comes together." His stash will be kept at the church, where he regularly helps Hardi move heavy things for some help with his food program. And encouragement/support for HIS "back to life" program. Today's plan is for Adrian and I to carpet the stairs up to Room #1. Who knows-- he may end up living up there, or pass the word among his pals. We will also lay and trim a roomsize rug upstairs, and look over some future painting work. I like Adrian already. He remembered to call regarding the scheduling, and to find out what we'd be doing so he'd bring the right tools. That's a great start! :~) Gee I love it when a plan comes together!!! ~Susan Gee I love it when a plan comes together. |
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04 Oct 10 - 09:12 AM (#2999286) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Looks like I will be officially out of here on 22nd October (they want to exchange contracts on Friday). In fact, if I can, I want to get the furnishings out and away on 19th or 20th, which gives me a day or two to clean up and drop off the keys. Then I will be able to relax and enjoy the Musicport Festival in Bridlington from 22-24 October. The cat will go into the cattery a day before the removers come, and he can stay there until after I am safely in my new place, when I will come down and fetch him up there. The YMCA are collecting the sideboard and chair next Monday, and I will arrange to get the new sofa delivered sometime that week too. I hope to have some idea later this week as to a likely completion date at the northern end. It's all moving very fast! I would like to get up into the new place a day or two before the furniture arrives, so that I can start to organise plumbers etc. I must just make sure the removers leave me a sleeping bag, airbed and kettle! There's several places to eat in Belford, plus a fish and chip shop and a supermarket, so I won't starve! Andrea |
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04 Oct 10 - 09:42 AM (#2999298) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg ! ! ! G O A N D R E A ! ! ! ~Susan |
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04 Oct 10 - 11:34 AM (#2999392) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Andrea, When I moved into this house I had a month between signing the paperwork and when I had to be out of the apartment. The contractor was going full-tilt - by the time I got moved in he had completed a lot of the indoor work (put in new shower surrounds, raised the ceiling in kitchen from an oppressive fur down cave-like feel, etc.) That said, my plan when I moved in was to completely fill two rooms that the contractors didn't need to touch with all of my furniture. Sinks and toilets worked but we bathed in a galvanized tub for a few weeks. At first we had beds and cots in one bedroom and I painted and tiled another one. When it was ready, I moved the kids' beds in there, and set up a futon for myself in the living room and started working on that room we'd first slept in. When that was was ready I moved furniture into there and cleared out the third bedroom that had been packed full and painted and tiled it. I finally moved my daughter into that room and we gradually unpacked as I finished my end of the work. Hopefully it won't take you so long to get settled in, but it is possible to have possession of a house and still have to camp out for a while. It certainly helps you appreciate the finished house! SRS |
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04 Oct 10 - 11:43 AM (#2999400) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Congratulations, Andrea!!! |
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04 Oct 10 - 11:53 AM (#2999415) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Adrian is here. He came early, he shook hands, and I suspect he's our Mmario's cousin. He plays bass. He's great to work on his own, or with me as second pair of hands. He has none of the older locals' attitudes about women (and women as bosses in particular)-- collaboratively able to hold his own. And Faulkner OKd him. More has gotten done in the last 2 hours than I could do in a week. He's finished everything I could not do in Room #1 and is now onto the stairs. From Pat and Brian I learned that when you recommend someone to someone else, it's important to be sure it's understood that you are not giving up your own "spot" in that person's schedule. We've committed to monthly help-- twice monthly if the budget allows-- if the rest of the day goes as well as the first part has gone. ~Susan |
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04 Oct 10 - 12:18 PM (#2999435) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing SRS, I wouldn't want to hang one of those around my neck, either, but it is supposed to be THE latest and I think it will be fun to try, at least my own version of it. You will get to your beads, I am sure...when the time is right, there you'll be!:-) |
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04 Oct 10 - 12:43 PM (#2999442) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Nervous energy today. Breakfast made and cleaned up, lunch packed for my honey, dishes done, 2nd load of laundry going, pot roast cooking, half a bushel of apples washed and soon to be cut up for applesauce as soon as I get the jars run through the dishwasher (next load) and sterilized (I run them through the dishwasher and then boil them...overkill, maybe....rather be safe though). Jeremiah is ready to crawl! I heard him cooing in he woke up from his nap, went and found him in crawling position at the other end of the crib...smiling from ear to ear. I called to him and he crawled/scooched (combination) right to me!!!! He's all proud of himself and I'm soooo excited for him!!!! :) Michelle |
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04 Oct 10 - 12:47 PM (#2999443) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice That is such a sweet age! I know you are treasuring every little milestone. A. |
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04 Oct 10 - 02:26 PM (#2999504) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage If you're doing that exercise program with him I think you'll find a lot of extra ways to watch his development as he rolls around the floor with you. What fun! SRS |
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04 Oct 10 - 02:38 PM (#2999513) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice I've been going through some sad decluttering because even though I am happy my son is moving on with a career opportunity, it is sad to have him be so far away that I don't know when I'll see him again. I will re-arrange a desk he used to be a place for etsy shipping, and have a chance to clear some space in the house, but it is a big life change for both of us. A. |
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04 Oct 10 - 03:03 PM (#2999527) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg (((Alice))) Been there. It is sad and joyous, isn't it? The haul of canned good is now in the house and sorted. It was quite easy to allocate it; bandfriend Ed took home quite a bit and word was passed about the rest of it; he had stopped by to meet Adrian because if Adrian is ever sched to be here one day and I can't be, Ed will let him in and help find tools, manage dogs, etc. I'm keeping mostly meal-in-a-can stuff for travel and home-office worktime. Some of it is hot chilies Hardi will enjoy to spice up his boring diabetic diet, and canned fruit. TBTG Pat's diet was a lot like ours-- all that fruit is packed in juice, not syrup. I hain't added up the lowball cost of it all, but a good portion of it will go to the church as a donation towards my ministry-ed expenses. For now it's at least listed. The part I kept, it turns out, neatly fits in the spaces cleared last week. The part going to the church is all sorted, inventoried, neatly packaged, and will sit in cool storage in the church bsmt till needed. ~Susan |
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04 Oct 10 - 03:31 PM (#2999543) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Got most of the lawn mowed today; just a little out in the back left to cut. Will spend the rest of the afternoon dead-heading. Took a trunkful of stuff to the recycling center this morning. That cleaned up my front porch. I've seldom "had a plan come together". Glad it's working out for you, Susan. |
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04 Oct 10 - 03:57 PM (#2999558) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Floor playtime for Mommy and Baby today. More laundry going (lots of baby clothes from that giant yard sale), a couple of butternut squash from our garden peeled, cut and cooked up (makes enough for a few meals), potatoes peeled, cut and in the pot ready to make mashed potatoes to go with dinner later on. I'm tired. The baby is napping and I'm going to too. Night all. Michelle |
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04 Oct 10 - 04:23 PM (#2999573) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage There's a new program on - the Nate Burkus Show - one of Oprah's spinoff's. I've caught it a couple of times during the week. He does a lot with de-cluttering and flea market finds. A great idea is to have people "shop their own houses." I'm underwhelmed by his person who advises on collectibles and such. Frankly, I can't see going to Target to buy some platter because this assistant says that in 10 or 20 years it will be worth a few bucks more. What a waste of time and money. Like the collections of Beanie Babies and such - they are artificially "valuable" and that idea can tank easily (and, I think, predictably). Maybe in 50 years a Beanie Baby collection will have some value and interest, but there are a lot of things people collect that are so widely mass produced that frankly, putting the uncirculated paper money away for many years will probably bring more value from collectors than the things you'd buy with the cash. SRS |
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04 Oct 10 - 05:04 PM (#2999598) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg More has gotten done in the last 2 hours than I could do in a week. He's finished everything I could not do in Room #1 and is now onto the stairs. -- Is this not usually the case when we hire professionals? And why are people so resistant..I know money plays a part, but there is bartering for services..sometimes with cluttered people there are appliances or furniture or household goods to offer in exchange...I always always recommend having professionals do whatever we can not do efficiently ourselves..they need the money and can do it so much better usually..even just a person with a truck for a few hours can do wonders and yet people are just refusing often to do this...shame of seeing our messy lives I think is a factor...someone ..was it Gloria Steinem or somebody..who gave women the notion we had to everything there was..I don't know and I don't get it but we have to break through this and just Hire It Done. mg |
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04 Oct 10 - 06:46 PM (#2999665) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Yes, but if I had not received the wonderful generosity of Pat and Brian (groceries) at a timely moment, I could not have had the pleasure of aiding the beginning of this young man's professional career in HandymanLand. As it was, I was his #2 crew member, which is how come he got so much done, too-- I stayed a room and a step ahead of him, to make his time as productive as possible. And I really enjoyed his honesty about just starting out-- we had a "how to work with us" chat when he came, about how since I am working on my own, in this house, to get as much done as possible... and since I only call him in for things I cannot do-- that by the time he arrives I have a pretty clear view of what needs to be done and how to go about it. BUT, more importantly, that I do not care to micro-manage or "have it my way" if he has a better way or a way he prefers to do a task-- Part of what we expect is that he be clear, right back, on how HE thinks a job ought to proceed. And he did have a few ways of doing the job that differed from my idea of how it might have been be done-- with a FABulous result I am happy to credit him with, and thrilled to have left in his hands. (I paid enough attention to learn how to do the few steps he was not able to complete, and he's happy either to come back and do them if I don't, or come back and start a new project.) We also discussed whether he wants to decide when to call in a second helper, and when to claim all the "paid" hours for himself-- for a kid still living at home it's gas money, but for Adrian it's how he makes his living. "I think I don't know enough yet to decide," he said, "so we'll have to decide together." I think it helps that I have done most of the jobs I now must pay others to do-- the flow of work and the expectations are more realistic. OK so he took longer on the stairs than I thought-- HOORAY, because I was near enough to know (working on sorting all those cans) that there was not one wasted minute, and that he took longer because he took CARE. He was doing something he wanted to be proud to put his name to-- an attitude I can respect so much. ~S~ |
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04 Oct 10 - 07:32 PM (#2999696) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Made a little progress with the gardening shelf by the door last night, and I'll do more this evening, but first I have to go get more shoes for the garden. I'll set up a place to leave them under the shelf - as it is, I sometimes have to go check three or four places to find where I left my outdoor shoes when I'm getting set to go work. Usually a pair that has been used in everyday service becomes scuffed enough to be relegated to the garden, but I don't have any pairs like that right now so I'll head by Famous Footwear and get two of the Reebok "Princess" walking shoes (hate the name, but it is a very practical style I've been using for years). One pair goes straight into the dirt, the other will be for general walking around in black walking shoes. SRS |
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04 Oct 10 - 08:40 PM (#2999723) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall Got the outsides washed on the four windows that don't open, also the two glass panels on the back storm door. Moved the trellis/mini pergola under the spruce trees. Carried the deck chairs, umbrella and stand down and stowed them under the deck for the winter. The chairs will change position with the snowblowers next month. Washed the deck railing to remove the black slime that accumulates anywhere the trees and shrubs overhang. Pruned overhanging lilac branches. Am now trying to motivate myself to clean the inside of two basement windows where geraniums will spend the winter. Also need to brush down, wash and dry the planters that will each hold five geranium pots and get at least the ten geraniums along the back of the house potted and inside before the predicted -2ºC arrives tonight. Where to start? rags |
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04 Oct 10 - 09:16 PM (#2999740) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Yesterday planted the last of the tulip bulbs, including a large container on the deck that is right up against the big picture window that fills that wall. It will be cheering to look out and see red flowers there next spring. Today finished clearing up the garden except for two blooming containers of marigolds that I'll keep out there until after frost. I brought in the container of bell peppers that is still growing and the herb pot. The last to come in will be the 5 pots of blooming flowers on the front steps. Added a watercolor to my etsy spot: CLICK A. |
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04 Oct 10 - 09:38 PM (#2999750) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Alice, I love the watercolor!!! And thanks for the reminder about planting bulbs! I purchased some new ones this year and had tucked them away..forgot all about it! I'll get them out in the morning and wait until it dries out around here...3 more days of rain predicted. Michelle |
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05 Oct 10 - 04:04 AM (#2999852) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy There are so many coincidences between buying the place I'm in right now and the new one: Same time of year, same degree of haste in finding a place, similar problems with the building (though not quite as many). We moved in here with the plasterer just starting work on the ground floor after the injected damp proofing. There was no kitchen, as all that had to be ripped out, and all the radiators were off the walls. It was November 17th, grey, damp and cold. We were 2 adults, an 8 year old, a nearly 7 year old, and a 16 month old. We just moved upstairs for the duration, and used a kettle and microwave. If I have to, I will just do the same (depending on when I decide to do work. In the previous move, the mortgage company wouldn't release all the cash until the damp work was done. I have no mortgage now, so there's no such pressure. I can see that when I do the damp I may end up replacing the kitchen, unless I can find a dry place to store the units. However, it's small, so the cost of a new one won't be too bad. The next few days are involving going through stored stuff yet again, and seeing what can go in round 3 of the reduction process. And it's getting much harder! Andrea |
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05 Oct 10 - 09:07 AM (#3000055) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Andrea, following mg's thought upthread about hiring assistance, do you have this option we here in the US have: 1-800-PACK RAT. Of course there are several other similar vendors here in the US-- the idea is they can take the filled unit and store it till you are ready to unload it-- or plumb its depths. But I thought the name of this one was so memorable for us declutterers that when I saw it on TV this AM, I thought: hm...... Their story: In 2001, a North Carolina entrepreneur sketched out an all-steel weatherproof portable storage design that was jokingly referred to as a Pack Rat because of its ability to store everything. The founder then sought out one of the most experienced heavy-equipment manufacturers in the country. Together they built a system that can lift a fully-loaded (up to 8,500 pounds) PACK-RAT container without swaying or shifting and gently place it anywhere a truck can be driven. This state-of-the-art system was critical to creating 1-800-PACK-RAT - The simplest way to store or move your stuff. ~Susan |
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05 Oct 10 - 10:17 AM (#3000124) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice I decluttered my bedroom last night to the point that it echos now. Exercise - I moved my laptop to my treadle sewing machine (with the machine folded inside of course) and discovered that without the belt on, I can just treadle away while I'm on the computer, and it gets my heart rate up quickly. Yay! A. |
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05 Oct 10 - 10:58 AM (#3000166) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage What a novel exercise form! :) Last night when I was shopping at the high-end grocery (lots of organic and bulk items) I found some relatively inexpensive fresh wild salmon. It's coho, not the highest salmon in demand, but this looked nice and was a big enough fillet to brine and smoke. This morning I boned and cut it into pieces and made my brine (wine, soy sauce, sugar, salt, seasoning) and it will marinade all day and overnight. In the morning I'll pull the pieces out of the bowl and set them in a single layer on a plate in the fridge so they can dry a bit. The sugar in the brine will help it form a kind of skin or surface layer that it needs to absorb the smoke well. I have appointments tomorrow until early afternoon, and when I come in after that I will see if it is ready to go in the smoker for a few hours. From there, they'll be individually wrapped and go in the freezer. This is one of my holiday gifts for the kids. They've been asking me to smoke some salmon for the last couple of years, and it was a problem of finding the time and the fish. I have about 3 1/2 pounds in there, just one large bowl full. But it's enough to give them plenty of fish eating pleasure and the "value added" aspect of my smoking this fish makes it a very nice gift. (It's like buying the fabric and making the garment or buying the wood and building the cabinet - all the better because it has some of you in it!) For accountability, I walked the dogs again last night, and each evening we'll push the walk a little longer until we're out for about 30 minutes. They love walks this time of year because there are lots of acorns on the ground. They munch their way around the neighborhood and these dogs know the location of every red oak on each street we regularly traverse. So far we're not finding any pecans worth paying attention to. :) SRS |
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05 Oct 10 - 11:17 AM (#3000185) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Forgot to say, added this painting today uncle Pete There is original hardwood floor in my house that was covered by wall to wall carpeting when I moved in. Over the years I have removed all of the carpeting except for what was in my son's bedroom. Now I can rip that up, too. Hardwood is so much cleaner! A. |
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05 Oct 10 - 12:39 PM (#3000240) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Love that treadle exercise, Alice, and Uncle Pete! Our daughter pulled up the wall-to-wall in our LR when she and Morgan lived with us. We were delighted to find hardwood underneath. No carpeting in our house now and yes! it is much cleaner, esp. if one has pets. I've spent the morning registering some books at the Library of Congress. I saved $15 per book by doing it on line, though I do still have to send two hard copies of the one which is already published. Have also folded and put away one load of laundry; another is in the dryer. Just getting ready to photograph some more things for etsy/ebay. Oh, and have had another book requested. It is ready to go out the door with Rog when he comes home for lunch. Accountability...I am working without extra O2 this morning and concentrating on NOT being a lazy breather...O2 sats are staying up, too! |
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05 Oct 10 - 12:50 PM (#3000252) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice I'm loving this treadle under my laptop for exercising... I should have thought of this years ago!! A. |
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05 Oct 10 - 01:08 PM (#3000266) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I bought a cheap pedal-exerciser thing which sits on the floor for lower leg sort of like what you do with a treadle and on a table for the arms, but it is so lightweight, it won't stay put! Rog offered to mount it on a board, but I didn't get it to have that kind of clutter, so it sits in storage. Qi gong will suffice, for now.:-) |
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05 Oct 10 - 01:25 PM (#3000277) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Sitting for long periods of time is hard on the feet and legs, so that kind of exercise sounds excellent. Some program I passed over on television a while back showed how some doctor has set his office equipment up in such a way that he slowly walks on a treadmill as he works on his laptop, mounted on the front handlebar. He was making the case that if we just moved around more instead of sitting still we'd be a lot healthier and more fit. Have been in the yard talking to the phone company contractors working next door. They are trying to locate the cable from that yard to the next phone co. node, and we're all kind of blank on where the cable runs. The dogs have been watching them from the back of the yard, enjoying the activity. I pulled out my survey but don't find any indicator of where the phone lines may run underground. I did make notes when I had the Invisible Fence put it - they marked where all of the lines and wires run to avoid cutting anything. None were straight across the middle of the back yard, though there is a sewer easement under there. SRS |
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05 Oct 10 - 01:33 PM (#3000284) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Ah, another reason I found I didn't like that exerciser is because it is actually pedalling and so cannot sit under my desk as my knees come up too high whilst pedalling...they hit the keyboard tray. Alice, I think you've really made a NEAT discovery. Wish I had my MIL's old treadle machine. |
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05 Oct 10 - 03:00 PM (#3000338) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice photo of my treadle laptop desk |
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05 Oct 10 - 03:16 PM (#3000351) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Apparently Clonidine plus headcold does not equal doing Tuesday errands-- it equals soup from canned beans, and MAYBE cleaning up after ydy's workday in a warm kitchen, with tunes. And a chairnap. And a trip up to Room #1 for... what the heck did I leave up there? I just know I have to go up there. With dog-- he's still looking for Adrian whose smell is up there and whose name Faulkner is learning. Oh well, I'll spot it when the Clonidine wears off I hope; And I drew a whole-house-plus-addition for one friend who is a great resource on landladying and another with years of experience hosting hunters for Big Bucks. ~S~ |
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05 Oct 10 - 03:38 PM (#3000368) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy The removal companies usually run a packing service, if you want it. Your stuff is put into a container - everything boxed, all furniture wrapped - The container is sealed in front of you and then the they will store it in the sealed container till you are ready for it to be delivered. The company I had round today will only require a day's notice to deliver it out, and will be outside the new house at 8am to unload! I've 2 more (including the well-known Pickfords) coming tomorrow. I'm starting to make lists of the stuff I am going to need to pack for my use between houses. I think early next week the suitcases will be coming out! I am also going to stack up all the boxes from the attic into the middle of the kitchen, once the knacked old table goes mid week. Andrea |
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05 Oct 10 - 07:03 PM (#3000529) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Whew. It's craptastic outside today! Gray. Cold. Rainy. YUCK. I did laundry, dishes and grocery shopping (which for me means about 50 miles round trip of driving in the rain). I also made some homemade macaroni and cheese to go with some beef BBQ tonight....filling and something to warm the belly. I'm off to play with my baby. :) Lator Gators. Michelle |
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05 Oct 10 - 07:07 PM (#3000532) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Moving can be a racket - as in criminal - here in the U.S. There are interstate commerce rules that are in effect if you move from one state to another, but within the state you can be on your own. In Texas these companies are all a crap shoot. I've had stuff damaged and stolen by the big name movers and I've had stuff crammed and moved and broken by the "firefighter" types (the idea being that these are for-real fire fighters who do this on their days off. They're not.) The last move I did by myself, with my pickup truck. I got a great workout, and it is amazing how many pieces of furniture can be easy to move when they're taken apart (the heavy mirror off of the dresser, the drawers of out the dresser, etc.) Moonglow was 13 when we moved from the apartment to this house, and she did a lot of hard work on a couple of days when we were taking apart and lugging in and out. I'd told her I'd pay her something, but mostly it was just a family thing and we had to move. I remember her eyes opened wide when I handed her a folded up $50 bill. It had been in my wallet for a long time as mad money, but this kid earned it. I need to finish moving the extra shelves out of the sun room, to someplace useful. The larger set will be a help in there, and I suppose I could set the shorter set on the window seat and let them hold plants. I'll give it a thought anyway. Time to start digging up a few herbs to winter over in the house in that window. National Night Out (crime prevention) here in the states. Anyone going to the events in your communities? I may go sit on the front porch and just be visible. ;) SRS |
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06 Oct 10 - 12:14 AM (#3000679) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Accountability-wise, the dogs and I had another nice evening walk. They are simply such good company. How do you describe the bond between a human and their dog pack? I know Kat is feeling the emptiness at her home after the passing of her pooch. Dogs are somehow a link between the human and the animal world - the view through to the other side. We don't talk, per se, but we communicate. My pit bull literally smiles and wags her pleasure when I stop by the garage gate when I get home. I think she can no longer separate that "trick" of smiling from wagging. They go together, and she learned it because I smile at her. Amazing, when you think about it. We go for walks and my catahoula is very protective of me if we meet people or other dogs; she is such a one-woman dog, she would be happy at my side all day long. I have my suspicions about her early puppy-hood; I think she was the pampered pet until she got to be big and noisy. I need to understand that it is her nature to be bonded to a human or her pushy behavior would be way-annoying. She likes Cinnamon and doesn't want to be separated from her, but she would choose me in a heartbeat if she could have only one of us. Luckily, she doesn't have to choose. :) Enough of a riff on dogs, but after that Nature series about dogs and their domestication (I may have mentioned it here, it has come up at Mudcat), it makes me appreciate these two all the more (you can watch the programs online, if you're interested). Laundry and dishes are finished. I need to move the extra set of shelves in the sun room, and I'll do that before I head to bed. Will report in the morning, if I have time before I head out for appointments and a photo session. SRS |
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06 Oct 10 - 09:21 AM (#3000933) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Today there will be a showdown over the Clonidine. I asked the doc, before vacay, how many co-pays to budget for, August 2010 to August 2011. I got an answer, and we duly budgeted. (Of course there is more $ to tap in case of an ER trip.) We have used now half the year's budgeted co-pay with no change at all in my BP and no change in daily function except for the rather severe attrition across the board with the Clonidine. The energy is flowing in the wrong direction-- and I always know "Which Way is Life?" So if it has not produced a measurable result-- 8 weeks into a 3-week trial-- it's bye-bye Clonidine, and on to other diagnostics and meds adjustments. ... because I am no one's "deep pocket" to furnish unlimited "maintenance" co-pays. ~Susan, Empowered Patient |
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06 Oct 10 - 10:50 AM (#3001008) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I must have gotten carried away with my decluttering - I arrived at the getaway sans luggage. Home to a mess - at some point I have to resurrect the vacuum and attack the bathroom. Too much music in my head at the moment. And my thyroid is running rampant. SIGH It was good to sleep in my own bed with only Alice snoring. SINS |
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06 Oct 10 - 01:33 PM (#3001107) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Dishes are done (can you tell that's it a big deal to me to have those done all the time?!?!?) Laundry is going, baby is sleeping, countertop is clean. Spent most of the morning at a friend's house who was hosting a Mary Kay party. We did facials and hand treatments...it was fun and relaxing. Jeremiah loved being held by all the women there! Took Ambien late last night and got up early this morning, I feel like I'm in a fog....feeling funky even though the day is going just fine. Not enough sleep and this gray weather maybe..... I called about a dumpster recently. DH wants to clean up a bunch of construction stuff and other things that needed to be disposed of some time ago so that I can park next to the house this winter with the baby. YAY. I had just planned to put Jeremiah on a sled and slide him down to the house...he'd love that!! So...Jeremiah is napping and I think I'm going to do the same (or at least read until I do). Rain rain go away, come again another day! Michelle |
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06 Oct 10 - 02:02 PM (#3001131) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Have a restfull nap, Michelle. Sins, maybe you'd better join her?**bg** I've spent the morning adding a Custom Designed Jewellery piece in my Etsy shop. Everyone there seems to really write a lot of description/story for each item, so it can take some time, esp. the first one. I found a neat chat going on in which I asked for some advice about listing custom stuff as the ones I have to show are obviously already sold. Found a really nice gal in Oregon who gave me a link to her custom stuff so I could take a look. Her shop is Greenfingers. Phew, now I need to stretch out some kinks from sitting here so long. Today is Morgan's early release day, so I have a "date" at 150p. Yesterday was a mad dash at 4p when I picked him up and we realised he and his parents forgot a b-day party at 5p for a little girl in his class. He and I quickly made her a cobalt blue bead bracelet, made a card and stuck it in an envelope. I told him he'd better watch out. All the little girls will be inviting him to their parties and want a Morgan designed piece of jewellery. He just shrugged and said something about how he'd be happy to do so.:-) I love that kid! |
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06 Oct 10 - 02:08 PM (#3001136) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Michelle, I always find that any meds that leave a hangover feeling usually respond well to sunlight and moderate brainless activity. Also I find that if I try to do brain stuff before it wears off, I stay in the fog all day. YMMV. === CLONIDINE FLUSHED. Still sky-high BPP-- it did nothing for me except screw me up. On to the next trial, and doc had 4 weeks' free samples YAY! The AM dose is wearing off even as we speak, and I can STUDY. We discussed qualifying me for local handi-transport for appointments, YAY, because now I get to choose between an MRI-- and a new scooter. :~( My cholesterol, alas, did not come down with strict dietary changes. DAMN, but at least no new meds yet for that, and TBTG WalMart had nonfat Greek-style yogurt. It warn't cheap but then we don't have to eat it like ice cream, either. TBTG and bandmate Ed, who drove me over there today AND for a grocery stop. And who tells me we qualify for reduced-cost coffee at Mickey D's! With free refills! ~S~ |
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06 Oct 10 - 02:15 PM (#3001146) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg If you have metabolic syndrome, and it sounds like you probably do, a low-fat diet is probably not going to do it for you. Really low carbs (with calories..those without like green vegetables unlimited), a good amount of protein and plenty of fats but no absolutely no trans fats would probably help most people with metabolic syndrome. REad up on it..these symtpoms go together: high blood sugar, excess weight, high bp, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemic symptoms. Ifyou have all or some of of them, suspect metabolic syndrome...caused by ancestry, eating too many carbs for given ancestry and personal metabolism, and getting wrong information from medical profession??? If you are on the wrong diet for your metabolism you will have health problems, and it does not matter what someone else eats that is good for their's and tries to impose on you. If you need meat, you need meat. If you need fat, you need fat. Some people get by with tiny amounts of each and do fine...great for them. Each body is different. mg |
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06 Oct 10 - 02:36 PM (#3001169) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Thanks, mg, but my doc is well-attuned to that (as am I). The nutrition side is well in hand. ~Susan |
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06 Oct 10 - 02:41 PM (#3001173) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Forgot to say, Alice, I have been thinking of you all day as you take Ryan to fly off to LA. I know that transition to an "empty" nest can bring mixed emotions. {{{{{ALICE}}}}}} luvyakat |
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06 Oct 10 - 03:03 PM (#3001191) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Thank you. Tears here but good future thoughts, too. He ran out of time sorting at the house, so I will finish his de-cluttering when I get home! A. |
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06 Oct 10 - 04:01 PM (#3001244) Subject: Kid's Post-Nest Exit Plans From: wysiwyg He ran out of time sorting at the house, so I will finish his de-cluttering when I get home! You're in my thoughts as well, Alice. ! ! ! G O A L I C E ! ! ! We had two boys nest-exit at once, and then 2 years later the third (a daughter) left. They all had in common exactly what you said above. Because of being a ministry family (always potentially about to move suddenly), we lucked into an approach that turned out to be just right for each of their 3 very different personalities. That is, they packed up the stuff that mattered most. We agreed to store it as long as we had this big ole house, but because they packed it in UPS-size boxes/weights, we also knew we could ship it when need/request arose. And then we packed up the rest. We labeled boxes clearly as to which they'd packed (and knew that cared about), and which we packed (and thought they MIGHT someday care about). It turned out that they did want the stuff they'd packed, sooner rather than later. BUT-- they also, each, developed a deep desire to see and sort the rest of the stuff, as they got a little older and had a little more distance from the home-memories. In some cases they came back to sort that stuff, and in others we shipped it for them to sort where they were. But it meant so much to them that we had held onto it ALL till that time. To this day, there are a few items we hain't shipped, that they are not quite ready to take charge of. Mike, for instance, is in a hot career-development mode that has meant a number of quick moves. The things he will want later-- for his own kids-- are still here, not in his frequent-moves apartment. Monica has not yet decided how she feels about some things, so I have the dollhouse Hardi made her that she was SURE she would never want-- but she just had her third daughter, so.... it's neatly boxed, waiting. Dave's cut glass decanters are still decor in his room, which we otherwise totally re-decorated. He and his wife sleep there when they visit; someday he will probably take them home. Now, we do not have to pay for storing their stuff-- we just kept the huge but cheap rental house because WE liked it (and no other housing was available at the time). But if we had to rent a locker or storage pod to hold onto it, you know, I think we would. Because it means so much to them to have "last say" before something is gone forever. And there are quite a few things they prize now, that they first thought we should pitch. If you have to pitch things, please at least consider photo-recording all of it for them. It's easy to ship a CD-ful of JPEGs in a card. ~Susan |
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06 Oct 10 - 05:13 PM (#3001289) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Had myself a nice little nap until a low flying helicopter went over and the dogs went bezerk. Thankfully, Jeremiah slept through it for an extra 20 minutes or so. In the meantime, I swept the living room and hallway. Vaccuumed in the living room and got half the dusting done before I heard that sweet little voice asking to come downstairs for a drink and a snack. :) I also wiped down his Baby Einstein activity center/hoppy. My piano NEEDS to be dusted but at the moment it is covered with lots of framed photos (which also need to be dusted) and it will have to wait until Daddy comes home so I can have some uninterrupted free hands time. :) Shepard's Pie for dinner. Michelle |
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06 Oct 10 - 05:51 PM (#3001325) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine I patched all of the plaster holes in the kitchen & some nail holes in the woodwork around the windows. Will wait until tomorrow to paint, because the light is better in the morning. This will not help my "accountability", but I won a box of Oberweis chocolates (from droping my business card in their bowl). But I promise to only eat one per day. Maryanne |
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06 Oct 10 - 07:42 PM (#3001405) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Just as I left to get him, I found out Morgan has been home with a tummy ache today. (Probably something he ate at the b-day party!) So, I did some more etsy and email work, then figured out how to add my etsy shop to my FB page. It's pretty slick. I also made a new Treasury at Etsy: Blue Moon, Stars, and Lovers. It's a lot of fun and good research to make a Treasury. |
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06 Oct 10 - 09:05 PM (#3001462) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I've been looking at the facebook page of a fellow I follow on Twitter. Learned a lot about the things you can link together. I have several partially completed projects I might get to this evening. I have to smoke salmon and I think I have enough time still, and will finish it in the oven. Today I was at the office and away from the computer, but after I got back to the house I took a long nap that helped with some allergy grogginess. Not much else to report. Mary, I thought your information about generalized metabolic reactions to food was very interesting. I've heard bits and pieces of this discussion on various National Public Radio discussions with health people and organic gardening people and have a couple of books that may touch on some of this -- I'll have to read them sooner rather than later. :) I've been looking at dresses online at Lane Bryant. I wish I didn't have to look at Lane Bryant, but who knows when I'll finally lose the weight and they have a couple of black dresses that could be dressed up or down for a variety of occasions. I've realized that my closet no longer has a black dress that I can fit comfortably into. [sigh] SRS |
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06 Oct 10 - 10:28 PM (#3001500) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mg I don't want to clog up a thread here, but this is life and death for some people. It is related to so much heart disease, it is diabetes frankly. They figure 80% of overweight people have it. You absolutely must get your insulin levels checked, and they will refuse to do it so pay forit yourself. Cure is simple...no carbs (by which I mean those starches and sugars..not green vegetables) to very few to a fair amount, depending on age, metabolism, number of pancreatic cells killed from too many carbs already. Dr. Robert Thompson is on Amazon and has several books out. If this did nothing else but keep people off so many multiple drugs it is worthwhile. But this knowledge is out there, Sanford University was leading the charge...COuld save many lives and disabilities and reform health care in this country. mg |
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07 Oct 10 - 12:35 AM (#3001541) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Whether we follow Mary's prescription or not, I suspect each of us doesn't really follow the best dietary suggestions or we wouldn't all be battling the Bulge and the health issues that go with it. Despite what we might think. I know if I cut out the glass of wine in the evening I'd lose some weight (though some wine is good for you - it does have carb calories). Portion size is also something I have to rethink. I ordered David Kessler's The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite after I heard him interviewed several times. I've been re-reading the Harry Potter books in preparation for the next film release, but maybe I'll slip a few Kessler chapters in between the Potter books. This evening I was preparing to smoke the salmon (it's on it's third pan of chips in the Little Chief smoker now) and decided to use up some of the stuff that has been in the freezer plenty long enough. The answer is, of course, soup! Part of an onion and some black beans I cooked last week, and from the freezer a little ground turkey, some bagged green beans, a small tub of turkey stock, a pint of frozen blanched tomatoes from last fall, etc. This tastes wonderful! The turkey stock was from a bird I brined, so it is very fragrant and rather sweet. I gave this soup an accent by using some thyme along with balsamic vinegar and I added a handful of semolina "pepitas" (a Mexican pasta that works like orzo). It is kind of sweet and savory at the same time. Very good! Despite the kind of rough beginnings, it's a sophisticated tasting soup. Speaking of food, Chicago chef Rick Bayless (who has 4 restaurants that specialize in Mexican food) will be speaking at my university next week. I got tickets as soon as they went online (they're free, but you have to order them through the ticket software you would use for paid tickets). I was hoping Moonglow, and maybe my friend Dean might want to go, so I ordered three tickets. Then the others said they couldn't make it. Today at the print shop I saw them printing out promotional items for the Bayless talk, and mentioned I had tickets. The woman I was speaking to said she didn't get any, and when I offered extras, said they probably wouldn't make it anyway. I was on my way out the door when another print shop friend caught up and asked if he could please please please have my extra tickets! :) I went back in, logged onto my email account and printed up the two extras. I earned some great brownie points with that move! (He's another organic gardener as well as a damn fine cook, and I'm sure one of these days we'll all get together in a kitchen and create organic culinary mayhem that tastes wonderful). SRS |
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07 Oct 10 - 09:44 AM (#3001656) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Sounds like a great soup, SRS. Our best turkey soup ever was turkey, black beans, and mushrooms. I am still processing the fact that I no longer have to take the Clonidine. Now that it is leaving my system and key functions return, it's clearer how really bad it was. I'm very grateful to the friends who stuck with me and rode out September. They know who they are. I'm also grateful that the discussion about it with the doc resulted in a communications agreement so that a longterm med trial like that never goes that badly again.... mostly this involved my being more of a PIA and him listening even better than he already did. And I do have a voice recorder I can take to appts to preserve and review his sometimes very fast, rapid-fire way of communicating instructions. He's a young doc, and sometimes I have to pull geezer rank to slow things down to genius speed instead of warp-drive speed. Hardi sez when he sits in on my appts that it's like being caught between two tornadoes, the way our brains link and go into short=hand mode. One way I can handle that phenomenon is to sit in the waiting room for a few minutes after the appt to see if any lingering questions come up. So they don't hit me at bedtime after I rush home to resume the afternoon's ministry commitments. Today begins the next drug. AMs only. ~Susan |
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07 Oct 10 - 10:47 AM (#3001698) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I put the salmon and chicken in the fridge late last night then headed to bed - and awoke to the house looking like a smallish tornado had passed through. Mostly cosmetic, there were many surfaces with a light layer of stuff. While my tea brewed this morning I finished folding laundry and put the various stacks away, and then I washed the dishes. Looks better. Busy weekend coming up. May not have much to report. SRS |
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07 Oct 10 - 12:18 PM (#3001774) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Note to mg-- my email's broken, pls see PM ~S~ |
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07 Oct 10 - 04:35 PM (#3001999) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Accountability: Down 4.2 pounds this week. YAY. Dishes and laundry are both going right now. I went to Sam's Club to stock up on a few things we get there every month. Had a nice salad while I was out....I am finding that I LOVE a few raisins in a tossed salad along with some walnuts. That little bit of sweetness goes a long way for me. I almost always have fat free Italian dressing (because it counts as 0 points) or some kind of balsamic dressing (Love Newman's own) and I like the combination of the zing of the dressing with the raisins. I have no idea what's for dinner tonight. I'm not hungry and really don't feel much like cooking today. Michelle |
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07 Oct 10 - 04:49 PM (#3002018) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Sautéed the smoked chicken breasts and used part of one, along with some sliced onions and my garden's green peppers, to make a couple of fajitas for lunch. Soup on the side. Mmmmmm! Those were on my homemade tortillas from the freezer. Moved the small wire shelf up onto the window seat to see how it looks there. It might be very good - but can be easily moved if I think of a better place. On the other plant stand in the same window I have some African violets and I a pretty vine I started from some cuttings off of the mother plant. I went for years with few plants because it was hard to keep the cats from either digging in the dirt or eating the leaves. I haven't filled the house with plants, but I am slowly building my collection. SRS |
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07 Oct 10 - 06:20 PM (#3002078) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I love Newman's Own Balsamic Viagrette too. Dried cranberries add a nice tang too. Alice is sitting on my hand so... Don't know how I managewd to gain four pounds ove Getaway. Suspect the salt in the junk food on the way home. Tomorrow.. |
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07 Oct 10 - 06:32 PM (#3002086) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg This week I worked on decluttering the 90-day pill sorter, now that a brain free of Clonidine can (hopefully) be trusted to do it safely. Yikes, tho, the mail-order pharmacy had us on automatic refills, where they send them along on a schedule, whether we order it or not.... Three of my current daily-meds scrips are little round white pills, and two more are also little round white pills that I take as needed. Apparently last night I took a powerful pain reliever instead of a powerful heart medication, because I was expecting the heart med in the mail-- and not the pain med. So I dumped the order that came, right into the sorter. And the scary part is.... if the heart med had not arrived today, making me think they had double-shipped it, I'd not have even known for at least the two weeks of bedtime pills I had set up from that mega-sorter. Some folks will say I should not use the mega-sorter and should keep the pills in their original bottles. That would be great except that the print on the bottles is too small to read and I have to re-label them, so that would just have moved the problem along that way. Of course now that I finally figured out what that particular little round pill was, I called the pharmacy and canceled all the automatic refills-- going back to having them come only when we order them. ~S~ |
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07 Oct 10 - 07:01 PM (#3002104) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Went for a walk this afternoon; it was short, but better than nothing. It has been the most gorgeous autumn day in Michigan. David Kessler was on the Doctor Oz show today. They (Oz, Kessler & 2 others) were talking about chickens & how they're fed antibiotics for the flimsiest of reasons. There might be something on Oz's website. Maryanne |
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07 Oct 10 - 09:32 PM (#3002173) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I was at the thrift store today, looking for something I could use to dress up for the lectures tomorrow. I found something (a nice black silk jacket), and spent less than $30 (this includes several tops and a pair of jeans), not the $80 or so for the dress I found online. But OMG - I must start a diet this very evening. I have reached my highest pregnancy weight - without being pregnant. There is no one else here who is going to interfere with a diet these days, no one else I have to cook a "regular" set of meals for, so I might as well get started. The one I use, at least to start, is the Scarsdale Diet. It helps me get off of the carbs in a hurry. Tomorrow I'll be working at a conference so of course the food won't be what I need, but I can at least make my breakfast the right one and be picky at lunch. SRS |
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07 Oct 10 - 10:31 PM (#3002192) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Good for you, SRS, and much success to you. |
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07 Oct 10 - 11:54 PM (#3002223) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage New garments checked out, tags removed, and in the laundry. As all of us know, those dressing room mirrors are brutally honest. Most of these things bought today can be worn for a while when weight comes off, so they're not a write-off. Tomorrow is a long day of lectures, and intense socializing in between. I'll be ready with my camera and notepad, and hopefully everyone will be wearing a name tag. :) I'll make a point of heading into the stairwell a couple of times and climbing the flights from the basement to my office on the sixth floor. I have been walking the dogs more (missed tonight, I wasn't home, but I might take an early walk with them before work.) SRS |
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08 Oct 10 - 04:45 AM (#3002293) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy I'm working at de-cluttering the store cupboards, as they won't take food into storage. The lady next door is going to take what's left in the freezer (and also look after my plants till I can come and get them). So healthy eating will probably not be in evidence for the next couple of weeks! I am off shortly to sign the last 23 years of my life away at the solicitors' office. Scary. I already know that the church are planning a send-off evening at a local pub next Friday, and I have already been asked what I want as a gift from the PCC (I've asked for a good quality spark guard: the Rector said my requested damp proof course was a bit beyond their means!) Then the local DCC is, apparently planning something and I am requested to be out next Friday for a "meal"...with lots of tissues! I suspect I may start and get back on track once I have moved, as I feel I will be lumping boxes about and trying to organise heat etc. The main problem is the fish and chip shop round the corner, the coffee shop down the road and the 3 pubs which do food.... Andrea |
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08 Oct 10 - 10:43 AM (#3002488) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Give yourself some time, Andrea. This is a MAJOR change for you and I'll bet you do just fine with all of the activity of moving, emptying boxes, etc. I am so happy for you! I have not explored all of this website, but it looks quite interesting and, I think, has some things in common with us: Whole Woman. Saw Morgan for the first time since Tuesday...took him to school this morning as he is feeling better. Have a load of wash in now. I spent yesterday doing more research and prep work for Etsy. The stories of women who have made a go of it, some after losing their day jobs, are inspiring. I am committed to making a go of it, in no small part due to Alice's mentoring. Thanks, Alice! Here I go to do more in my store. Oh, had a great *touch base* session with the therapist yesterday; he's a brilliant practitioner. kat |
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08 Oct 10 - 10:55 AM (#3002500) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I think Jacqui and I should open a shop and call it Hideobilia. There has to be a market for this stuff. After all - we bought it. heh heh At least I could declutter my house. Tonight Kendall and Jacqui are performing at a local festival and I am an invited guest. Another Sea Festival in the offing. We'll see. There aren't enough hours in the day for all I need to do. My full time job is getting in the way of my life. LOL |
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08 Oct 10 - 01:13 PM (#3002632) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg This post is about decluttering and tracking my own progress, tho it will seem to others like something else. It is particularly directed to a friend in this thread who knows who she is. (I place it here, not in PMs, because it's in these decluttering threads I so often look back to see how much time has elapsed or been lost as I progress toward goals.) RE: My Old Testament studies this year. Specifically, when hubby and I led the NTier's multi-parish EfM group (circa 2000), it was his role to guide the students' Scripture studies-- and mine to see to their leadership development, acting as discussion facilitator for topical theological reflections. Thus, my time to prep for weekly class meetings involved crafting the formats for the meetings, and thus I never had time THEN to READ the more academic material the students were studying in depth at their own paces. At the time, the group discussions reflected a pretty good understanding, on my part, of the Scripture I'd been hearing from the pew, the studies I had done on my own previous to rejoining ECUSA when hubby and I married, and studies that had come with professional employment at a publisher here of various Christian study materials. I felt no need, in our EfM group then, to delve more deeply. Since then (strokebrain), I have felt pulled strongly to dive into the OT. This began in Feb. 2010 with a personal issue. I had a good friend (far superior to me in Bible learning-- his verse-memorization background); he recommended some applicable OT passages, and I was hooked. By summer vacation (July 2010) I was deeply into the Daily Office lectionary habit, keeping up with the lectionary at week's end pretty well despite the heavy schedule of a health-challenged NTier Presbytera. It started to occur to me that I had lost touch with some of the EfM discussion insights, and the EfM OT material itself was calling: "Find me, use me, dwell with Me." By the end of vacation I was supplementing my own daily reading and journaling with the old, found EfM material. (Vacation was a lovely way to focus on the material! Long, sunny days in the dappled shade....) As the lectionary continues to unfold in the coming year, I plan to complete my study of the 2000 edition of the EfM OT material. Sure enough, all those 2000-era insights are coming back to me with good recall, with the 2000 book open in front of me. I love this particularly as one of that group's more inspiring members is no longer with us: Edith V, who never stopped her book-larnin' until Alzheimer's closed her mind and sent her home to meet the God who had Called her. She is still inspiring and encouraging me to this day. Doing this study in this way is a complicated application of the skills my chaotic childhood built in me-- the reception of not-connected, out-of-order schoolbook information, with the brain as the integrator seeking insight and finding connections. At the moment, on a study desk (my old autoharp stand) about 12" deep by 40" wide, I'm juggling: <> 700 pages of EfM in two binders, <> the lectionary readings, <> several Bible translations, <> and a number of supplemental texts-- .... for several hours each morning sitting in full sunlight. So this is a useful place for me to notate progress through this "little" SDL "curriculum" I seem to be crafting. EfM partly began, at the University of the South (AKA Sewanee), as an ed program for future clergy spouses in residence with their seminarian spouses preparing for ordination. It is the "Perfect Presbytera Bible Study," as far as I can tell. In that vein, I seem to be picking up formation for another future Diocesan role with clergy spouses which has long been dear to my heart, and for which I had not been well prepared previously. The whole point of EfM's structural design is that one inhales it at one's own pace. And it works, even for me, and even with strokebrain. I hope (but do not expect) that no confusion is created (or fed) in these threads, about where my EfM-studies-tracking fits in our group of declutterers. With strokebrain, I often need to go over written material many times till it sticks. If I land in a formalized ed track (as I may next year), these studies will serve me well as a first-go thru the OT, if nothing else. They already serve me well as a Presbytera-- my first vocation. And we Presbytera-women have no dean. There is nowhere else to receive and organize this information, or I would not be doing it here. Today-- 10/08/2010-- post Clonidine, despite a nasty head-cold-- I completed Genesis, Patriarchs, Exodus/Sinai, and the theological survey of same, TBTG. An outcome was the production of a really nifty 1-page summary and annotated genealogy up to and covering the Patriarchs, to help me and others keep those people straight, with due attention to the women's point of view of it all as well. That MAY be a lucrative product I have just drafted... we'll just have to see! :~) ~Susan |
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08 Oct 10 - 05:38 PM (#3002838) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg It was a close call, keeping the kitchen picked up enough to keep it clean, after we got all that caned food from Pat & Brian. The last of what we are keeping has now been put away and the rest of the kitchen is still cleanable, TBTG, YAY! I just declined storing 3 times as much roma tomatoes/swiss chard as we could possibly freeze/actually use, and passed the overflow it on to a friend who appreciated it enough to pick it up. Gave him the pruned basil leaves (and brought in the summer porch-plants for the west-drenched, winter windowsill, too. We do not need to "hoard" food, YAY! The week's local ad-paper ads reflect some of the appliances they left with us-- a great help in pricing an ad to run Monday-- since we have checked around and no one in need has claimed them. If they do not sell promptly (we're taking best offers), I'll FreeCycle 'em before winter makes the driveway impassable for pickup. That washing machine does not even get onto my porch until it has a new owner's name on it, YAY! ~S~ |
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08 Oct 10 - 07:24 PM (#3002913) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Our power was out last night and until late today, thanks to the gas drilling people who knicked the underground power lines. Did they bother to tell anyone or call the electic company? Of course not. We are SO not impressed with them but that's neither here nor there. As we live in the valley of a mountaintop (yes, really...top of the mountain with a dip), things echo....and today it was the electric company folks who are also NOT impressed with the carelessness of the gas drilling people. The word *dumbass* was used more than once. I thought it was funny. ;) I kind of enjoyed being without power this morning as it was quiet here, my husband stayed home to fuss with any fuse issues/blown fuses due to the power problems (multiple BOOMS last night...from transformers maybe...we weren't sure...but it went on all night). I wrote some letters by hand (still hard to do as I have lingering pain/neuropathy in my hands) that were long overdue...felt good. I did some picking up but not much as I had no running water to wash with. Michelle |
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08 Oct 10 - 07:54 PM (#3002927) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Susan, I've heard from several people through PM over the weeks, and we've tried to be politic about this, but you keep hijacking these de-cluttering threads with way too much personal stuff that doesn't belong here. Religious tracts and stroke and drug discourse in particular. At this point, no one else is going to be posting because the reason for the thread is lost. Please start a thread to do with coping with strokes, or religious life, and let the stories play out over there. You won't have the time constraints of a month at a time, and the people who find it who are experiencing the same thing as you will appreciate finding all of that in one place, not scattered over 12 months of the year. It's too much information and much too long entries for this forum (says someone who can post some pretty lengthy posts on her own - I realize this is possibly the pot calling the kettle black). This is simply the wrong audience for the bulk of the content you've been posting lately. If you start your own thread you'll find a better fit. Whether Presbytera women or stroke survivors. (My neighbor across the street had a stroke this week - I am not unsympathetic - it just needs a different outlet). Keep reading here, submit the actual declutter tidbits and freecycle coups counting is always welcome. I'm not sending a PM, I decided to keep it a simple request in the thread, upfront so those readers who have been uncomfortable about the content might consider posting again. We have some exciting de-cluttering and moving projects going on, in addition to building new homes. I want to hear about this. Thanks, and peace be with you. Maggie (Stilly River Sage) |
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08 Oct 10 - 08:27 PM (#3002946) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg SRS, Thank you for your civil and well-meant post. And I will reply here the same as I have already said-- at Mudcat the policy is that people decide for themselves what to read and what to post. It is not designed for people to vote on favorite threads and eliminate unpoular posts. If people are uncomfortable, that is not a reason to try to control me, and I am no more amenable to efforts to control me than 99% of the rest of the ruggedly independent folkies in this place-- just as I do not try to control posts about other people's many financial and spiritual interests. If people want to post here, they will (and have been.) If a campaign about it is going on in the background about it, then I think that is a sad waste of time. Sometimes I, also, do not repsond to PMs. That is my last word in response to this frequent rolling of eyes and years of religion-based harrassment. Let's move on. ~Susan |
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08 Oct 10 - 09:03 PM (#3002962) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre I think this is just a matter of someone who wants to do things her own way no matter asked how nicely or how politely it has been shown to actually be in the best interest of the poster and others who might benefit from such a thread. It's similar to having a post about child care and have someone ramble on about how they fixed their car. Ummmm.....ok. There's a spot for it, but not on this thread..let me show you where that might work better. So from where I sit, it's a power struggle kind of thing, someone digging in their heels and not budging because she doesn't want to. To me, it would make perfect sense to have a thread about strokebrain or a detailed thread about fixing up a space to rent or even another for theology study...that way it would attract others having the same interests. Anyway...that's just me. I'm sure there will be hate mail to follow so I'll leave for now too. I do check my PMs and would be happy to chat with several of you that way but this is now month 2, if not more, of someone insisting things be her way instead of taking gentle prods and kind thoughts of still posting decluttering stuff here and starting threads for the other things elsewhere where they may garner the attention and suggestions that might come from interested parties who have been there before. *shrug* I'll skip this thread for a bit. If you need me, feel free to send a PM. Sorry Maggie....it's just a power control drama and that's not what I come here for. Michelle |
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08 Oct 10 - 09:19 PM (#3002965) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Per RidgePlucker, "Some people just don't get SHUT UP when it's been presented to them in a nice way." |
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08 Oct 10 - 10:52 PM (#3002990) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mg Oh dear. I personally am fascinated by home repair issues etc. but I made a separate thread if anyone is interested. Oh I misread it..but home repairs do run through the other issues mentioned and everything in life is entertwined. I called it Frugal rural living or something like that. mg |
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09 Oct 10 - 12:04 AM (#3003019) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Soon one morning, Death come creeping in the room. Soon one morning Death come creeping in the room, Allaluiah Soon one morning Death come creeping in the room. Oh my lord, oh my lord What shall I do To be saved? A young man of 24 doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire a week ago in Portland - Longfellow Square. Two of my co-workers witnessed it. Since then this spiritual has been going through my head. I am trying to leave it all here. Say a prayer for David Parker who is in a burn center in Boston and for all the people whose lives have been permanently changed by sharing in his grief. I have been trying to declutter this since it happened, I am not sure why I can't let go of it. I suffer from depression and understand how a person can wonder whether a can of gasoline and a match will actually cause feeling. I can't understand how anyone so young could be in such despair. SINS |
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09 Oct 10 - 12:04 AM (#3003020) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Thanks, Mary! Susan, we understand there are problems you're working through. But people have tried to politely ask you to take them where they belong. Several have suggested these these household and weigh-loss discussions aren't the suitable venue for some of the long and rather confounding lists and abbreviations and such that you post. By standing in the middle of the room and telling us that Mudcat allows you to behave in a boorish manner isn't inspiring. SRS |
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09 Oct 10 - 12:26 AM (#3003028) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Update: I did declutter a few horrors that had taken up residence in my home - in particular, the teal blue and gold peacock which can be seen on the Getaway pictures. Big Mick wore it as an amulet or cod piece, we're not sure, in the Mummers Play. But I have acquired a large red lobster lawn ornament. I am rather fond of it. Now where to tuck it. SINS |
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09 Oct 10 - 05:47 AM (#3003082) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy I would love to be able to reply to queries about a garden ornament with, "It's a codpiece!" Mind you, knowing me, it wouldn't surprise anybody! I'm just taking a break from another major tidy up - my buyers are coming this afternoon, and bringing parents with them. I find this a bit more daunting, because being of the same generation, I know what they will be looking at...and it won't be the pretty log fire! Tomorrow I start in earnest by sorting out what clothes I will live in for the next few weeks, and bagging them up. Once the spare bed has gone dumpwards mid week, I will form a "removers - please do not crate up" pile in that room. I then have to clean off all my garden tools and sort the shed (again). From what I can gather, the new people have ideas of making it into a gym....good luck, I say! I have a sneaky feeling that this house was well within their budget (2 incomes, no kids) and that they have cash to do stuff with it. Andrea |
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09 Oct 10 - 09:53 AM (#3003185) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Jeri The basket-weavey (I think--not lawn jewelry) peacock wasn't a codpiece, as he was a girlie at the time. "Clampiece" maybe... maybe not. SINS, there have been things that happened involving my work. I didn't witness them, but heard detailed accounts from those who did. One incident had me not sleeping much for a week, and my mind was still taking excursions into imagination hell for months after. Sometimes you need to think about horrific things, but when it doesn't do any good, no. Being too busy with now to dwell on things you can't do anything about helps. |
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09 Oct 10 - 02:26 PM (#3003323) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice De-cluttered the desk Ryan used and am using it today to get some watercolor paper cut to print size and to package some things. It is now my "shipping" counter. Went on youtube and danced to some Zumba workouts. Did some more images for etsy for transfers to tees and other light fabrics like dishtowels, etc., for do-it-yourself gifts. Came up with another use for my old typewriter transfer image (the first one is blank paper, the second one had Keep Calm and Blog On typed on the paper, this one says It was a dark and stormy night...). CLICK It is getting very cold at night, and I have to make sure I have all the winterizing chores done. A. |
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09 Oct 10 - 02:56 PM (#3003339) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Alice, I love that image! If you haven't already, why don't you post a link to the Creative Commons license that you can claim for that image? http://creativecommons.org/image/ My neighbor had a very close call last week, and I'm so grateful his wife took him to the hospital quickly. I've started a new thread to discuss the TIA (a kind of passing warning stroke) he experienced, and hope that his example is useful for all of us. Every morning I've eaten the standard Scarsdale breakfast, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, no spread, and a fresh in season fruit (pears and apples so far). Lunch and dinner were modified or off the chart yesterday, but today is the first day to have the entire day without having to eat food supplied by others. Here's hoping I can get back into some of my good pants and tops sooner rather than later! I'm headed out to mow the lawn, that will be my main aerobic exercise today, though I'll also take the dogs for a walk. Allergies are bad, so I'll add sudafed to my regular zyrtec routine. The ex stopped by to drop off something and took at look at our son's room here. I've made progress, though he says he hasn't had time to touch the equivalent room over at his house. Maybe this will inspire him to de-clutter. In these instances, we're organizing rather than tossing unless it is clearly trash. Taking control of the kid-portions of our houses. He also saw the crape myrtle limb, agreed it looks very interesting, and had the same thought I do about standing it in a pot of gravel. Great minds think alike! SRS |
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09 Oct 10 - 05:06 PM (#3003412) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I got some much needed sleep and had eggs and English muffins for breakfast. So i guess I go back to the "Plan" tomorrow. Me and Scarlet O'Hara. Thanks Jeri and for those who PM'd me. Anyone have a sure fire method for removing yellowing from a very expensive hand made quilt? It is white on white. SINS |
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09 Oct 10 - 08:33 PM (#3003522) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I'll bet Spaw knows how, Sins. He went on one day about how much he loves using bluing to keep whites white. Also, I think there is a powder cleaner called "Biz" which is supposed to help. SRS was soaking old, yellowed hankies in plain water for a week, I think it was, then in bleach water. She talked about it in last month's thread. We cleaned up the driveway this morning...Roger only did it under duress. He's been having major problems with idiots at work, so we had to go in for about an hour. We still have trash cans that are full and piled up stuff beside them, but the driveway is now clear, again. When we came home from the grocery store after cleaning it up, there were a neighbours little red hen scratching in the leaf piles AND two half-grown kittens playing. Amazing what shows up now there's no dog in the backyard. Morgan is over for the night. We went in the backyard and he helped me pick up a bunch of stuff which Rog had left out by the shed. Stupid stuff, some of which needs to go to the dump. We got it somewhat sorted and somewhat put away, so it's ready go when we finally do go to the dump. AND, I found the big trimmers which have been missing. Now, we can trim some small tree limbs and such. Oh, and we burned some old prayer flags which were falling off the big old tree. Morgan ran in with them in his hands. He knows I don't like them to touch the ground, so he caught them. They are from about six years ago. We put up a new set for each year we've been in this house. Anyway, burning them was a way to honour them, then we placed the ashes, well wetted, at the foot of the weeping willow where they had been hanging. Also decluttered another book requested. Yesterday I added two more items to my shop and also joined stumbleupon and twitter, then posted on both with links to my brother's stuff and mine. It seems to bring a lot more "views" to the shop. |
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09 Oct 10 - 08:55 PM (#3003535) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maeve "Washing agents like Orvus Paste (also known as Orvus Quilt Soap) or Mountain Mist Ensure, available in quilt and sewing stores, are gentler on fibers and can be used when washing by hand or by machine." http://www.quilthistory.com/cleaning.htm http://www.mountainmistlp.com/quilt-washing.htm Sins- Let me know if you could use a hand with the quilt. Maeve |
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09 Oct 10 - 10:58 PM (#3003569) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I soaked the garments in water for several days, swishing them a couple of times a day and changing the water when it picked up much color. After that stopped pulling any of the discoloration out I dissolved a couple of tablespoons of an oxyclean type oxy bleach in the tub and again soaked and swished the cloth. This was for a day or two, depending on if it looked like it was doing any more good. My washer has an ultra handwash setting, and when I decided to wash the garments I put it in with the soap, more oxy bleach, and set it to presoak and it washed on cool or cold. If it is a delicate quilt, I wouldn't even do it in the washer on that setting, I'd wash it by hand in the bathtub. Day 1 of the full-octane diet. I mowed the front lawn, that was a good workout for the exercise portion of the plan. I'll give it a day or two then step on the scale. Sometimes I find when I start a diet phase and switch eating that I stop storing water and it looks like I lost a lot to begin with. When weight loss slows, that's kind of depressing. So I'll give my system a day to get accustomed to the change and then weigh in. I haven't done this often, but enough to know what to expect. SRS |
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10 Oct 10 - 02:09 AM (#3003604) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage After folding the laundry this evening, which included several new tops and a new pair of jeans, I decided it was time to sort the shelves in my closet. Too many of the shirts in there don't fit or are the wrong season. I pulled them out a stack at a time (usually three stacks to each shelf) and sorted into piles that fit and looked good, fit or not but are too old to wear most public places, and a size too small but look good. The discards are in a bag in the sun room, waiting to go to Goodwill. The good ones are back on the shelves, which are less crowded, and arranged by type (sweater or shirt) and by color. It looks good for a few minutes, anyway. I figure since I am making a serious attempt to diet, I should leave these good ones that are too snug nearby to see if they can go back onto the shelves if I lose the weight. I still have some scruffy shirts, but these that were discarded were the shirts that were originally dressier (nice necklines, no printing on the shirts, etc.) that are just too old to wear to work and not the right type for working in the yard. I kept all of my thermal tops, they go under sweat shirts when it gets cold, so who cares what they look like. :) A bit too much black in the closet these days. I'll have to get some bright colors next time I visit the thrift store. I'm also going to look at my vests and decide which will make the best patterns and make myself a couple. That's one thing I like to have a variety of, because down here sometimes a vest is just enough when a sweater is too heavy. It's harder to find nice looking dressier yet simple vests at the thrift store. Lots of over-decorated things, especially holiday themed. I also cleaned the kitchen and dining room paper clutter (mail, notes to myself, magazines, catalogs, coupons, etc.) off of the kitchen counter and table, and opened my antique secretary and organized the inside. Tossed a lot of dried up pens. Found my extra keys for the pickup. The girls came in and indicated that they'd like to spend the night indoors, but they're a bit stinky -- I think they've been in the compost. Dog baths tomorrow. Off to bed, and to read a little more Harry Potter. SRS |
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10 Oct 10 - 02:28 AM (#3003614) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Decluttering wise, I cleaned out my car. The back seat was not visible when I started...several sets of baby clothes, a beautiful baby blanket, clean diapers and wipes pretty much too up the entire back seat. So....all that stuff was brought into the house and run through the washing machine. I'll sort out a set of clothes to live in the car tomorrow. Also, I have a basket in the car, kind of long and deep which is perfect for holding some extra diapers, a box of wipes and maybe a toy or two that fits nicely on the floor in front of Jeremiah's car seat. I did dishes and more laundry, swept and mopped the bathroom floor. Accountibilty wise, we went for a walk today...blue skies, warm sun, nippy wind.....beautiful fall day. I also spent some time raking leaves today. We have a large yard so I only did a small section....mostly where I walk from the car to the house and in front of the flower bed. More tomorrow.......leaves are great compos for the garden and the hens have already started shuffling through, helping to make piles. Thanks girls! :) Michelle |
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10 Oct 10 - 11:29 AM (#3003760) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I cleaned my truck before the trip in August, and I'm trying to maintain a tidy level for now. That trip added about 3,000 miles to my mileage, and I received a coupon for a complimentary oil change at the Chevy dealer up the road, so I'll take care of that and keep the engine de-cluttered of grit. This morning I've been listening to my gardening guru on the radio, and I didn't want to just play on the computer during the program so I tackled two drawers in the kitchen. The bottom drawer in one tier was full of all of the sheets, pamphlets and books that came with products, instructions, warranties, repair guides, etc. I've emptied that into a box that I'll use to organize and file them. I think that will go in the pantry shelving. After reaching back behind where the drawer rests and pulling out some more plastic and paper, and dusting inside the bottom of the cabinet (and giving myself a sneezing fit) I've folded and rolled all of my dish towels and put them in rows in that drawer. Also all of the kitchen wash cloths (you know the ones - we all probably have a variation on this practice - I bought packs of several dozen wash cloths at Sam's Club and used them damp at mealtime for the kids when they were little. And I still use them for mealtime and lots of things.) The other drawer is the odds-and-ends tool drawer. I'm sure you also know what that looks like. There is a silverware holder for screwdrivers and files and such, but there is also a tangle of measuring tapes, key chains, spare flashlight bulbs, lengths of string, rope, etc. Every time I paw through the mess I tangle it more. SRS |
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10 Oct 10 - 12:34 PM (#3003796) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I'm trying to maintain Perhaps a strategy I have been using as I organize my studies might be of use to others. Instead of looking back in this thread each month, to see when I cleared a space and cleaned it to my satisfaction, to see how long it stayed that way before it needed to be re-decluttered or re-cleaned-- I'm going to set a post-it note form now on, on top of the surfaces where the newer keep-clean&clear habits are focused, dated unobtrusively. :~) And I do not need a blog to do THAT. Just a pencil. ~Susan |
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10 Oct 10 - 01:36 PM (#3003826) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I did one of those drawers a month or two ago, SRS. Good luck!:-) Two loads of wash going. Morgan spent the night and was quite good..didn't wake me until 730a and that was from a d-e-e-p, finally restful sleep. Oh,w ell, it was fun. I got the laundry going and we watched Fred Astaire dance videos while Rog made breakfast. We dropped him off at home around 10a, then we went back to the wildlife trail we'd walked on a week before our dog died. That was his last *outing*. Anyway, we walked down the trail even farther this time and I didn't have to have any help. Still had to stop a couple of times coming back up, but not for lack of breath...more because the muscles in my legs were saying "you want me to what?!!" Ah, it felt GOOD, though! So, about 20-30 minutes of good, steep hiking and now I am just about to sweep the house out. There's not near as much to sweep any more without the dog's hair, but *someone* left a paper towel in his pocket and there are dry bits of it all over the floor from when I pulled the clothes out of the drier. (I do not do pockets. Never have.:-) |
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10 Oct 10 - 02:12 PM (#3003848) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Laundry going. Dishes done. Fridge partially cleaned out. Canning jars washed and boiling. Applesauce warming....soon to be put in jars. Baby gear taken out of car, both diaper bags cleaned out and working to reload for tomorrow's early 2 hour trip to the oncologist. Michelle |
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10 Oct 10 - 02:59 PM (#3003882) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I am always leaving a tissue somewhere in the bedclothes or a pocket. What a mess. It clings to the clothes. And I do check pockets. Laundry drying and a second load in. Still have to empty the car of Getaway debris. The dishes are calling me as are the bills. I will all get done. Next I have to get the trash and recyclables out. Heat is on and an ice cream truck is going by. Wonder what he's thinking. I am amazed at your progress kat. Early summer you were going down a flight of stairs and walking a few feet back and forth and considering that a triumph. Keep it up lady. Thank you all for the quilt advice. I think I am going to take Maeve up on her offer to supervise. This quilt cost $500 in the early 80s and has been in storage since. It is an engagement gift for my niece - has been since it was purchased. I would hate to ruin it. SINS |
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10 Oct 10 - 03:23 PM (#3003897) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Early 90s, not 80s. |
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10 Oct 10 - 03:57 PM (#3003916) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage The junk drawer is sorted; the screw drivers, scissors, pliers, etc. are back in their tray and I placed several round plastic take-out soup containers in the drawer to sort the keys, key rings, watch batteries, lanyards, etc. I took a multi-drawer little organizer cabinet out of my son's closet - he hadn't used it since he was 5 - and am going to also organize the stuff that is sitting in the bottom of the cupboard over my dryer. An offshoot of the junk drawer. Since I moved the towels and wash cloths to the drawer, I now have a shelf over the washer for larger tools and equipment. It'll do for organizing household tools (versus garage tools - and I have duplicates in both places, like hammers and levels and wrenches and screw drivers). The dogs need baths, and then I'll run a load of laundry and hang it to dry. It's a great day for bed linens on the line. SRS |
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10 Oct 10 - 05:36 PM (#3003973) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg My goal for the coming week is to sort and put away the two boxes worth of stuff I had taken out of the kitchen. (We'll be away for two days, midweek, which makes any other projects unlikely.) Tomorrow I will run some ad-paper ads. ~S~ |
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10 Oct 10 - 05:51 PM (#3003986) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mg I think I have read of you oput a square of that nylon netting in dryer, it will pick up lint etc. from laundry. mg |
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10 Oct 10 - 05:53 PM (#3003988) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I was looking at the latest Martha Stewart Living and had a little brainstorm - there is a duplex in Austin, TX that was converted back to a single-family home, and in one small photo looking into the dining room there is a cinder block and boards set of shelves. And the ah-ha moment was that if you used thick boards, say five feet by 14 inches by 2 inches thick, then it would look so much different than the standard set I used to see in college - a 1 inch board sags where the 2 inch thick (actually 1 3/4 after sanding, but anyway) would look good. Sand the boards, give the exposed edges a smooth feel, and end up with an industrial-looking element in the room. And maybe make the boards cedar? Wheels are turning. Don't you feel virtuous when the kitchen is completely clean and uncluttered? When the beautiful appliances you use are sitting there, sculpture-like in their elegant lines and efficient demeanor, and everything else organized? One day I will accomplish that. My two drawers are a little progress, and there is much more to do. By cleaning that drawer and rearranging the laundry room shelf, and if it get to it this evening, one cabinet, I can clear off the counter on the right side of the sink and make it so much easier for washing dishes or staging recipes that take a lot of room to prepare. SRS |
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10 Oct 10 - 07:09 PM (#3004040) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mg Not me. I feel about the same either way. mg |
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10 Oct 10 - 07:29 PM (#3004054) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing The shelves sound like a neat idea, SRS. I don't think my kitchen will ever reach that point without a complete re-do and banning my Rog...Morgan was teasing me last night about being stuck between two "slobs"...him and "Papa.":-) mg, thanks for the tip. Sins, good for you and thanks. Let me surprise you even more: we just finished watching Avatar, the almost 3hr long movie. I told Rog I had to move...couldn't sit any longer, and that was with about a half hour intermission when I caught a nap. I asked him to walk all the way to Morgan's house and back with me to drop off a book and some tomatoes. He did and I did...without having to stop once, except when we got there. (All this time,3-4 years, it's been my feet which have stopped me, then the low BP. Breath has been fine!)There for just a couple of minutes and then back we went, again without pause. THEN, he turned on the hose for me and I watered my perennials, butterfly bush, sweetpeas, and redbud tree which all of a sudden has started turning the most beautiful colour of gold. It's been a great day despite a couple of work-related phone calls for Rog. |
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10 Oct 10 - 08:52 PM (#3004120) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I was going to work on the keyhole garden, but I discovered a lot of activity from tomato hornworms. Buggers even took a big chunk out of the one decent sized tomato I have out there. I've ignored the tomatoes for a while because there was simply no fruit this summer, but it looks like I'm going to get a small fall crop. I spent time going through and checking the entire garden. The damage was broad spread and mostly cosmetic (the plants are so large that a few leaves gone here and there isn't a problem). Despite my trained eye I didn't spot one worm, so they may all have gone larval by now. But if not, they're nuked, because I sprayed with BT (added some compost tea and veggie wash for good measure). The laundry is off the line and folded. Ran to the store for items listed on my diet (modestly priced - good thing!) and a steak that my ex brought over yesterday is defrosting. I guess he isn't eating red meat now, these were left from when my son was still here and going back and forth between houses. I'm sure both of our diets have changed now that we don't have a voracious growing teen underfoot. :-D SRS |
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11 Oct 10 - 01:51 AM (#3004220) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I made it to the cupboard in the laundry room. I had a little 16-drawer plastic unit in there that I emptied into a larger cabinet with a lot of little drawers but also some graduated larger ones. A couple are missing, I think they're in the garage and I'll dig them out of a toy box out there later. :-) Interesting the duplicates I've been finding in all of these little items. Picture hanging hooks, wires, bars, hardware for hanging curtains, putting shelves together, tidbits I don't have a clue what they came with but I can see what they're supposed to do. The useful ones filed in little drawers, the odd ball ones tossed. The smaller storage thing is on my sewing table now. I may use it, or my daughter might, for all of her sewing stuff. I have one in my craft cupboard full of embroidery thread, for example. Might be excellent for notions. I didn't do all that I planned this weekend, but I did get some things done, and my laundry room and kitchen drawers are more efficient. SRS |
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11 Oct 10 - 02:42 AM (#3004231) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: VirginiaTam got a lot of catch up reading to do on this tread.... been in strat - u - avon for TheSilentOne's 60th birthday. I can add this......been getting a lot of exercise My body aches from playing with his new Wii. |
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11 Oct 10 - 08:01 AM (#3004328) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Liz the Squeak Decluttering of the computer room is moving onwards. Removed a computer table that had a broken slide (for the keyboard) and shifted a few shelves around. I now have a sensible space and I can reach the window to open/close in the summer. About a mile of unused computer/phone cables has gone to the trash, there's a couple of crates of useless (to me anyway) computer books/disks/CDRoms for Manitas to look through and salvage/throw which will free up another shelf. Fabric has been put into huge Really Useful Boxes for the loft - they're see-through so I can see the contents without having to rummage round, plus I have divided them into 'scraps', 'whole pieces' and 'everything else'. Once everything is back on its proper shelf, I'll have space for the camp bed for visitors! Accountability has failed again, various illnesses have taken their toll and I'm in no frame of mind to start wearing myself out again. I want to get a bit healthier before I try for fitter! LTS |
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11 Oct 10 - 08:29 AM (#3004348) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I am so amazed at your progree, kat. It has been so long. As for me - this morning, I turned down the usual brakfast sandwich and ate a pear with an apple in the wings. My goal is the next ten pounds. Wish me luck. SINS |
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11 Oct 10 - 08:42 AM (#3004356) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maeve You'll succeed, Sins. There are lots of people all around who love you and will cheer you on! Maeve |
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11 Oct 10 - 09:01 AM (#3004368) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST Not really a GUEST, just "mouldy" sans cookie. el joe clone
Well I am still waiting for the man from the YMCA to come and pick up the sideboard and chair. I have bagged a lot of the freezer contents into an insulated carrier. Plan A was to cart it all round next door while freya had a nap. It's been over an hour,and she's still awake. Unfortunately she has discovered the hobby horse propped up in her little room, and has decided to learn to ride it... |
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11 Oct 10 - 09:13 AM (#3004377) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maeve GUEST in the last entry before this is mouldy, who has apparently packed her MC cookie. Please don't delete it, as it would add to her frustration. Maeve
Thanks, maeve. |
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11 Oct 10 - 09:43 AM (#3004396) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Sinsull, the "good" news here, when I stepped on the scale this morning, is that I'm not actually at my highest pregnancy weight, I'm seven pounds under. But still, that's about 30 pounds to lose to reach the weight at which I got pregnant, and that was 10 pounds over my "typical" weight. SRS |
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11 Oct 10 - 09:55 AM (#3004403) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I feel as if a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. This appeared in Saturday's paper. Such a relief to know that Dave is surrounded by loving families and friends. Thank you again to those of you who understood. Maine Voices: Father of man who set himself on fire tells family's story Some reactions to the event made assumptions that were both cruel and far off the mark. By DAVID J. PARKER Special to the Press Herald PORTLAND - As the father of the young man who set himself on fire at Longfellow Square, I am writing to thank all the people who rushed to his aid. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David J. Parker is a resident of Portland. Although I can't do it right now, I hope to thank each of you in person some day. I also thank God that nobody else was seriously hurt. I am hoping that what I have to say will help those people who were witnesses to this horrific event. I read the blog postings that followed Bill Nemitz's column. There I saw comments like, "Where was this man's family?" and "That's what happens when you cut spending on mental health" and "If only he had found Jesus." So I have to ask, do you honestly think that a loving family can prevent mental illness? Do you think that an increase in state funding would have forced my son to take medication? Do you think that Christians never get sick? I want people to know that with regard to kinship, Dave was surrounded by a loving immediate and extended family that knew he was troubled and was working constantly to get him help. With regard to social services, he was receiving psychiatric care from the good people at The Help Center at Spurwink. Finally, with regard to Jesus, our Lord said that He was here to minister to the sick -- not the healthy. The people at Stroudwater Baptist Church lived those very words by welcoming Dave into their family and embracing him despite his problems. There are some who think that Dave was a poor soul who was kicked out of his home and lived alone. Please know that the apartment that he was in was carefully chosen with input from his psychiatrist and set up to be as stress-free as possible. It was not just any building, but one that was owned by his cousin who lives just upstairs and was watching out for him. And in the building next door there lives another cousin who was also keeping an eye on him. Imagine this: You are having lunch at Longfellow Square and across the street, a man explodes into a ball of flames and you rush to join others in an attempt to put out the fire. When it is finally extinguished, you are able to see that the face of the man is miraculously untouched, but you know at a glance it is your own cousin. That was reality for our cousin Andrew Doukas. So when someone asks, "Where was the family?" we can proudly say that our family was there when the flames burned the hottest. And when someone asks, "Why don't people care?" we can point to the many people who put their own well-being at risk to help a complete stranger. When something like this happens, people want to find someone or something to blame. They typically blame the family. If they can't blame the family, they point to society. If they can't fault society, they try to blame God. Well, I am a Christian and I will not pretend that I know God's will. But this I believe. I believe that God placed Dave into our family because He knew that we would love him no matter what throughout the difficult times leading up to this tragedy. He knows we are by his side now during this time of excruciating pain. And if Dave lives, He knows we will be there for the many years of rehabilitation that lie ahead. As the head of that family, I am proud to be entrusted with this charge. If my mission in life is to love and care for someone who is deeply troubled, then it is the greatest blessing I could ask for. |
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11 Oct 10 - 10:10 AM (#3004414) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maeve Thank you, Mary. Maeve |
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11 Oct 10 - 11:57 AM (#3004485) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I didn't realise he'd survived. I thought the one in hospital was the person who tried to douse the flames. Thanks for posting that, Sins. I was sidetracked by a book this morning. Had to finish the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Could not put it down; made me cry and feel all fired up about my own books. I hoe to get clean laundry put away, today, as well as list more in etsy. |
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11 Oct 10 - 02:31 PM (#3004605) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Cookie reset! Thanks folks for the heads up - I never notice! Well the sideboard has gone, but they had to come out specially as the paperwork for my "gift aid" (claimed off my income tax payments) hadn't been processed (computer went down) and they'd left the paperwork for the pick-up by the computer. They came this evening, took the sideboard and the chair out of the house but, having got the sideboard into the van, drove off without the chair, leaving it on the drive! Luckily, because I found out they weren't coming in the afternoon, I managed to get into Snaith and sort out the fireguard. Now I'm off to drop the freezer food into next door's spare freezer. Andrea |
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11 Oct 10 - 03:01 PM (#3004622) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg GOGOGO Andrea! ~S~ |
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11 Oct 10 - 07:18 PM (#3004769) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I've located a plastic file box that I'll use for the warranties and instruction pamphlets from the kitchen. In that file box I found maps I'd forgotten I had, that could have gone in my donation last year to the library. I may amend that donation with the rest of this material. National Park Service mini folders from parks, maps from travels through various states and visits to recreation areas. So, this evening, after my walk (to start as soon as I hit "send") and dinner, I'll sort and file those pamphlets. A lot of them will probably go in the recycle bin. I need to make a run over to the recycle depot with a bunch of stuff this week. It's a week for clearing out and donating. I'll need to lay out and photograph all of the blouses I cleared out last weekend, give them a minimal value, and drop them off at Goodwill, along with some outgrown clothes my son culled from his closet before heading to college. I priced lumber and cinder blocks this morning. Home Depot has the best prices on the concrete blocks, and I found an interesting laminate board to consider using. It is very long - 20', meant for architectural purposes other than bricks and boards, no doubt, but the layers look good and if it isn't treated I might use it. It was a different color than other plywood, but that might be stain. I'd cut it in four equal pieces and sand it. (I would make the cuts there at the store and bring it home in pieces.) SRS |
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11 Oct 10 - 11:06 PM (#3004918) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Ever since I discovered how delicious breaded fried okra is, I've made it a couple of times a week. When I picked the okra tonight I decided to "modify" my Scarsdale meal a little. Instead of my fish and veggies and salad and slice of bread or toast, I substituted breading for bread. I know, the oil probably blew the day's work out of the water. But I breaded a handful of okra slices, I breaded a piece of catfish (both times it was Zatarain's fish fry, which is primarily cornmeal and seasoning), and had a modest salad on the side. Lemon on the fish. Mmmmmm! Accountability-wise, the dogs and I were out for a 30-minute walk this evening, up the steeper hills in this side of the neighborhood. When I log off here I'll sit down to file those warranties in front of the TV with my latest NetFlix DVD (the first disk in the first season of the British mystery New Tricks. If you haven't seen it, this is a smart and funny program with great character development throughout. There are always a couple of laugh-out-loud moments during the program, and I find this feels so good, along with following and solving a mystery. SRS |
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11 Oct 10 - 11:48 PM (#3004941) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing SRS, we just finished what they have available of the series on netflix. I think it went through Season Two. Micca says it is in its seventh season, so I hope we get to see more of it, soon. We loved it! PLayed in the yard with Morgan, today. Worked on the PC on photos for etsy. |
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12 Oct 10 - 08:52 AM (#3005128) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Decluttered my huge cackling witch in a globe to a friend at work who takes Halloween very seriously - grows 1200# pumpkins for the occasion. Her husband does work around my house. He went down the basement and was totally distracted by the witch. Knew where it had to go. Inch by inch and pound by pound... |
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12 Oct 10 - 12:13 PM (#3005272) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre I took Jeremiah for a walk this morning, it's a beautiful fall day! SRS....we grew okra for the first time this year and this is the first year I've ever cooked with it. Do you find that when you cut the okra into pieces, it makes your hands feel like they were covered in a strange waxy substance? We don't spray our veggies so I'm not sure what that weirdness is about! Michelle |
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12 Oct 10 - 12:31 PM (#3005284) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Most of us call it slime, Lily. Nasty stuff, okra. |
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12 Oct 10 - 01:19 PM (#3005323) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Michelle, Okra is one of those interesting veggies. If you boil it I hear it is total slime, but if you cut a few pieces and drop them in a soup they help thicken it like a little bit of cornstarch. Adds what a friend of mine calls good "mouth feel." Kind of like adding your out of date canning pectin to things like homemade salad dressing. I wear gloves when I pick it and use vinyl restaurant gloves when I handle it raw, it can make your hands itch. If you cut it into slices (I cut on the diagonal) about 3/8 inch thick, get it just a little moist, then drop it in a baggie with 1/3 flour and 2/3 cornmeal (I use the Zatarain's fish fry for this) and place it into shallow oil (put about 1/4 inch of a good canola oil to keep it healthy) and cook it on medium high, turning when the breading is brown, I guarantee that you will have a wonderful crisp nugget, the slick feel is gone. (I take pieces out of the baggie and put them on a little plate to let the extra flour fall off so the oil doesn't get too full of flour, and extra flour goes back in the bag that I keep in the fridge.) Place the finished nuggets on a paper towel to catch some oil, and if you make the mistake of tasting one to try it before you finish cooking, I am sure you'll have polished off half the batch before the rest is done cooking. They're fairly dry and crisp, and yeah, it's that good! Okra is one of the veggies that is a good way to get your daily dose of crunchy breading. :) Try it - you'll love it. Okra freezes easily, and I know you can buy it already breaded, but I'd wait and do it when you're going to cook it. Pick them when they're 2 - 3 inches for optimum ripeness, but they can get to 4 and 5 inches and still be good. It's the grocery store vs home garden conundrum. A woman stopped at the curb on Sunday to thank me for some okra I gave her a couple of weeks ago. On that occasion, I'd just picked it and crossed the street to talk to the opposite neighbor, who was at the curb talking to this woman in her jeep. We discussed our gardens this year and I commented that the okra in my bucket, much of it 4 and 5 inches long, had gotten away from me. She said garden okra is still fine that long if it is still soft, but in the grocery stores it is hard if they don't have shorter pieces. I don't know why, but I cooked a couple of the longer ones last night and they were great. I asked if she'd like some okra, and she happily pulled a dish towel off of something else on the seat and I poured my bucket, about a pound, into it. When she stopped by she said it had been wonderful. Other than offering okra cooking instructions, I'm emptying email this morning. I tend to let it ride when I should just read and delete. I load my gmail into Thunderbird on my computer, so I work with it there. But on occasion I log onto the online version of my gmail and dump the junk and no-longer-needed posts. Thunderbird is great, it lets you sort by date, subject, sender, etc. Gmail online doesn't, that I can find. My little home repair this morning happened when I brewed my last cup of tea. Some time back I bought a kit with 4 pieces of drawer and window hardware and used two of them to replace the rollers at the back of a couple of my kitchen drawers. The two remaining are opposites, the wheel is on the other side of the hardware because it's meant to be used in a mirror way, at the top and bottom of a door or window. How to use this on my drawer when the wheel can't drop into the groove from the wrong side? I figured that if I put it on backward and added a cardboard shim at the bottom side (because it wasn't going to mount flush) then it would work. And it did. Probably hard to visualize, but it saved me several dollars and I'm not wasting this hardware. This roller is on the drawer I'm now using for dish towels. SRS |
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12 Oct 10 - 01:24 PM (#3005326) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I was finally able to get back to my home office today now that Hardi fixed a printer cable. A huge stack of projects has piled up-- incoming mail with items to administrate, events to get rolling, correspondence, parish website backlog.... but the first thing I did was work on a funding application-- for an MRI the doc is sure I need, and/or to replace the scooter that died over vacay. However it still looks like I will have to choose between the MRI and the scooter. :~( But I "found" most of the stuff I needed my office to have, and that sending all the work stuff up here was (and still is) a great strategy; last night the weight of the backlog led to quite a meltdown, as I added the Clonidine weeks to the sick weeks, and anticipated the travel weeks ahead. I'm still way behind but I feel re-anchored with tools to get it done, at least. Shortly I get to go back downstairs and the mountain of laundry I left sorted and waiting. At least I always know how to do laundry and will have clean stuff for the trip Weds. ~Susan |
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12 Oct 10 - 02:59 PM (#3005389) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Busy morning running to the Dr., the bank and pharmacy. Jeremiah is napping and I've had a chance to empty the car from yesterday (dry grocery goods, some things for Jeremiah (the last of it for awhile I hope......baptism outfit, snowsuit, shoes, slippers) and all the stuff he didn't need on yesterday's trip). Everything is away, dishes from yesterday and the canning adventures on Sunday are washed. Pete made an apple pie (way) early this morning so I had some dishes to take care of from that too. The second load of wash is going, new appointments added to my datebook and soon meds to sort out for the week (new addition today). Our pellet stove is wonderful, but last night we had a HUGE thunderstorm (lightening and BIG thunder for over 3 hours) and I kep smelling something ashy and wet. It happened once before, earlier in the spring. I'm sure it's coming from the pellet stove and as my chair is closest to it, I smell it alot....bothers my throat. Pete doesn't seem to smell it even when sitting in my chair. Anybody have any ideas? Maybe water got in exhast fan and dripped in? I don't know but ick. It's a lovely day here so I have the windows open downstairs as well as the doors to let in some fresh air. I had a fan pointed outside to draw that weird smell out for an hour or so and now I have it aimed in, drawing in fresh air. Hopefully it will help because ICK. I'm also working on an address list as we have decided to have a Welcome Party for Jeremiah!!! Wish many of you lived closer and could come!!!! OK....gotta finish sorting meds before the wee one wakes up. Michelle |
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12 Oct 10 - 03:02 PM (#3005390) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre OH! SRS, Thank you for the okra information!!!! I'll have to get some Zantarans breading and give it a try!!! I LOVE fried okra...haven't had it since I lived in Atlanta...about 20+ years ago at a place called Po' Folks (I wonder if that place still exists...it was a chain, kinda like Friendly's)! Mmmmmm Mmmmm GOOD! Michelle |
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12 Oct 10 - 03:40 PM (#3005415) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Despite some familial and other distractions, I managed to get two pieces of jewellery listed on Etsy this morning: a simple Y necklace and a pair of funky, fun, simple earrings. Morgan will be staying for supper tonight, so I have a pot of lima beans on the stove and I think he and I will go get some corn meal and make cornbread. I hope Rog doesn't drop over from shock when he realises I've actually cooked!:-) |
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12 Oct 10 - 05:08 PM (#3005464) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Michelle, you could use regular cornmeal mixed with flour, and add some seasoning. The Zatarain's is ground a little finer, but for cornmeal mixed with flour it won't be a big deal. I just looked up the product at the Zatarain's home page, here is the list. Not bad, actually, considering most of the stuff you read in ingredients takes a chemistry book to decipher: ENRICHED CORN FLOUR (NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN AND FOLIC ACID), SALT, CAYENNE PEPPER, CITRIC ACID, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, GARLIC, LEMON JUICE (MALTODEXTRIN, LEMON, CITRIC ACID, SUGAR), BLACK PEPPER, ONION. In the kitchen I've been smelling a slight fishy smell in the corner near the dish washer that was getting stronger. I did smoke a salmon last week, but I couldn't find the source. I've run the dishwasher with vinegar and washed down the cabinet and walls and behind the faucet and such. Scrubbed the bowl that catches compost scraps, moved everything. Hopefully that got it. Tonight's meal is supposed to be hamburger, and I don't buy ground meat so I've pulled out a pound of the chuck roast and I'll run that through the grinder once it has thawed to that perfect softer but still frozen stage. I wish I had my own ripe tomatoes to add to the meal. I have some green ones out there now, maybe there will be something before Thanksgiving. That's one good thing about this long growing season. Late veggies. :) SRS |
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12 Oct 10 - 06:11 PM (#3005506) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Even with just the primer coat on the wall & woodwork, the kitchen looks better/brighter. Won't be able to finish until Thursday-- I expect to be out most of tomorrow. My kitchen cupboard was a mess-- when I bring home groceries, I just shove everything in wherever there is room. So today I took everything out of my food pantry, re-organized it, and re-loaded the shelves. Made myself some extra room at the same time. At least this time, nothing was out of date. Maryanne |
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12 Oct 10 - 06:43 PM (#3005531) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Dinner here: Grilled salmon, broccoli, tossed salad and rice pilaf. I had two hours of sleep last night (just couldn't sleep)...really could care less about dinner and would just like to sleep. Not yet.....soon though. Michelle |
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13 Oct 10 - 12:42 AM (#3005719) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I went to the grocery store on my own for the first time in ages, it seems. Then picked up Morgan at school. He was thrilled when I asked him if he'd like to help make cornbread and brownies. Just the simple Jiffy mixes. He cracked the eggs all by himself and nary a shell in either. We had a lot of fun and I taught him that a good cook cleans up as they go along. By the time Rog got home, he could hardly contain his excitement..couldn't wait to eat. Loved it all and had seconds. We also did his homework. So, accountability included the walk with O2 at the grocery store, about 20 minutes all told and I kept it as brisk as my feet will allow; then a few things around the house. Yesterday's included playing ball with Morgan; that kid can throw! I will be out and about tomorrow, then early release day for school, so will have Morgan here for a good part of the afternoon/evening...I'll check in at some point. kat |
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13 Oct 10 - 12:43 AM (#3005721) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Dinner sounds great, Michelle! I finished my frugal diet meal and then sat in front of the television with a heaping box of booklets and warranty cards and product instructions and what-not. As I went through I was able to discard several pounds of paper and cardboard (for stuff I don't have now and duplicates), then sorted the rest into several logical stacks and put them in manila file folders in that are labeled to reflect either house appliances (attached or installed), lighting, small electronics, kitchen appliances, etc. And there is a rather large file of undifferentiated stuff. Happily, I finally put together all of the pieces of a puzzle I've been working on for a couple of years. There is supposed to be a lifetime warranty on my kitchen faucet, and I called the company to get the replacement guts to the faucet, and the number I gave her (from inside the handle) wasn't what she wanted. I finally found the instructions with the model numbers, and nearby in a small envelope I found the Home Depot receipt. So later this week I'll order my new faucet cartridge. And now a nice end to the evening - they're beginning to pull those Chilean miners out through the rescue tube. SRS |
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13 Oct 10 - 12:46 AM (#3005723) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Kat, you're so good for Morgan! He's getting good instruction in he kitchen and self-affirmation skills along the way. I loved cooking with my mother when I was little (before it became a regular chore!) And congratulations on Soloing the Safeway. :-) SRS |
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13 Oct 10 - 01:25 AM (#3005743) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks! I loved helping my mom, too, and that's where I learned that stuff about cleaning up after one's cooking. She was a brave woman...turned my friend and I loose in her kitchen to make a pizza from a Chef-boyardee mix for two "boys" we'd asked over when we all of 12 or 13. We could NOT get that dough to roll out the way I'd seen her do it., but by golly, we did clean up our mess.:-) He's so good for me, too. I am thankfull he is in my life. |
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13 Oct 10 - 08:11 AM (#3005918) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Kat, I'm glad you have Morgan in your life too!!!! Your post brought memories of my nana and helping her cook in the kitchen....I remember being so proud and excited for everyone to sit down to dinner too. Sweet. Thanks for sharing that! Michelle |
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13 Oct 10 - 09:10 AM (#3005955) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I loved helping Nana with the Thanksgiving dinner. Saw to it that my son knew his way around the kitchen and the laundry room - in a way that he too enjoyed it and the self sufficiency it provided. I do enjoy sharing in Morgan's adventures. Decluttered the bills last night which means I get to sleep tonight. Auntie SINS aka Marigold |
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13 Oct 10 - 01:27 PM (#3006166) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST Not really an unnamed Guest. Mouldy's misplaced her cookie in all the packing! el joe clone
I can't wait till Freya is old enough to really help out. I remember years ago, when I used to bring another child home from school with mine, until her parents got back from work, I used to regularly have little baking sessions to keep them all busy. |
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13 Oct 10 - 03:51 PM (#3006290) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage My scale isn't showing and difference yet, but I am eating healthier. I think it will drop, but I need to make a point of getting longer, more vigorous walks with the dogs, for starters. I forget to leave early enough with the shorter days. Maybe I need to set a timer. The next door neighbor is having her house brick repointed and some other work. It isn't hard, it's just tedious and time consuming. The kind of thing a homeowner could do if they did nothing else for several weeks (in my neighbor's case, it looks like 3 or 4 men are spending 2 1/2 days doing it). And this company does good brick work in the house also. If I win the lottery I'll redo my mantle and hearth area. SRS |
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13 Oct 10 - 07:17 PM (#3006431) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Mindless work today, processing photos from a couple of shoots. So I had the television on for once (usually I listen to radio, but I'm so tired of all of the political stories that I'm listening to less radio news lately, even NPR). Dr. Oz was talking about germs and immune stuff, that can scare the bejeezus out of you! To balance that they are introducing healthy eating plans that seem pretty do-able, but I'll stick with the diet I'm on for now. And I like the stuff that Dr. Weil has written (holistic, not just diet). 28 miners out, the 29th just about to head up the tube. What a fascinating story, and at the same time, it teaches such patience. Not just hours or days or weeks but literally MONTHS to dig them out, and then these slow one at a time rescues. And so respectful of families, bringing them to the site individually as their loved ones emerge. The woman waiting now is clearly overwhelmed, and they have someone (social worker? medical person?) there helping through the wait. I only wish our own Mudcat family could have been so lucky. (Huge hug, Andrea!) This evening I decided to take a look at the files in the living room so I sorted and arranged all of the paper that has built up in a couple of places. All is looking good now, and I have a smallish stack of papers that I brought to the office because there are things I need to look up, then these papers can go also. SRS |
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14 Oct 10 - 03:44 AM (#3006631) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Cookie reset yet AGAIN. Might (somehow) be due to me using my new notebook since the weekend. Woken up to a very stiff back, but I am about to wade into the pile of loft stuff so that Ruth can get into her bedroom tomorrow! New bit of clutter has arrived...Bill brought the banjo with him when he came to the session last night. So there's now an old Gretch propped up against the sofa. Seeing as it looks like I may be a long time without satellite tv, due to the house being listed and in a conservation area, it's another thing to keep me going during the winter. If the conservation officer finds a suitable site for the dish, I then have to apply for planning permission, which would take several weeks at least to come through. Onward! Andrea |
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14 Oct 10 - 08:06 AM (#3006751) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Found a yodelling pickle in my vegetable drawer. I thought tiny nuns were bad. How can I empty this place if people keep hiding stuff in odd places? SINS |
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14 Oct 10 - 09:57 AM (#3006823) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy removed all spray cans from everywhere and also bagged up the contents of the dry goods cupboards, the herb drawer, and the random cake baking-wooden skewer-silly bits of stuff drawer. I also cannot believe how many teatowels I have. I don't use them often, cos I have a dishwasher for most stuff. There are drawers and doors hanging open, and bags of stuff on the floor. I put all the cat treats into a bag with his worm tablets etc, and I can just now hear the him trying to raid the bag! I think he might be hungry! The charity "Scope" (for people with cerebral palsy) dropped a bag off today to be collected on Monday. Oh good! Still no completion date for my purchase, but things seem to be going ok for completion on this place at the end of next week. It's going to be interesting to see how this quart fits into my new pint pot! The new place is around half the size of this! Andrea |
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14 Oct 10 - 10:57 AM (#3006861) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Andrea, here in Texas I've seen properties where the renters want satellite but aren't apparently able to attach the dish. The compromise has been to mix a 5 gallon bucket full of concrete and plant a post in it. That weighs enough that when the bucket is placed so the dish on the post is exposed to the southern sky it is stable. Perhaps a bucket like this can be placed on the property and a cable run to the house. SRS |
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14 Oct 10 - 05:14 PM (#3007114) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre You know how when you walk in your house after you've cleaned and it SMELLS clean? Well, I mistakenly bought the wrong kind of Windex....the colors are close but the one I bought is called Crystal Rain or something. It cleans just fine but I don't like the smell. Then I thought I'd try the Orange Pledge. Hmmm. Nope. Don't like the smell of that either. So...today I went to the store and got my old stand-bys. After a little dusting and wiping down of the counters and stove as well as (after sweeping) mopping the downstairs hallway and living room....ah yes....those are the smells I like!!!! Making manicotti for dinner...was planning on it earlier this week but ran out of steam. I love when my husband is excited about what I'm making for dinner!!! :) Dishes done, laundry going...blah, blah, ditty blah blah blah! :) Just kidding....love taking care of my family and home! Michelle :) |
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14 Oct 10 - 05:54 PM (#3007146) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I'm getting ready to go hear a lecture by Rick Bayless. I'll drop some okra off for a friend on the way. :) SRS |
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14 Oct 10 - 06:05 PM (#3007151) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Have fun SRS! I'll leave the porch light on...feel free to leave the okra on the front porch on your way by! ;) Michelle |
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14 Oct 10 - 06:32 PM (#3007161) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Cleared out over 400 old emails no longer needed (mostly from the job I left). Mailed a print to Canada. Cleaned up the images on my painting blog (got rid of the black borders and color corrected some of the paintings). Time consuming! It feels good to get rid of stuff, even if it is old email files. Updated etsy click. A. |
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14 Oct 10 - 10:34 PM (#3007417) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing It's been busy around and not letting up. Seems I've just got up and the day is gone and time for bed. I did play catch with Morgan for 30 minutes each, today and yesterday. I will have him all day tomorrow and will decluttering our bank acct. paying bills tomorrow, too. I am gratefull to be able to do so. Just keeping ahead of the laundry and not much else for decluttering except mailing out a book here or there. Haven't even been able to add to etsy since earlier this week, BUT I do have more stuff to photograph, etc. Alice, I love the clown, esp. the black cat! kat |
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14 Oct 10 - 11:34 PM (#3007448) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I got a good long walk this evening, because I went to the wrong building for the lecture, and when I asked where it was, the guy at the door sent me to another wrong building. I didn't remember the names of the various theaters on campus. I turned around and headed back past the first building and got in a few minutes before the talk and sat with some friends in the back. It was almost standing room only, but being there by myself, I could take one seat wherever. Just happened to be near friends. Good talk. Makes me want to explore some Mexican cookbooks - I've known for a long time the foods are diverse, and nothing like TexMex, but I haven't explored it beyond a few more traditional restaurants I know. I dropped off some okra at a friend's house - a nice treat because the okra in the store has been looking pretty tired these days. I've had a brainstorm about some work I've been struggling with so I'm going to work on it tonight while I'm thinking about it. Since this late work tonight is for my employer I'll try to knock off early tomorrow and give myself what feels like a long weekend. I solved a computer problem I'd been having so I can reach the servers on campus that I need to now. (Long story, a tedious process, but my trip to campus tonight was with my laptop, and I didn't want to go to the lecture looking like I was running away from home with a pack, so I tucked the computer in a big leather handbag.) SRS |
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15 Oct 10 - 02:34 AM (#3007525) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall We arrived home Tuesday evening and now have a few days break before leaving again next Thursday. I'm trying desperately to catch up on the "must be done before it freezes/snows" tasks. Tonight I mowed the back lawn, which also cleaned up all the fallen leaves there. I blasted my "bird pond" with water from the garden hose to remove most of the leaves and berries that had fallen from the tree above and filled the pond with clean water. Then I brought four winter tires down from storage, put them on my car and stored the summer tires. While I was doing that, my laundry machines worked through the large pile of clothing that had returned with us from out most recent travel. I still have about 30 geraniums outdoors that must be inside the house tomorrow night or they may freeze. (I got 16 potted and onto inside window ledges a few weeks ago.) I worked fairly hard this evening and am hoping that the pain won't be so bad tomorrow that I won't be able to dig the plants up. There is also a large compost box to empty. I was hoping to use some of the compost to redo a couple of flower beds, but haven't gotten around to that and it seems very unlikely now with snow forecast this weekend. I'll have to pile it up for use in the spring, that's if I can find the time, energy and motivation to move it. rags |
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15 Oct 10 - 10:56 AM (#3007788) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage The great thing about compost, it can stay put until you need it. I have three piles at a time (the one I'll stacking, the one from last year that is still working on stuff, and the one from 2 years ago that I'm using - and that one is all gone now). Not a lot planned for the day: I'll take time to run recycling over to the depot, and finish clearing oddball stuff off of the kitchen counter, left from the drawer arranging during the week. I put a thermal blanket on the bed last night, and I'll change out my little summer-weight blanket that I'd left on. The two together weren't quite warm enough when I woke this morning (nice! I love sleeping in a cool room with several blankets!) I'll add extra blankets to the guest room and my son's bedroom also. My daughter will be down this weekend and her room is ready. SRS |
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15 Oct 10 - 12:42 PM (#3007862) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Today a washing machine leaves the van, and furniture cluttering up the front porch is going, at LAST, to the dump. ~S~ |
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15 Oct 10 - 01:30 PM (#3007893) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing So far, Morgan and I have done the litter boxes, been to the store, drove down to an Audubon site and saw a beautiful heron, then home to where we shredded about half of a box of old papers that have been sitting by my desk, on the floor, for several weeks waiting to be shredded. We have also danced a tiny bit to some wonderful classical Spanish guitar pieces, and I paid the bills. We have also text "chatted" between my laptop and PC. It's so fun as he is getting to the point where he really sounds out words and can read whole sentences now. He is really happy about that and I've found the text chat is a great way for him to practice. Now, we are off for some lunch. When we get back, we will probably finish the shredding and/or design some new jewellery. (May save the shredding for next week when I will have him for 2.5 full days!) kat & Morgan-the Magnificent:-) |
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15 Oct 10 - 01:49 PM (#3007910) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I'm thinking about rearranging my home office. Big time. SRS |
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15 Oct 10 - 07:52 PM (#3008122) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I loved it when we moved my office to the DR and then finally rearranged the old office. Good luck with that, SRS. Lunch plans changed as the near-perfect red-headed grandchild had a meltdown because I wouldn't take him to our fav. sit down restaurant because he didn't change his clothes this morning, from the sweats he slept in and they were dirty in strategically seen places. So, we had mini-pizzas in with a promise, if he was good, of mini root beer floats AFTER we went to the grocery store. My goal all day was to do as much of Rog's usual Saturday chores as possible, with Morgan's help, to lessen the stress Rog has been under. So, we went to the grocery store with the grocery list printed out, carefully, by hand, so that Morgan could read it. He had pen in hand and sat on the floor or wherever there was a flat surface to cross off each item. Came home and unloaded it, put it away, then shared a jr root beer from Sonic with mini-sundaes (about one scoop of ice cream with a few oreo crumblies) stirred in for floats. Had a blast. We also did some more shredding, picked up stuff around the house and generally have it ready so that when Rog gets home I can say, "Surprise! You don't have to change litter boxes, go to the store, go to the health food store, or any of the other usual Sat. stuff!" Oh, and, again, for more accountability, we played catch and dodge ball (I threw, he dodged) for about 30 minutes. I sent home a "What Morgan Did At Mama's House, Today" sheet, a kind of his own accountability report for his parents with a happy face and star on it. I have more to share about him, but figure I'd better start a dedicated thread or a "names changed to protect the innocent" blog of some sort. I want a chronicle for him to read when he grows up, as I wish I had done for my kids. we had an amazing conversation today about moms and kids. I'd value some of your opinions about a thread or blog. Thanks, kat |
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15 Oct 10 - 07:53 PM (#3008123) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine The weather has been beautiful today & looks good for the weekend. Lots of leaves falling, but not from my trees yet. The colors have been spectacular this fall. I disconnected the garden hoses & drained them. Put 2 in the garage & left one near the faucet just in case I need it. Made gingerbread this afternoon. It's very strong, and I like it that way. I'll take some to the music session tomorrow, but if it's too strong for people, Ill be happy to bring the leftovers back home. The recipe called for 6 oz. of stout. Maryanne |
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15 Oct 10 - 08:27 PM (#3008146) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg I think occasional comments are great..I think a dedicated blog is too much for his sake. mg |
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15 Oct 10 - 09:08 PM (#3008163) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks, mg...I kind of don't want him "out there" as much as a blog, either. There is a lot more I'd like to share, though, that I think would go on a bit too much for a decluttering thread. I'll have to think on it. We had some amazing conversations, today. I may just put them in a diary I have on my PC, but it is fun to share, too.:-) MaryAnne, I've never had gingerbread like that! |
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16 Oct 10 - 01:26 AM (#3008255) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I think a journal that is private is a better place for a lot of what you're thinking about. Because then you don't need to change the names to protect the innocent, etc. But we do enjoy the occasional antics you post. I've cleared the dining table and stacked it with the boxes of playbills. I must donate them very soon, to get credit this year. The possibility of moving the office stuff is part of figuring the best way to use each room. My front room has the piano and most of the books, and it has the couch/futon that is so large it's difficult to do much with the room. Plus I have four trunks stashed in there right now. My great aunts had a trunk room in their big old house, and I suppose I could do that here, with one of the bedrooms, or even the sun room, if I moved all of the eBay stuff somewhere else. I have two large two-tiered 7' tall shelves in my office that will only fit in a few places. In the office I also have two very large on-the-wall sets of shelves that are the brackets and boards type, screwed into studs and supporting a lot of books and equipment. If I ever donate my Dad's collection that would clear up a lot of space. But all of these things involve a lot of work. Looking for the next big thing to list on eBay. I suspect it will be a bunch of little things. The diet isn't budging any of this weight yet, so there is nothing to report so far, except that I am eating very healthy (I was before, but with more carbs). I've gotten exercise, but I didn't weigh myself the last couple of days. I'll judge part of this by how the clothes fit. My hands are worse the last couple of days, but I think it is chocolate. I used a cocoa butter hand lotion and I think that set it off. Makes it harder to get some stuff done, without gloves, etc. The weekend is here. Let's see what we can do with it! SRS |
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16 Oct 10 - 08:25 AM (#3008358) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Kat, There are several free blogging sites that will allow you to keep a blog entirely private....you don't have to share it with a soul. For me, that is ideal. It is far easier for my hands to type than to write and *BONUS* you can add photos as you go to match our story or show the day. In addition, if you want, you can share the blog with just certain people (like mom and dad, etc) but if not, you certainly can keep it all private. Michelle |
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16 Oct 10 - 10:59 AM (#3008439) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Next week I will have to report to the doc, on my next scheduled BP-fixing visit, that my program is completely off track. From the Clonidine last month to the cold last week, I have let so many of my best habits go, completely. And now SAD is kicking in with chocolate/sugar cravings as well. I know what to do, and I can and will do it (and report that, too), but UCK, I feel all the unhealth I have backslid into, uck-- uck, UCK! ~S~ |
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16 Oct 10 - 11:27 AM (#3008448) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I set up the fabric cutting board (the folding cardboard one with a grid) to photograph and then bag the clothes that go to the Goodwill. I use the grid and take photos for my IRS records to document the donation. That's this morning's job. Yesterday I took a huge bag of household recyclables to the depot, and I have some more bags (paper) for a different drop-off place (they have a paper bin behind city hall). Between these two tasks I'm clearing floor space in the sun room. Rather than predict what I'd like to do, I'll see what else gets finished and report later. SRS |
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16 Oct 10 - 12:39 PM (#3008493) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Michelle, I *knew* that about blogs being private! **BG** Just forgot! That's an excellent idea. Thanks! (Also, if I tried to handwrite anything, no one would be able to read it.:-) That would be a good place to copy and paste what I have already shared about him in these threads, too. Thanks, again. My Rog had to work today, so it's a good thing Morgan and I did do so much yesterday. I am helping Rog, via the phone and email, to edit an important engineering report which has to be done today. In between, I have shredded some more papers and have a load of wash in. I am about to put the dishes in to soak. It's another gorgeous Indian Summer day in western Colorado. |
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16 Oct 10 - 02:53 PM (#3008570) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I keep journal entries on a disk and add to them there. I haven't done it in a while, but I have zip disks around here and that's how I save them. I used to handwrite, ages ago. I suppose blog online is the next generation, but I figure if I want to keep it private, and to keep it for sure, then putting it on the Internet is not the way I would choose. FWIW. Clothes bagged and in the truck (a few were set aside for eBay). Paper recycling is in the back of the truck. Several classic CDs in the changer this afternoon. Chopin waltzes right now. :) SRS |
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16 Oct 10 - 04:16 PM (#3008616) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg The goal I set earlier in the week got some attention today: two big boxes of miscellaniana (1 from the big September kitchen cleanup) have now been gone through. The 60% that was trash/expired info is all bagged and ready to go-- leaving the harder clean/put away part of the job for the coming week. The bushels of "expired" canned goods just left the building; it's all edible, but cannot be donated to the food pantry. It can be boiled up for a huge parish soup supper; we've sampled all the varieties and they are quite edible. Now my kitchen has ELBOW room, for elbow grease to go to WORK for a serious deep-cleaning of begrimed areas. The washing machine Pat and Brian asked us to get rid of has two days left on its ad before I FreeCycle it-- but it's out of the van and on the porch now, to be shown and removed. Also the landlord shored up a sagging roof beam that had been let go; we'd propped it with 2x4's that were never meant to really FIX it. We were nervous that a visitor would knock into it and let the roof collapse-- but now it's safe for lookers to be ON that porch to see and remove the washer. I get back my 2x4's for the next long-awaited project, just in time for Adrian's next visit. ~S~ |
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16 Oct 10 - 05:01 PM (#3008642) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing SRS, I would just do it on my YeahWrite program diary, but I could not share that as Michelle suggested, with photos, etc. I will have to think on this more as I have not been concerned just sharing here at Mudcat with photos, etc. I did two loads of laundry this morning, the dishes are finally soaking, went to the store with Rog, who came home at 130p and in between have helped him write and edit an important report which had to go out this afternoon to the corporate bigwigs. It was fun to work with him, as in our earlier years, and to feel useful to him. He's so self-sufficient sometimes.:-) Also watered my houseplants. Started to list another item on Etsy, but can't find the photos I know I took of it, so will have to declutter my external HD, maybe, to find them. |
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16 Oct 10 - 08:19 PM (#3008739) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage A little coups counting. I went to the Goodwill to drop off my bags and get a receipt, and I went in to look around. This store opened over a year ago but I resisted going in. A friend manages it, so I stopped by to say hi, and ended up spending $5.36, so not too bad. They had a special this weekend so I bought a basket, plus 10 hard back books for $2 and 5 paperbacks for $1. I picked up books I can sell on eBay, starting at .99 and ship book rate. And one, a collection of Steinbeck's short novels, is for me. :) Paper recycling was dropped off, and I'll see if I can find a place to move the rolling file cabinet to this evening. I have to spend some time cutting up peppers to freeze, I have a lot more in the garden coming so I'd better get these out of the way. There are also a lot of green tomatoes (cherry size, mostly) now. I'll make room for canning or freezing this stuff when it's fresh. SRS |
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16 Oct 10 - 08:42 PM (#3008754) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I worry about how much info we put on here about ourselves. We make it too easy to be found by the wrong people. So, Miss Kitty, be very careful with our red haired heart throb. Auntie SINS in worry mode. |
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16 Oct 10 - 11:52 PM (#3008823) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing No worries, Auntie Sins. I quit putting up youtube vids of him a couple of years ago because it made me uncomfortable, even when restricted. I'll just add another diary in my own program and keep it that way with a bit of sharing now and then. Thanks to you all. katcareful |
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17 Oct 10 - 02:28 AM (#3008851) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Listed some jeans on eBay, and will get some more items up there tomorrow. I've moved a few furniture pieces in the living room, but I haven't moved anything out of there yet. That's for tomorrow. First load of laundry is finished, next will go in tomorrow also. This space-age washer makes some really strange sounds, and they sometimes startle me when I'm falling asleep. One of the books I picked up for twenty cents is a newer edition of the grammar text I picked up and still use. Hodge Harbrace is now just called the Harbrace College Handbook, but it is the final authority if you're trying to figure out which tense of a verb to use, how a prepositional phrase should be parsed, or where the quote marks go in American English. And much much more. These are expensive little buggers. The copy I already had was bought used and cost a lot more than this. I've put my old one on the sell stack now. SRS |
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17 Oct 10 - 06:49 AM (#3008980) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Ruth has AT LAST de-cluttered her life out of the house, except for several items which will go for the collection tomorrow. I think there will be 4 or 5 sacks on the drive! I also have an absolute mountain of clothes hangers to ditch! I kept all Ian's, and now Ruth has left all hers behind! I need to pack what clothes I anticipate I am going to need for the next few weeks. This isn't as easy as it sounds, because we are at a turning point in the weather. The cat is going to get de-cluttered into the cattery tomorrow, for the duration, and Eleanor is coming round this afternoon to help me sort some more stuff, and also help me get stuff over to her place. Shortly I am going to get the steam cleaner cranked up and clean my garden tools. Most of them won't see much use for a while. It's all getting a bit real now. I was up in Belford yesterday, and actually managed to meet a couple of my neighbours. The natives appear friendly! One of them has been a key holder for the house, so he let me borrow the keys, and I managed to get a look for only the third time, and also show the friends who were with me. They agreed that from the outside it looks nothing, but is like a tardis! The gas fire in the kitchen isn't as dreadful as I first thought, but it is still by no means ideal, especially as at some point I will have a toddler running round. Hey ho. Coffee finished. Time to think about steam cleaning. Andrea |
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17 Oct 10 - 06:59 AM (#3008989) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall The cold weather's held off a bit. I washed all the removable windows on the main floor, Friday, and was able to bring in all eighteen geraniums, from my window boxes where there was less protection from the four degrees of frost we had, than those in a flowerbed under the overhang. Today I brought in the remaining plants and gave all the geraniums a good long drink of water. I've lost count, I think there are forty-four plants. I mowed the front lawn, but the compost box has still not been emptied. I had to use the top of the box that was filled last year for the grass and leaves, for now. rags |
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17 Oct 10 - 09:59 AM (#3009107) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy It's brilliant sunshine at the moment, but only about 3 or 4C at night, and there's that certain "nip" in the air. The weather could take a turn for the worse quite easily at this time of year. Because my stuff's going into storage, I'm having to put my house plants into next door's garage. Some of the Christmas cacti are just starting to bud and flower. Even an Easter one has put out a flower in sympathy! Andrea |
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17 Oct 10 - 10:19 AM (#3009115) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Andrea, ...It's all getting a bit real now... Funny-- it's been real to me for some time, thru your posts! :~) Cheers, almost there-- ~Susan |
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17 Oct 10 - 11:27 AM (#3009140) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Andrea, what kind of steam cleaner do you use on your gardening tools, and what else do you use it for? The only steamer I have here is a little handheld one for steaming clothing to get the wrinkles out. It brings a rather comical vision to think about that little Sunbeam steamer on my shovel. :) Put on a pair of capri pants this morning that have been quite tight in the past and fit nicely this morning. Same with pair also. These will get packed away for the season soon, but today is will be mid-80s. Soon I should be able to explore my way down the rack and see what else I can get into. The scale showed a couple of pounds lower yesterday (I am not stepping on it every day). Kept myself awake last night reading a silly book, it'll go in the donate bin today. I'll need a nap after lunch - and now all of the small comforters and shawls are out and on the various couches and chairs. Great to throw one over the legs for a nap. Another cuppa tea and some more eBay listings. The one I set last night was delayed to begin at about 11 our time. Paying ten cents to have an auction that will end during daytime hours is a worthwhile investment. SRS |
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17 Oct 10 - 12:15 PM (#3009181) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg YeeHAH, I just found some wasted space in one of the pantries-- things that can go elsewhere or be pitched. And that leaves a huge shelf for the canned goods we kept that have been sitting on the hutch-shelf I had cleared for tenant use-- and kept clean and clear, until these canned goods arrived. Later this afternoon Hardi can stash the rest up high where I can see them and access them as needed but where they will no longer be in the WAY. ~S~ |
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17 Oct 10 - 01:25 PM (#3009232) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage In 2004 I bought this great sponge mop with a mechanism for squeezing the sponge mop dry (a handle that extends up from the mop head, and when pushed down, it folds the sponge in half). A very nice one and I haven't been able to find the right refill. I cobbled together something that would work on it temporarily. I bought this at Lowes, so that's where I went looking for the refill, but they no longer carried the correct refill. I only knew it from look, not name. Good thing I sorted that kitchen drawer last week, because I found the plastic wrapper from that mop. This cost more than most I've bought before, and I wanted to be able to find it again. Today I looked online and found a few other stores that sell the Type H replacement mop. In the past I've hated having to buy the new handle because the refill is no longer made, and that's why I spent more on this mop, hoping that wouldn't happen. Seems the competition picked up the brand--I can get my refill at Home Depot. Making bread this evening so the house smells welcoming when Moonglow comes in. Putting in more laundry, the policing the grounds and mowing the back. I've put another item on eBay and will do more of that off and on when I come in from other chores. I spend too much time sitting in front of the computer, I need to pace myself there, when I can. SRS |
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17 Oct 10 - 02:54 PM (#3009298) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Rog and I both spent too much time in front of the computer, yesterday, working on that report. Despite how tired we both were, I asked if he'd go for a short walk with me, so we walked to Morgan's house, had a nice visit with his parents while he showed me what he can do on his trampoline, then we walked back. It felt really good. This morning, after a quick run to get a new smoothie mixer for my breakfast smoothie (the old one broke this morning), we cleaned out the car, took it to the car wash to vacuum it out, then picked up Morgan and went to the same steep hiking trail we've been going to. This time, I walked almost all the way to the bottom, with Morgan's encouragement. He kept running ahead and saying, "C'mon, Mama, let's go a little farther!" Then came the hike back up. I really noticed it this time, I think from being tired from too little sleep on Friday and all of yesterday's extreme stress, but I made it, whilst the "Kid" ran UP and DOWN several times, laughing and enjoying himself, immensely, as did Rog and I. THAT'S the kind of exercise I feel is worth it AND my leg muscles are happy for the workout. I hope this winter is a mild one so we can still use that trail. |
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17 Oct 10 - 05:13 PM (#3009384) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre It's been a beautiful fall day and busy in a relaxing kind of way. We ran to town to do a few errands this morning, home to do laundry, dishes, sweeping, wrote a handwritten letter to my nana (which she loves) and I did some cooking. I made a big pot of homemade broccoli cheese soup....some for my lunches this week, some for my mom and some for a friend who has to have an outpatient procedure tomorrow. Dinner is cooking.....roasted chicken in the oven, steamed green beans and stuffing for tonight....dessert is watermelon from the garden...it's late in the season, I know but we have them!!! Small, dark green...about the size of a bowling ball and oh boy are they GOOD! I'm hoping to get the kitchen rugs washed tonight but we'll see. Tomorrow J and I start the Mommy and Me program...can't wait!!! Michelle |
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17 Oct 10 - 05:31 PM (#3009401) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Finished shredding the box of papers!! |
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17 Oct 10 - 08:33 PM (#3009505) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Each trip down to the basement for laundry includes dragging down a box of crap from the sunroom. I have no idea what is in these boxes but I can sort them down there rather than have them stacked up here. Only four mor to go. |
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17 Oct 10 - 08:44 PM (#3009512) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Yeah, Sins!! That's ALL good exercise! In addition to today's hike, I found myself wanting another walk, so we just came back from a quick ten minute up the road and back. This is a big deal, to me, as it feels a psychological barrier from old INvalid/inVALid thinking has finally fallen. It is wonderful to actually FEEL like going for a walk. By next Spring, my goal is for Morgan and I to be able to walk to the post office and back. You read it here, first.:-) This is going to be a busy week, with a ton of phone calls, etsy shop stuff to get listed, books gone through, more, and I will have Morgan 2.5 days while school is out, from Wed. afternoon on. I've asked Rog to take Thurs. and Fri. off. If he can, we will do some more stuff around here. |
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17 Oct 10 - 09:15 PM (#3009537) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Sometimes it takes a while, but occasionally an idea pops into my head. I dug out my shop-vac (wet-dry vacuum cleaner) from under all the stuff that was piled on it, and changed the hose to the blower side. It worked great for blowing the dry leaves down the driveway. It makes me wonder why I hadn't done this years ago. Oh, well. Maryanne |
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18 Oct 10 - 01:29 AM (#3009598) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Good work, Maryanne and Kat! I have been moving trunks and tables around, taking a look, and rearranging from there. I put two trunks stacked in the corner of my office and moved a small computer desk out. The things that were sitting on the desk can sit on the trunks. I have a lot of boxes taking up space in the sun room on a desk and hutch I used to use for the kids computer. One of these days that could go if I find another way to store my flat boxes. The hard drive replacement has been put in the kids old computer and formatted. Haven't gotten the ethernet connection set yet. I think this card was put in after the computer was here for a while and the drivers aren't in the installation disks. I'll have to look around for drivers and load them once I figure out the specs on that connection. SRS |
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18 Oct 10 - 03:22 AM (#3009617) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg The best storage I ever got was those baker type shelves from costco or somewhere..they twist together and come in various sizes and are very sturdy and don't get grimy. I would suggest getting rid of all sorts of stuff and storing the flat boxes on them. T hey also hold tubs, baskets etc. mg |
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18 Oct 10 - 10:15 AM (#3009791) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I have some of those. My "pantry" consists of a 7' tall rolling heavy chrome wire set of baker-type shelves I picked up at Sam's Club years ago. It's parked in the hall next to my laundry room. I just moved another smaller one, taken from my son's room, not on wheels, into the sun room. The computer hutch actually works very well where it is, because I have three bins tucked in the kneehole area for my recycling, the boxes are on flat and top of the hutch, and various things that I'm planning to list are on the desktop. It's wishful thinking to get rid of it, but it is fully subscribed in the work it's doing right now. I use the chrome wire shelves for cans, bottles, jars, canned goods, and on the bottom shelf (a few inches above the floor) I have some of my bulky kitchen things like a bread machine and a convection oven. Jugs of water, etc. I wrapped bungee cords around the unit a few inches up from each shelf so they serve to keep cans and bottles from pitching off the shelves if it is bumped. SRS |
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18 Oct 10 - 11:47 AM (#3009868) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I was reflecting this morning on the results of my own decluttering around the house, and how the decluts have supported and empowered the goals that originally got me started. I think it might be helpful if posters here, from time to time, could revisit some of the reasons WHY we are each making this a priority-- is it decluttering for its own sake (which can sometimes be not so motivating), or for the sake of a higher good that remains highly motivating? For me, I know that being better able to arrange and utilize daily study materials is a heck of a bigger motivator than the nicer-looking environs in which it occurs. The improved appearance is nice, of course, but the thrill tend to wear off as it begins to be the more normal appearance-- while the larger goal remains very motivating. ~Susan |
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18 Oct 10 - 01:54 PM (#3009961) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Here's a link to my kitchen pictures , of the new lights & the paint job (before & after). I feel so much better now that I'm finished. Maryanne |
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18 Oct 10 - 05:02 PM (#3010078) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Those are pretty fixtures, and it's ironic to think that the flourescent lights were probably put up to replace old fixtures that looked a lot like the ones you've put up now. Something old that's new again. :) I have to repaint my kitchen/dining ceiling because I replaced the fixtures and the old shapes show up still. I went from a circular florescent fixture in the kitchen and a halogen spot in the dining area and replaced both with simple pendulum lights, using two of the three down rods that came with the package. Our physicals went okay, though the wait was long and my daughter missed her classes. Since she no longer had to rush back we went out for a lunch at a local favorite French restaurant. This was not a diet lunch - we don't get to visit often, so we enjoyed an elegant meal. As to the raison d'être for the thread, I tend to start every month or two with a broader look at why I am here and what I see others working toward, but we're so varied that someone visiting these threads casually or with intent will be able to take the purpose from statements throughout. Yes, we clear out places, and some of them stay cleared out. My bedroom was quite a storehouse for several years, but I've moved most of the extra things out and though it appears to have mixed purposes, it has stayed fairly neat and tranquil. Rooms like the kitchen, dining, and laundry rooms pulse between neat and cluttered as other areas being worked on disgorge their contents. So a lot of what we share here has to do with those phases of neat then cluttered. And when someone is able to establish a beachhead for a craft or activity, that's a great feeling. Reclaiming work spaces for favorite but neglected activities is a big part of what we do here. SRS |
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18 Oct 10 - 10:48 PM (#3010297) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall maire-aine, Your shop vac leaf blower is a brilliant idea! Kat, Your walks are making me tired. LOL. I can walk forever on the flat, but walking up a hill? Can't do it. Yesterday I raked up more leaves in the backyard with the lawnmower. It does a great job. I pulled snowblowers, snow shovels, stack of deck chairs, high chair, etc., out from the "storage shed" under the backyard side of our deck, neatly rearranged the other things still in there, then fitted everything back in there in order with those most likely to be needed during the winter closest to the door. I put the snow shovels on the deck beside the back door where I'll too soon be using them to dig my way out in the mornings. I moved my car to the part of the driveway that is much lower that the lawn. From the lawn, the top of the car is about waist high and easy to reach. With a tarp to protect the roof of the car I loaded all the branches that I'd pruned and piled over the last month or so. We tied the tarp securely over the pile then fastened it all down to the roof rack with some thick bungee cords that I keep on hand for that purpose. The city operates community compost bins which will take woody items three inches or less in diameter. There is no charge to use the compost bins or recycling bins. They charge $6 to dispose of other items at the transfer station 3 km from us, but there is no charge to use the rubbish bins at the main "Sanitary Landfill", about 12km from home. Because I had other items to unclutter (Chainsaw, rusted fertilizer spreader, tree trunks too large for the compost, boards with nails in them), we headed to the main landfill. About five minutes from home, I heard the clank of a metal bungee cord hook hitting the roof of the car. Hoping that it wouldn't cause a problem, I continued driving, but soon realized I was in trouble as I heard the load sliding down the driver's side of the car and dragging along the road. I pulled over, unhooked six bungee cords and let the load drop onto the side of the road. http://www.flickr.com/photos/diffuse/5092983888/ I had no idea how we'd be able to get it back onto the roof since there was nothing to stand on to reach it easily. The inside of the car certainly didn't have enough room for all those long branches, either. I was very fortunate that Mr. ragdall had decided to come along for the ride. After we retied the bundle with rope instead of bungees, with great effort the two of us managed to lift it onto the car roof and continue on our way slowly. The attendant at the landfill told us that to avoid attracting bears to the landfill, if there was any fruit in with my branches the entire load would have to go into the rubbish bin instead of the compost bin. I knew that a few branches had tiny crab apples on them, but I was not going to give up on having my garden waste composted after all the trouble getting them there. I sorted through, removing all the branches with crab apples, rose hips and Mountain Ash berries for the rubbish bin then compost binned the rest. Much less clutter in the yard and shed now. My wheelbarrow is empty, (it had been full of pruned branches,) so I have nothing to prevent me from emptying the compost box, except the rain that's been falling since last evening and is predicted to continue for the next three days. After that we'll be travelling again. I was so sore and tired by last evening that I took one of my prescription pain meds and I slept for eleven hours! Today I feel great. rags |
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18 Oct 10 - 10:55 PM (#3010299) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I have a question for all of you that I'll run past here rather than start a new thread. I have done some research about contact dermatitis and decided that it wouldn't hurt to explore the "anti-inflammatory" diets you have probably heard about. Dr. Weil and Dr. Perricone you may have heard on PBS lectures, and Barry Sears, who does the cancer research about "The Zone." My goals are to 1) avoid the irritant and 2) see if there are any beneficial foods and supplements to try. Dr. Weil suggests, in addition to an anti-inflammatory diet, one of the capsules that provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It is found in Evening Primrose, Borage, and Black Currant oils. Have any of you tried any of these, or done research on good brands (the most expensive doesn't mean the best, but probably the cheapest isn't necessarily as reliable as mid-range). Any thoughts? He recommends 500mg twice a day. Alas, he also recommends eliminating milk and diary. That'll be tough - I love cheese. But I'll drop it for a while. Mary, I know you've looked into a number of nutritional treatments on things like this. Any thoughts? SRS |
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18 Oct 10 - 11:03 PM (#3010303) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg Well, check out leaky gut syndrome..seems to be related to a lot of ailments. I believe tumeric is very anti-inflammatory, as is fish oil, and I presume there is benefit from the other oils you mentioned, which are often recommended...people swear by tart cherry juice for gout and maybe arthritis...but I really don't know too much...mg |
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18 Oct 10 - 11:15 PM (#3010312) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I haven't tried any of those, SRS, but I can check my very good references books, if you'd like. One thing I found, quite by chance, is an itchy scalp, no dandruff, not dried out, was caused by the sodium lauryl sulfate which is what makes shampoos foam up. Fortunately, there are several brands which don't have it, but there didn't used to be. It was hard to find anything until recently. rags...all the work you do makes me tired!**bg** I could do it, but the effort would really take it out of me and I would h-u-r-t! Up the hill was slow and with auxiliary oxygen, though it was on my back in a pack, so it actually added to the load. It feels so good in my legs, back and bum, though. That's what I crave right now. Walking on a flat surface seems to make things hurt more and not work the muscles which feel so good being worked whilst going up and down. I suppose a physiologist could explain that, but I can't. Just going by how I feel.:-) Neat pix...glad you got the load back on! Maryanne, great looking fixtures and paint job. How good that must feel. I want to replace our kitchen light. It's a huge fanlight. We never use the fan and the light is totally inadequate and we still need to paint and put down new lino. *sigh*:-) |
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19 Oct 10 - 11:20 AM (#3010697) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Kat, have you tried putting different bulbs in the fan light fixture? I use the bulb-style halogen lights in some of my fixtures for brighter light and lower power use. They do make a lot of heat, so make sure it is the right kind of fixture for these. In another room have a pole lamp that has a side fixture (you've probably seen these in the hardware stores - meant to go behind a chair with the lower one for a reading light). I had a halogen bulb in there and burned myself when I bumped the metal outer shield when getting up from the chair, so that is now an old-fashioned 40 watt incandescent bulb. Looking into the general anti-inflammatory diet in general is good for a number of reasons, the dermatitis being the most pressing. I've simplified the cleaning stuff used around the house, looking for products that don't have some of the classic irritants, and I wear gloves when I use them. SRS |
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19 Oct 10 - 11:35 AM (#3010717) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Today I made myself a ta-da list. I actually made it yesterday and crossed off all but 2 things. I did those 2 things this morning and then added some more to my list. My kitchen is looking good...all canning gear has now been put away until next season (unless we decide to do more apples) and it feels good...kind of like when you get all the Christmas decorations put away..it's good to have my kitchen back! I did some sorting today and cleaned out 3 magazine racks while I was on hold with the social security office....sure beats just sitting and waiting! The remaining things were sorted into catalogs and magazines by catagory. Later today or possibly tomorrow, I am going to spend a few hours changing over to winter clothes. It's getting cold now, snow is in the forcast...it's time to do it. Also...ordered a 15 cubic foot dumpster....due to arrive on Friday and we have it for 10 days. Can't wait to get rid of a ton (literally) of stuff! HOORAY! The inside of the house is looking decent (my office still needs work and so does the mudroom) and the dumpster is going to help us clean up the outside....mostly construction debris. Again, I say HOORAY! Michelle |
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19 Oct 10 - 12:52 PM (#3010792) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I like that...a Ta-Da List! Right on, Michelle! SRS, the fan light is so huge and ugly...way too big for the room and the room is so long, there isn't any way even a brighter bulb would reach the far regions near the stove.:-) What I want to do is put in a track with lights which can be directed. (We had a kind of surprise, yesterday, in the mail which may help get this done sooner than later. I made a mistake on our taxes in our favour!) I have packaged up three CDs and two books, to go out the door today...mailed to friends and family. More books sorted into piles. |
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19 Oct 10 - 02:58 PM (#3010875) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy The steam cleaner is a plastic tank which holds just under a gallon of water. It has a long hose attachment, and various bits that can be fixed to it for stripping wallpaper, cleaning stains or, as in my case, directing a jet of steam. The house is about 3/4 packed now, and there seems to be an immense amount of boxes going into the vans. I'm at my daughter's now, as my beds have gone, but will be back at my place very early in the morning. Andrea |
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19 Oct 10 - 03:37 PM (#3010909) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Well, I have finally hit a wall on the downstairs. I think it is the dark days we have been having-- I just do not care about a thing except TV and chocolate! BAD TV, too, not even stuff I can learn from. Been running the SAD lights... I think I need an all-office afternoon in front of the western-sun-setting afternoon window.... tomorrow. I suspect the block is a real one-- a pile-up of website tasks that I can clear in an afternoon-- so I will move back up there tomorrow and also try to sort a bit of the clutter that has piled up in a to-sort area I pass daily-- a big box turned up to help sort stuff, so if I take a trash bag too I should be able to make some progress between website tasks. And no more chocolate-- I ate it ALL! Tomorrow AM I get the next BP check with the current set of "try these" meds. And if no improvement, another drug to tinker with.... sigh.... ~S~ |
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19 Oct 10 - 04:17 PM (#3010938) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I love the way those track lights look - what a great idea! I have a hall where I'd like to put in one of those and point the fixtures at clusters of family photos up and down the hall. I don't even have chocolate in the house right now. Boring, sedentary editing this afternoon, I'll make a point of taking the dogs for a walk right at 5pm so it isn't too late. It's beginning to get overcast, there is rain in the forecast all week. This may be our last easy walk for a while. SRS |
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19 Oct 10 - 08:22 PM (#3011142) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Micca arrived so all cleaning and organizing has stopped. Boxes mid-room and vacuum in the middle of the kitchen. Plus Seamus arrived unexpectedly. Seems tick spray is going down in the Morse yard and he needs to stay away for a day or two. Freddie is playing leap frog with him. Poor dog. SINS, happy to have her buddy around. |
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19 Oct 10 - 10:06 PM (#3011187) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Which one, Sins?**BG** Made it to the PO, so cds and books went out the door. I am going to be adding some clutter. Rog and I decided I could budget for a few jewellery supplies, mine have been low for ages, so here I go, BUT at least that will be going back out the door as products and/or presents. I've got some new designs in my head I've been wanting to try. kat |
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20 Oct 10 - 12:23 AM (#3011216) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I hope you'll post photos for us as you finish them, Kat. Walked the dogs, and along the way they de-cluttered the neighborhood of a mighty number of acorns. They'll appear in droppings in the back yard tomorrow. ;) The usual housekeeping things are out of the way, laundry and dishes. I stayed on my diet today (after yesterday's departure for a wonderful cheesy French dish with my daughter). And one thing I have allowed (i.e., fudged) from the Keep Fit diet (the part you follow when you're not on this diet), was 1 small glass of wine. But that bottle is gone and I'm not replacing it for a while. I'll stick closer to stricter diet and have an evening cup of herbal tea or a glass of cranberry (light - sweetened with Splenda) instead. SRS |
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20 Oct 10 - 05:04 AM (#3011288) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall Susan, Couldn't you have saved a little bit of chocolate for the rest of us? Now that you mentioned it, I'm craving some. I do have a small stash that I'm saving for emergencies. I wonder what emergency I can think up tonight? Hehehe. Kat, You're proof that steady wins the race. You accomplish so much by keeping on task. I want to be like you when I grow up. Michelle, May I borrow the dumpster when you're finished with it, please? I think the only way that this house will reach a normal state of unclutter is if I close my eyes so I can't see what I'm giving up and throw everything in my attic, and in the piles in various other places, into a dumpster. Andrea, You seem to be making fantastic progress with your move. Well done! Even though it was raining, I took a little break today and drove out to a nearby rural area to look for the "hundreds of Canada Geese and dozens of Sandhill Cranes" that were seen there yesterday. I wasn't able to find any sign of them. The largest birds that I saw were two ruffed grouse who stood frozen at the side of the road when I stopped my car beside them, rolled down my window and held up my camera. Late this afternoon I started emptying the compost bin as light rain continued to fall. I was able to remove about eight wheelbarrows of composted material before I had to give up because of darkness. I think there is only one wheelbarrow load left in the bin, but I'll need daylight to see where the compost ends and the gravel under it begins. If it freezes while we're away and I can't remove the rest it won't be a big loss. I've almost completed all the tasks on my "must be finished before freezing weather sets in" list. When we're home again next week, I can start working through my "I hope I can get these done too" list. rags |
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20 Oct 10 - 10:01 AM (#3011433) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Health screening today. Whoo Whoo. All my numbers are down including my weight. Good cholesterol is up. BP 108/76. Triglycerides are up - have to exercise more. $150 Health Bonus. Back to sunroom declutter. Found a ukelele in the debris and have no idea where it came from. Go figure. |
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20 Oct 10 - 10:50 AM (#3011473) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maeve Wonderful, Mary! Thanks for taking good care of yourself. Maeve |
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20 Oct 10 - 11:07 AM (#3011488) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Good for you, Mary! They're doing a health thing on my campus, but no cash bonus. They did offer a free pedometer to the first 100 people to attend a health event. I read that message too late, but probably wouldn't have gone over anyway. Regardless, I am embarking on my own healthier routine. Ragdall, I'm not sure why you're moving the compost. Staying out over the winter won't hurt it. But maybe you're mulching the rest of the garden with it? I'll give mine a good stir soon, turning it over by moving the stack sideways, then I'll start hauling bags of leaves back there when my neighbors start bagging them. We need a good wind and rain event to start that activity. Later this week, perhaps. I agree, Kat is an inspiration. You've made so much progress from two or three years ago! Yesterday I officially added another task to my job description at work. I launched a new Listserv newsletter for the Friends of the Library. In theory this should remove some of the work from the secretary who sends some stuff out to the Friends, and it will let members of the group manage their own subscriptions or refer others to our group. It took me a long time to figure out all of the angles of this thing, as time allowed. Three have joined this morning so far. Yesterday I gathered several of my health and diet books to compare notes. To no surprise, there is some contrary information, so I'll have to read through the reasoning they offer as to why some carbs are healthy (or not) and decide which plan, if any, to buy into. Barry Sears is pretty hard on some of my favorite carbs and fruits, for example. Andrew Weil goes closer to being vegetarian with his recommendations than Sears. I did find more about the importance of GLA from Sears, after first finding it in Weil. And I think, to start, I'll look to see what supplements are in the Big Box stores (Sam's Club, Walgreen) that have a generic in the company name so they're less expensive than the name brands. Sears recommends smaller doses than Weil, so I'll also compare what sizes and forms are out there. Capsules versus (breakable) tablets, etc. This was listed specifically by both when discussing skin and eczema. I think I'll do a weigh-in once a week. The daily fluctuations don't really tell me much, and they can bring my mood down if I don't feel like I'm making progress. :-/ That said, my current size trousers are fitting much better this week. :) SRS |
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20 Oct 10 - 11:10 AM (#3011490) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Yes, congratulations, Marigold! I wonder if my Rog will give me a $150 bonus? My numbers are excellent, too and I have lost 1.1 lbs in the past week. And, my body craved a walk, yesterday! rags, thanks, but you can run circles around me!:-) I did learn, early on, that perseverance is an important part of life, for me, at least. Morgan is very helpful in that respect. If I say I want to or will do something, he encourages, cheers, reminds, and bugs me about it...so I never forget. Be careful what you declare to a young'un!:-) |
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20 Oct 10 - 11:38 AM (#3011526) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks, SRS! It funny...I think I've been so not-so-normal for so long, finding "normal" i.e. non-scary increased pulse rate with exercise, lower BP, etc. is really a novelty at the moment..one I intend to keep pursuing. I prefer Weil. I found out, the hard way, if one has any kind of issue with kidney function, Sears' can be dangerous with the high protein focus. I didn't know of any kidney issues until I did his diet for a few months. One reason I like Weight Watchers so much is there is no sense of deprivation...all in moderation...stick to the points and you will lose. It's up to you if you do it by eating really healthy foods or not so-healthy, i.e. processed/frozen entrées, etc. But, that's just me. I know other things work better for other folks. |
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20 Oct 10 - 11:40 AM (#3011529) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg There is no diet that fits everyone..that is why some people have success on one and not the other. I recommend reading up on metabolic typing. We can't just decide what diet sounds best...it is all unique to the individual. mg |
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20 Oct 10 - 12:08 PM (#3011555) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Jeremiah's pack and play sits in our living room. When he first arrived, he hated it so we haven't been using it for anything other than storing toys and a pit stop for folded laundry that needs to make it's way upstairs. Today I cleaned it all out and guess what little boy is LOVING playing in there? :) He's getting so big and doing so much more on his own now!!! Since I didn't get to it yesterday, today I worked in my closet in search of warmer clothes and putting away most short sleeved things. I also have a few bills to tend to today and I am colleting addresses for our Welcoming Party for Jeremiah that is coming up way faster than I thought. Michelle |
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20 Oct 10 - 01:12 PM (#3011607) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL SRS, Clothes fitting is a much better gauge as to weight loss success than the hated/ dreaded scales. Muscle gain can offset weight loss so the scale goes up but the waist, tummy and cholesterol go down. Daily weighins can be a real downer especially if you are prone to water weight gain. Varied diet with emphasis on dark green leafy veggies with some orange and red and yellow added, some meat and fish, some fruits and dairy. Less or no sugar and alcohol. With some exercise. And lots of water. Ten minutes up; back to work. SINS |
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20 Oct 10 - 01:24 PM (#3011614) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Just ordered the new jewellery supplies. My, how prices have gone up! Just silly things one needs to complete pieces, i.e. clasps, beading wire, crimps, etc. The only things I bought other than those types of findings were a strand of amethyst and one of turquoise. I did get a discount for over 15 items, but it still came to a lot for the tiny bit it will seem when it gets here. Sigh...I wish we had a decent bead store here where I could go pick and choose, touch and listen...really *feel* them before buying. When I went looking for my fv. bricks & mortar store in MA, I found THIS ONE which may be what they became. I am off to see what they have now.:-) More clutter...but potentially productive! |
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20 Oct 10 - 02:09 PM (#3011650) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Doc baffled, sez BP is measuring higher than ever but why then have I not stroked out? Any why do other measures appear SO good? He does not want to add/change meds till I get an MRI of renal arteries, now scheduled for next week. Happydance-- back to studies! ~Susan |
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20 Oct 10 - 06:27 PM (#3011833) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Ultimate de-clutter: not a thing left in the house except the kettle, a few mugs, tea, coffee etc, and the cleaning tackle. 9 containers of stuff has been packed (they estimated 8-9). Where the hell am I going to put all that stuff at the other end? Cue another de-cluttering! Living out of a suitcase now... Andrea |
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20 Oct 10 - 08:20 PM (#3011900) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Please, Susan, don't blow a gasket before they get those meds sorted out. And Andrea, don't blow your diet eating all processed prepared foods until you get into the new house. :) Went in for training today on a system for inventorying all of the books in our university research library. Even with software that accesses the catalog, it will still be about 1.27 million volumes to confirm are there. Or they're not, or there are other anomalies to consider. Every able-bodied employee has a go at it, beginning Nov. 1. Now that could end up being a big de-clutter (or at least, reorganization if the books are on the shelves in the wrong places). I asked one of the catalogers about software to organize my own, and she confirmed what others have said, that LibraryThing is a good one. That's what she uses. SRS |
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20 Oct 10 - 09:31 PM (#3011930) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Thanks, SRS. There is something that does not add up here on BP-- he felt my wrist and said, "This here is not what a galloping hypertensive feels like." My job is to relax, then shrug and try the next bright idea. And get on with my day! ~S~ |
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20 Oct 10 - 11:05 PM (#3011967) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I looked a couple of places, then found a source of GLA in Evening Primrose capsules at the grocery store. I thought I might have seen these at a discount store, but no luck. The store brand wasn't terribly expensive and I'll start with the lowest dose and see if I notice a difference. I think Weil said it can take some time, so I'll be patient. Did a little computer surgery today, discarding the Logitech trackman and putting in a new one. After a while the sensitivity is gone and you can't effectively select things to drag and drop. That's how I work. Looks like a good evening to head to bed early and read a little. That's something I had gotten out of the habit of, but when I have less to do (with the kids gone) I'm trying to rediscover some of those simple pleasures. I used to stay up later than the kids just to decompress, but I don't need to now. SRS |
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21 Oct 10 - 12:19 AM (#3011989) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing That sounds like a good idea, SRS. I was unable to read in bed, last year, when I was so depressed. That depressed me even more as I have done so all of my life. I can't remember when I started reading in bed again, but I'm sure glad I did. I decluttered my mind of about 1700 words for a short-story assignment from the therapist, tonight. He asked me to do it several weeks ago, with no time limit and I've been writing bits and pieces in my head. Rog, puir Rog, he is so tired and stressed, got called back into work at 930p. So, I sat down, angry, which sometimes can be a real motivator for me to write, and began. I know he asked for a short story, but it may become my NaNoWriMo novel this year IF I decide to do it. I feel pulled in too many directions and as though I need to pull in my horns and take more care of me, again, so may not, but at least I've got a start of either the story or a novel! |
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21 Oct 10 - 05:54 AM (#3012050) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall SRS, I remove the compost from a box in the fall because it's ready to use and I need the empty box for fall leaves, etc., which will form a base for the 2011 compostable materials. I spread as much of the compost as I could in my flower beds I took a tumble down a river bank this afternoon (who would have guessed that mud could be so slippery?) Fortunately the channel was dry. I rolled, hitting the back of my head on a rock, twisting my leg and banging my hands, before coming to rest, face down, on smooth river rocks and driftwood. I'm sore but appear to have avoided serious damage. I didn't feel up to hauling compost today after that, though. We're leaving in the morning on our last 1000 mile (1600 Km) round trip weekend drive for the year. If the snow will only hold off until we get home, it would be wonderful. rags |
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21 Oct 10 - 08:26 AM (#3012122) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL We start a new CRM system today. It will be a looooong day. Wish me luck. SINS |
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21 Oct 10 - 12:57 PM (#3012302) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage rags, I hope you didn't hit your head so hard to do damage? Go see your doctor if you're at all concerned. SINS, Tell us what CRM is later, but good luck, whatever! Allergies are hitting hard today. Ugg. Despite air full of pollen and mold, it's beautiful out. We've had more pretty fall days than usual, but I haven't been able to get out and enjoy them as much with this hand thing. If I can get my hands to clear up enough by the weekend I'll be out (in gloves) working in the garden. I'm okay with gloves. On a related note, I rubbed some aloe gel onto my feet then put on socks for a while. I figure if I'm being so careful with my hands, I need to extend this care to my feet also. Michelle, I just reread your remarks about Jeremiah playing in the enclosure (is this a play pen area?). I predict the most amazing holiday season at your house. It happens to everyone with small children - this is when the magic is full strength and the world for these little people is centered around you. That said, you'll discover that that boxes the gifts come in can be as or more fascinating as the gifts themselves. I'm looking forward to your accounts of the next couple of months. And what do you plan for Halloween? Have you been able to resist those fuzzy zip-up fleece costumes with ears and tails of some creature or other? I often got those at garage sales, because children ever only get to wear those once or twice, then they're outgrown before the next season. You'll be de-cluttering baby clothes and toddler clothes and such for years to come (I am just now de-cluttering some outgrown teen clothes from my son on eBay, but I'm almost completely past that kid clothes part of my life.) SRS |
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21 Oct 10 - 02:22 PM (#3012369) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: gnu SINS... good luck. rags... 1600 Km round trip weekend drive... good lord! I am 2.5# below my coconut cream pie goal. I skipped the piece of pie and am going for a whole pie in 13#, which allows for 0.5# when I eat the pie. I won't eat the meringue just to be sure. I was soooo pleased when I could wear my old jeans that I haven't worn for near 20 years. Sadly, they don't fit very well now and I shall have to buy ALL new pants soon... I hope. Got a whack of stuff piled in the garage for the big garage sale. And I carted off another bunch of bags of stuff for the Red Cross and the like. |
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21 Oct 10 - 03:29 PM (#3012422) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy Cleaned the place this morning, including sweeping out the shed and taking a stack of stuff to the tip. Got the last of Ruth's stuff to Barnardo's. I have taken farewell pictures of my empty (and very clean) house. Tomorrow morning I stick my head through the door for 5 minutes and read the meters. Then it's off to Selby to drop off the key, and it won't be mine any more. Hopefully, sometime tomorrow, the money should move across and things start to move along at my end. At the moment I am living in Eleanor's spare room, among a real clutter of stuff and my bags. Freya's in bed, Eleanor's at work till 11pm, her husband's in bed with a stomach bug, and I'm about to go to the pub for the quiz night! Andrea |
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21 Oct 10 - 06:05 PM (#3012525) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage For temporary digs that doesn't sound bad, Andrea! This afternoon I decided I was going to move some of these antique trunks out of the way in rooms where I want more space. And it dawned on me that since I only use my office for the computer and writing, I could line old trunks along the wall under a set of shelves 4 feet off the floor, held up by metal brackets). So I moved five trunks in here, four of them are out of sight in a little alcove, and then moved one large one into my room to take the place of three that had come from there. The largest one had been in my front room. So this means that the front room now has only one trunk, a decorative dome-top that I want on display. My computer is more towards the middle of the office now, and I can still reach shelves by walking around it, and I can reach the window in the alcove. There are a few things that had to be moved to shove the trunks past (not difficult - a few trunks on dollies a made several years ago). I'll decide what goes back, or somewhere else, as I take a look at things where they are now. Good exercise, moving trunks, but not of long duration. I'll plan a walk with the dogs this evening. SRS |
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21 Oct 10 - 11:41 PM (#3012733) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Now that several trunks are out of the front room, I shoved the upright grand over a few inches and slid the dome top trunk against the wall beside it. I turned the futon couch and moved an armchair and small table in there that were previously in the way in the hall. With the wall of books and the piano, that couch doesn't really fit well in there, at least, not with things in the positions they're in now. That said, given a choice of places to sit, people will always use the futon, never the chair, so the futon is at least useful. It's also very comfortable to sleep on. The armchair is one of several antiques I brought back from my aunt's house in Connecticut years ago, and if they're ever repaired and reupholstered, they'll be attractive and functional. Right now, they're in the way. Two are in the garage, one is in the front room. If they're not repaired recovered, they're very hard to sell. Conundrum here. SRS |
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22 Oct 10 - 04:22 AM (#3012811) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall gnu, Well done on the amazing weight loss! Good luck with your garage sale. We have 554 km behind us tonight. We had sunshine most of the day. We were escorted to a lake where there were about a hundred Snow Geese, 60 Sandhill Cranes, a couple of dozen Canada Geese, two Bald eagles, lots of dabblers and a few divers (ducks). rags |
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22 Oct 10 - 05:44 AM (#3012836) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: gnu I'll bet you got some great pics, rags. |
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22 Oct 10 - 08:39 AM (#3012921) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL I am thinking of trying gnu's beer diet. It is working wonders for him. Good on you, son. Micca and I shared a bottle of wine and Amato's carb fest last night. Sat and talked then played on our respective computers. Nice to have him around. SINS |
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22 Oct 10 - 09:05 AM (#3012938) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg My two cents. YMMV. SRS, something you posted upthread has lain in my reflections for quite a bit... a problem you referenced with abbreviations I use here. You also mentioned, in a more recent post, "intent." How THAT word resonates with me. "Intent" is always important to me and I can usually articuylate it when asked about it positively, because long ago a personal goal became "intent" and it has flourished throghout my life since I undertook that goal. You may not be aware that I have been here longer than you, and that I have a history here that includes cyclical attacks upon my posts which have been quite intentional. (And you have gotten caught up in that cycle whether you realize it or not.) Partly to address that (and partly because post-stroke abbreviations interested me), I ran a thread awhile back specifically about abbreviations-- where mine come from, how and why I use them, asking how others use theirs, etc. I use abbrv's particularly in these declut threads because these threads, as they were originally cast (and before the threads became addictive in themselves), were for OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL USE. But anyone of good faith (AKA positive intent) can suss them quite easily. A concern someone once shared with me related to a fear in some quarters that I would drag a boatload of Christians into Mudcat and by so doing would unleash a new set of persecutions on the pagans, wiccans, and irreligious around the place. I have not done that, but my posts, ever since a participant in this thread unleashed an attack on me via the parish and our diocese, have been open to my Bishop. "Your Career, Dead" is where I have written about THAT, and anyone of positive intent is free to look at those, as well. I tend to be fairly open, in my life, about what I am doing and why. In the PMs I have gotten about this thread, I learned that people who have stopped posting in it have done so not because of what I write, but because of the negativity expressed. Now. Negativity is supposed to be, according to people who post here, something aout which we all can agree. I could, if I'd wanted to be as negative as some of this thread's posters have been, have gone on and on in negativity about their VERY LONG and personal posts, which have continued unabated whether I posted or not. But while I celebrate the decluts and goals of folks here whose goals resonate with me, these declut threads, as they were originally cast (and before the threads became addictive in themselves), were for OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL USE. And I choose to spend the bulk of my day on my studies. But that does not mean I don't see the hypocrisy here, and from time to time (as people who know me well will attest), I will speak of it. Because (intent again) I really think the negativity is beneath the people here who had indulged in it. And I think those people know that, down not-so-deep, and need not feel threatened for it to be brought to their attention. And people who do not like it are free, as always, not to read my posts. Mudcat, for all its changes, is still open to free speech. :~) ~Susan |
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22 Oct 10 - 10:47 AM (#3013022) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Anybody know where the Lithium is? Valium will do but Lithium will do better. CRM crashed and my patience is at an end. |
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22 Oct 10 - 11:44 AM (#3013057) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage You've been doing okay lately, Susan. Not sure about the trigger on that latest moment, but as you say, we're free to skim or skip. This morning, just for the heck of it, I moved a couple of things standing in a doorway and closed one of the hall closets. I usually choose to leave this open since that closet houses the modem and routers, so I can glance at the light status from my office chair. But it is nice to see the hall so clear. I have pantry shelves in the hall - they have stood in the sun room also, but this is still the best spot for pantry materials for now. What is the beer diet that gnu is using? I have also read of his progress and offer my congratulations. I have about 35 pounds to lose to get to my ideal weight; if I lose 25 I probably won't complain. :) Please elaborate! I am two weeks into a diet, and I intend to stay in diet mode for some time to come, but with the one I'm following I have to shift every couple of weeks (the Scarsdale diet is a low fat low carb diet; I tend to go not quite as low fat as he wants, it is needed for digestion, but try to keep the carbs low.) SRS |
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22 Oct 10 - 11:51 AM (#3013065) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg You've been doing okay lately, Susan. Well, I guess that's nice, but I really don't gauge how I am doing by anyone's posts. (If I did it would be quite the seesaw!) :~) ~S~ |
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22 Oct 10 - 12:21 PM (#3013078) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre The dumpster has arrived!!!! YAY! Michelle |
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22 Oct 10 - 03:14 PM (#3013208) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Michelle, I rented a 30-yard dumpster when we cleared out my Dad's house before selling it. A lot of his stuff was stored for the kids, donated, sold, etc., but there was still just a lot of junk (might have been useful years earlier, but rot sets in. . . ) When that stood in the driveway across the road from the house (at the beach where he lived several of the beach house owners also bought lots across the road for parking, garages, gardens, etc.) I'd every so often get a knock on the door from a neighbor asking if they could get rid of some bulky item that the trash wouldn't take. I think we had a couple of old screen doors and a toilet full commode in there, along with a couple of computers. I called the company to ask if the computers were okay, and she said yes, because they'd separate the contents before trashing or recycling (and this was in 1997, so recycling attitudes have progressed a bit since then.) I'll offer a spin-off story from that process: I remember one day when the next door neighbor knocked and asked a favor. Dad used to have a free-standing swinging bench that he got from L.L. Bean that went out on the deck overlooking the water every spring. They had a joke between the households that it wasn't spring until the swing was out. Tom wanted to know if they could buy that from the estate if no one else wanted it. I was quite sure that someone would claim it, so I didn't leave it to chance. I asked if Tom knew where it was, and we went poking around my Dad's shed (the house was smaller than this shed) and we found it. I gave it to Tom, pointing out that no one in my family would miss it since they wouldn't know it was there (or probably remember, at any rate) and Tom and his wife had a history with it. Susan, I have news: it has been a seesaw. ;-D Looks like this weekend will be the one to try to get in the last mow of the back yard. That'll probably be enough for the season. The front yard has more activity and will require some additional trimming along with running the mower to mulch in leaves a couple of times. I won't drain the gas from the mower yet. I'm considering how things are arranged here, not just trunks, but also books, dishes, etc. Kat sprucing up her beading collection reminds me that all of my beading materials are in an antique secretary in the bedroom. It is a lovely old piece with a glass-front bookshelf on each side. I have a few books, a few antiques kind of casually stored there. It is a lovely display piece, and maybe it would be better situated in a different room, with small more expensive antiques or glass in it. Beading materials might need a better place to reside, or the shelves could serve to display and organize the work. Either way, I need to rethink what this desk is doing. SRS |
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22 Oct 10 - 03:36 PM (#3013225) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Has anyone tried the Bagster yet? ~Susan |
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22 Oct 10 - 05:34 PM (#3013314) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg :~( Bagster is not available in our area, DAMN. (Yet.) SRS likes to call this next bit "counting coup." It does feel that way today, where thanks to community connections a number of items are flowing around to their better places. OK, friends gave us a washer, and AC, and a heater to tote away because they were moving and they didn't need them but had to leave an empty house for their buyer, and on the quick. Their hired help loaded them and I duly drove them away. I agreed to pay for the lot. (We wanted the AC. It fits our main BR and will work up there, I think, despite wiring challenges.) So I asked around if anyone in need (locally) needed the heater or washer-- nope. I ran ads. Nope. Tho now that it is spoken for I did just get a call on that heater, dammit. But-- Next down the "food chain" in my get-rid-of-it flow is the nearby junk dealer we've known for years-- he cleared out our debris after our Dec. 2000 fire. "Sure, I'll take 'em, and I have a buyer for the heater, but I have no spare cash." Suits me-- he usually has merch I want. So I peeled off to take a little lookie around the stock, and I have discovered where he tends to put the "good stuff" (far from his cigarillo's). BINGO! I was looking for a dresser that would fit up the VERY narrow attic stairway. I got, instead, a low, many-shelved white bookcase (MATCH!), and a tall, slim, metal (2-door) locker with many shelves (MATCH!), AND a really nice wing chair WITH matching ottoman I "need" for the silly little landing-room outside our main bedroom-- which has always worked best as a sitting room. Couldda been a nursery. It's an odd little space that leads to other hallways and rooms in the once-divided-up second floor of the main house. I decided to declut the storage crapola that has been sitting there as a project for next week, and put it back to a sitting area, because if we take hunters in the rentable room we will want an upstairs lair of our own the weeks we yield the LR/cable TV to them.... we have a nice TV up there, but we lack the space and one of two easy chairs (have second). Well, we dazzled the junk man again, and waltzed off with the whole lot. The tall locker, I didn't really "NEED," and would have left it there if we could not close the deal, but they loaded it all up and I already know where to put it ALL. I have ugly wooden shelves up in that attic room that need some work-- I can do THAT next spring and put that locker up there NOW, with pretty (cheap!) shelfpaper to serve as a dresser. And it is skinny enough to go up those stairs, and there is a tall wall to hold it where it will look like it was built to match the white iron bedstead for the double bed. TOO CUTE! The wing chair (sturdy, good wood under new upholstery) came with a matching ottoman, also just re-upholstered. The ottoman is narrower than the one I was using in the LR-- much better for my shortie legs-- and the green one can go up with the small pink wing chair of choice, while this newer, larger one sits in my LR as the "spare" by the front door where a chair is needed but seldom used. (The dusty-salmon-pink one coordinates with the landing colors-- MATCH!) The bookcase? In the attic room, where a smaller brown one now sits. The brown can sit outside the room door (in the tiny landing) to store spare lightbulbs and anything else not needed INside the space. The brown one is very shallow and will hug the wall plus be low enough for generously-sized hips to pass (mine)! I think this metal locker locks, too, which any occupant (incl us) will appreciate. LOL, now that I think of it-- it looks just like a ladies' gun locker, and I AM advertising for hunters.... YEE-HAHHH! ~Susan |
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22 Oct 10 - 06:43 PM (#3013358) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Micca Life is a terrible trickster. Tomorrow I have to clean for the house concert - Seamus was visiting so it was pointless to vacuum. Now Micca is loose in my kitchen preparing a special meal. Hope he can keep it off the ceiling. Our Micca is an enthusiastic chef. LOL SINS, spoiled for an evening. |
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22 Oct 10 - 06:44 PM (#3013359) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Micca SINS above and here. He usurped my cookie. |
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23 Oct 10 - 12:55 AM (#3013508) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I thought it unusual that Micca would post on this thread. Susan, it sounds like you had quite a bartering trip, and yes, that report amounts to counting coups! Took photos tonight at a very sparsely attended meeting at the library. Most of our folks were either at the Rangers/Yankees game in town, or home watching. And since the Rangers will be going to the World Series next week, I'm sure they are glad they chose to watch the game. :) We had a bit of rain here this evening, I could tell by the puddles on the road as I approached the bridge near the house. So tomorrow there may be some good weeding, and hopefully any more rain holds off until I can finish my mowing. I've cleared the hall, I mentioned that, but I think I'll set some of these things from my office and front room in that hall so that tomorrow I notice, then can sort through and either toss, recycle, or consolidate some of the things that were probably waiting to be filed. They may not be needed or wanted, so a trip to the recycle bin for paper would be nice tomorrow. Off to bed with Harry Potter. I'd like to finish another couple of books at least before the next film comes out. I'm on book three (Prisoner of Askaban) right now. SRS |
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23 Oct 10 - 04:48 AM (#3013556) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall We made it to Edmonton this afternoon. Tried to sneak in some shopping on the way to the birthday party but got trapped in very slow moving traffic on the highway. Spent two hours going a distance that should have taken less than 30 minutes. The store closed for the night before we got there. It was nice to see everyone who came from out of town to surprise our soon to be 40 year old son. A full day of group activity is planned for tomorrow, starting with breakfast. Sunday, we'll head back to BC. The weather forecasters are warning there will be snow. rags |
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23 Oct 10 - 10:57 AM (#3013702) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I'm seeing Andrea homing in on her place.........>>>>>>>> GOGOGOGO! ~S~ |
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23 Oct 10 - 01:10 PM (#3013777) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Sorted the contents of a box on the floor in my office, with some in the shredder, some in the recycle bin, and the stuff on my desk (again) needs to be filed, or perhaps recycled after a closer look. But the box is off the floor. Will list a few small things on eBay this morning since my first choice of activity, mowing the lawn, is out. The lawn is still too moist. Did a weigh-in this morning. I tend to feel a sense of accomplishment each time I get into the next lower unit of 10 pounds (you know, 50, 40, 30, 20). I'm into the next lower 10, just barely. Depressing music on my classical station and a depressing topic on This American Life. Looks like it's time to fill the CD changer. :) SRS |
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23 Oct 10 - 02:53 PM (#3013809) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Now here's some non-depressing classical music! (Watch it to the end, the whole thing is charming. This 3-year-old really knows the piece.) Photographed some items to list on eBay. The rain has poured this afternoon, so no mowing this weekend. SRS |
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23 Oct 10 - 03:24 PM (#3013822) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Looks as though my decluttering may be on hold for a bit. Rog stepped off a small step ladder, the wrong way, on Thursday at work, and managed to fracture two bones in his right heel! He kept working because "it didn't hurt much," but by the time he came home he couldn't put any weight on it at all. Didn't want to go to hospital, so yesterday morning, when he realised it was worse than he thought, we went to Urgent Care, spent most of the day there and at the hospital in xray and CAT scan, as they thought two other small bones might be broken, they're not, thank goodness. So, they splinted it until the swelling from ligament stress goes down. He's to get a cast on Monday. So, I am chief cook, chauffeur, bottlewasher, hunter-gatherer, etc., etc. I did a few things yesterday, mostly making sure Rog was comfortable and keeping his foot elevated. The doc asked if we wanted a wheelchair, but we told her, from my experience, an office chair works much better in this house, esp. with no arms on it. So he's got that plus crutches. We hired Morgan for the morning, to help me. He vacuumed; took up a wood strip between the hall floor and living room floor so Rog can get over it more easily with the chair; carried a laundry basket back to the bedroom; and, went grocery shopping with me. Little too rambunctious and excited, BUT he was able to load ALL of the groceries for me from the cart to the space inside the side door of our minivan. By then, I called my daughter for more troops. I knew he'd need my help to get it all in the house and I was not up for it, so my SIL came over, carried all the bags in in two trips which would have taken us several, and I sent Morgan home with a five dollar bill with a promise of another when he comes back tomorrow to help with the litter boxes and mopping. He wants to do those, esp. the mopping! Oh, and he's going to do the trash, too. His mom also promised him five dollars if he got a good report from me. Which he did, of course.:-) If I get some rest, I may try to get more put up on etsy and the bookstore, tomorrow, and I have jewellery supplies which should be here by Tuesday. Monday we go to the doc's to get the cast. You know, I am grateful it was only his foot. I realise how much Rog does for me and sometimes wonder what I would do if something happened to him. His heart is in good shape and all of his bloodwork is fine; but extreme job stress can take its toll and there's been a lot of that, lately. With this, I am getting a good idea of what it would be like in some ways and I get to do so with him intact, so to speak, right here with me, so it may sound a bit odd, but I am grateful it was only his foot. Heck of a way to finally get him to take some time off, though! And, he will be right back in there, cast and crutches as soon as the doc says okay. It is Workman's Comp, so I KNOW he will have to listen to them! Thanks for listening. I am off for a lie down, then late lunch. kat |
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23 Oct 10 - 04:46 PM (#3013871) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Kat, you and Morgan pamper Rog as much as he'll let you. Sometimes when the shoe is on no ones foot (so to speak) like this, you find those inner resources you haven't tested for a while. I think you'll come out of this feeling better about your coping skills and realize your health is improving. I've decided to offer a flurry of small items on eBay this afternoon, assuming the power stays on. Storms have flowed over the area quite a bit today. SRS |
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24 Oct 10 - 12:08 AM (#3014013) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL HMMMMMM How does Morgan feel about older women? At this rate he will earn more than I do. Keep Roger off his feet, Kat. And watch your own stress levels. Sorry. SINS |
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24 Oct 10 - 01:56 AM (#3014036) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Whew! There were seven shirts of various sizes and colors left from a bunch of shirts from the fast food place where my daughter's roommate worked in high school. These hung on the corner of the wire shelves in my pantry and were in the way. This evening I photographed and listed them all. I started them low enough so there might be some interest, and now they're in the system if they don't sell I can hold them a little while and relist later. They're packed and the envelopes are in their own plastic bin in the sun room so I don't lose track of any of them. Two auctions end tomorrow, both have watchers, one has bids. I've just finished getting one last one listed, some expired HP ink cartridges my ex gave me a few months ago. We thought they might go in my neighbor's printer, but hers is a different size. Even expired, they might sell if the price is right. I find that if I don't have any investment in them myself it's easier to start them at .99 and that tends to bring a higher price in the end. A note to folks who are considering posting to eBay: I've stopped using Chrome to list items, because it seems to block the preview screen. It may be that it sees this as a popup, but I find Firefox doesn't block me when I work, so I stay with that browser. Tomorrow I have to do some laundry and general cleaning, but I'll see if I can get some more stuff listed. I think I may shift over to doing some work at Mahalo also, because for all of the work that is involved with this listing, I could spend the same time at Mahalo and earn more cash. I've been doing my reference library stuff over there for a while, though I dropped off at the end of the summer when they changed their payment scheme. I'd have to agree to X amount of work to earn cash, but I think that would work out okay for me. SRS |
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24 Oct 10 - 01:00 PM (#3014353) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg OK, I have a week's worth of days to fill up keeping busy-- each afternoon can be one declut. Today: Laundry, dishes Monday: Landing sitting room part 1; regular upstrs chores Tuesday: Sitting room part 2, next pix for attic room, trash Wednesday: More laundry, clean dnstrs loo Thursday: Vac office, hallway, & sitting room Friday: Clean laundry room Saturday: Police porches Sunday: Pack for my W Va. trip Monday: Get ready for my departure ~S~ |
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24 Oct 10 - 02:09 PM (#3014410) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Laundry is almost done; the last load is washing now. Looking around the basement, I noticed that it is TOTALLY DRY all around the edges, even after the rain we had the last two days. It's because I had the drain cleaned out this summer. Somebody (the plumber) finally explained to me that I have a French drain around the edges of my 1920's basement, and how it worked. Who knew??? It being dry now, will make the house feel warmer this winter, I hope. |
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24 Oct 10 - 03:27 PM (#3014449) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage What do you do to clean a French drain? I thought about one for my yard, until we finally figured the culprit in the water on the living room floor was an incorrectly mounted gutter over the back door. Funneling it into the chimney cracks instead of away from the house. Laundry is also in here. Seems a shame, with such a new high-tech machine to only use it a couple of loads of laundry a week. That will vary, if anyone comes home for the summer or long breaks from school. I'm about at the end of the first 2 weeks of this diet; the plan has you to shift over to a more varied but still low-carb dining for a couple of weeks. You can still lose weight on the maintenance part of the plan, but usually not as much. I've put a chicken to thaw in a tub in the sink and have a beautiful acorn squash to fix tonight. I'll add back some whole grains and more things like sweet potatoes and squash for the next couple of weeks. And I'll have some granola for breakfast. The garden is producing some things big time, so I'll slice and freeze some peppers this afternoon. I need to also process more basil. Today what I pick will be trimmed (seed shoots) and hung to dry. I've frozen some of the leaves also. The garden needs weeding, but the hands have been tender. So far the things I've been testing haven't produced any positive results. It comes and goes, the sore cracks on my fingertips. It's a real pain, in more ways than one. Yes, I wear gloves of one sort or another. Household-wise, it's coasting until payday. I have, however assembled a small stack of coupons that are worth using soon. I have one for a complimentary oil change that must be used this week. Since the August trip added 3,000 miles I'm ready for another oil change. The other coupons will only get used if I can manage real savings in using them (they take percentages off of purchases in places that are already less expensive than big box grocery stores). SRS |
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24 Oct 10 - 04:46 PM (#3014517) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Laundry is in the works here too. One of the dogs got sick last night on Pete's chair so it has been taken all apart and the fabric washed, under pillow cleaned, etc. My kitchen is back to normal and I've been working on invitations...a struggle with my hands which haven't returned to normal (chemo induced neuropathy) just yet. I also spent some time handwriting letters today to folks that have been on my mind lately. I also spent time today tending to some extra grooming things for the dogs. :) WOOF. Eggs are washed for the week....although the hens aren't laying as many due to all the gas drilling/disturbances in the area. The loading of the dumpster has begun and will continue for the next week or so! Progress is GOOD! Michelle |
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24 Oct 10 - 05:11 PM (#3014528) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Michelle, here is an article that might interest you, from our local paper today: waste water recycling from fracking and gas drilling. SRS |
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24 Oct 10 - 05:46 PM (#3014547) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Must be laundry day! Rog and I were both up around 4a...his foot was hurting and I had to go pee...so we slept in a bit. After we got up, I stripped the bed, washed the sheets which are in the dryer now. I had to fold a load which was in there before drying them. I also did the week's dishes. Had to call the doc this morning for an adjustment in meds as I wasn't doing as well w/out the diuretic. BP was fine, just hard to catch my breath. She wants to see me this week Morgan came over and earned his other five bucks by mopping and taking the trash out. Did a great job..between his parents and us, he made $15 this weekend! We had a huge deluge last night complete with lightning, thunder, and hail. Odd for this time of year; exciting, even if it did make Rog cringe each time, hoping the transmitter wouldn't take a hit. Can't stay awake right now. Later, kat |
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24 Oct 10 - 07:52 PM (#3014628) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Today: Laundry, dishes Dishes soaking. Clean laundry folded and ready to put away. Dirty stuff gathered and ready to start washing. Printed, laminated, and punched, binderized (inserted) some new study materials for the week. Great news-- audio resources to supplement studies found (free) for return to pool as soon as I have pool bucks, YAY! Monday: Landing sitting room part 1; regular upstrs chores Took large empty box up to use in sorting, this aftn. (Brought one large item down that I need elsewhere.) Tuesday: Sitting room part 2, next pix for attic room, trash Wednesday: MRI and doc visit; more laundry, clean dnstrs loo Thursday: Vac office, hallway, & sitting room Friday: Clean laundry room Saturday: Police porches Sunday: Pack for my W Va. trip Monday: Get ready for my departure Friend happens to be coming into town, will spend one afternoon at his place I hope. ~S~ |
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24 Oct 10 - 08:10 PM (#3014634) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Jeri I did laundry yesterday. Today, I went to the gym. 15 minutes on the treadmill, weights, 15 minutes on the eliptical. I would have spent longer on the eliptical, but it was Sunday and there wasn't anything good on TV. (I flipped between "Planet Earth" and some movie on Lifetime.) It's weird, but when there's something interesting on the tube, I'm not bored and can exercise longer. Took a shower, then went to the supermarket. I had to buy some food for lunches to take to work. I wound up with Cream of celery soup, chicken breasts and farro. I never had farro before. Always wanted to try it, and I like it. Went home and made some stew-like substance with the soup, chicken and farro, along with some veggies. The big pot o' stuff will get me through the week, or get me through enough of it so I can freeze some and make a farro salad. (It's good with balsamic vinaigrette.) I played guitar a while and worked on a song. Now, I've got a facial masque on, and I'm considering supergluing a fingernail so it doesn't tear. So far, it makes me feel like I'm living life on the edge to just leave it as is. My life is full. |
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24 Oct 10 - 08:24 PM (#3014643) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine What I had cleaned out was the secondary drain (seldom used except by the humidifier) that ran to the outside & connected to the sewer. The other drain (for bathroom, kitchen & laundry) is separate. There may be some blockages between the drain tiles that go around the house, but I'd have to dig up the whole foundation to get to them. But they seem to be working well enough, so I shouldn't have to do that. At least I think I explained that right. |
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24 Oct 10 - 10:40 PM (#3014678) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Clean sheets on the bed, showers taken (Rog used a lawn chair in the shower), and all other laundry folded and taken to bedroom, at least. We are going to hit the sack early...busy day tomorrow. |
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25 Oct 10 - 12:47 AM (#3014708) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Tell Rog I feel for him, and know what it is like to have to favor that foot. The more he can keep it up, the faster it will heal. When I had bunion surgery it was a month before I was legally able to drive. I did some short trips - it was about 1 mile to the post office, the grocery store, and the bank. I had a sandal that was loose enough to put on over the bandages when I drove instead of the surgical boot. There are medications that deal with the swelling that really can help. Second load of laundry is in. I roasted a chicken tonight, but it was going to take so long that I pulled a boneless chicken breast out of the freezer and sauteed it. There was a small pizza crust in the freezer and between the two and some basil and cheese, I had a nice non-diet personal pizza dinner. Not too bad. Very small crust, and not a lot of cheese. Spinach and fruit also. I'll make a point of eating a lot of veggies for the next couple of weeks. And speaking of veggies, the other thing I made tonight was an acorn squash. I halved it and put it cut side down on an oiled pan in the oven for an hour and a quarter. I adore acorn squash fixed this way, when the juice has caramelized on the foil during baking, and you scoop it out of the skin with a spoon. I ate about 1/4 of that and the rest is in the fridge. Lots of good leftovers for this week. I cut and trimmed and rinsed some basil. It's in the garage right now wilting, then I'll hang it in the house to dry. SRS |
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25 Oct 10 - 07:11 AM (#3014825) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre We had fresh turnips from the garden last night and chicken....I love fresh turnips!!!! This morning Jeremiah and I are off to a Mommy and Me class, later some grocery shopping for essentials and a walk if it's nice. :) Michelle |
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25 Oct 10 - 07:52 AM (#3014846) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy I'm still waiting for council searches to come back, but all paperwork should be done this week, I hope. I've just now got to get the agents to pay me back one of the 2 lots of fees they've been paid. I got sent a bill, which I paid, to get it out of the way. The solicitor has also paid it as the agents, who sent me the thing, didn't actually tell me it was for information only! They say they will get the accounts dept to send me a cheque back - (she didn't know what to do at first as it never normally happens). They'd better send it! Apparently it's always paid by the legal people. Anyway, I'm just back from Musicport festival, and getting on with the washing. of course, I acquired some new clutter from the trade stalls.... Andrea |
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25 Oct 10 - 10:32 AM (#3014958) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg LOL, I think Andrea here has the best sense of priorities. Please know that I may be in hospital this week, and have left this thread's URL for my distant son Dave to *see* how I am doing. To anyone who has an "issue" with that-- well, deal with HIM! A nightly phone check is scheduled and an AM in-person check is in the works-- in case pets need attention. Monday: Landing sitting room part 1; regular upstrs chores Took large empty box up to use in sorting, ydy. (Brought one large item down that I need elsewhere.) Took before pix this AM. Going back up shortly for chores. AM studies AWESOME with new resources. One load of laundry soaking. A bit left to put away (mostly done). Tuesday: Sitting room part 2, next pix for attic room, trash-- lunch and POOL in town. Wednesday: MRI and doc visit; more laundry, clean dnstrs loo Thursday: Vac office, hallway, & sitting room, POTTER COUNTY visit for water/see friend. Friday: Clean laundry room Saturday: Police porches Sunday: Pack for my W Va. trip Monday: Get ready for my departure Friend happens to be coming into town, will spend one afternoon at his place I hope. ~S~ |
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25 Oct 10 - 10:56 AM (#3014983) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Susan, one of these days one of your friends here is going to start a thread to keep track of you, like they keep track of Sinsull and Micca and Kendall and LilyFestre and others. Then it will all be in one place (and save a lot of searching all over, perhaps resulting in some virtual decluttering!) Looks like rain over the weekend and wind today are going to declutter the neighborhood trees of the leaves. And then I inherit them from all around me. I have few trees that drop leaves, but neighbors with oak and mulberry do. And it all seems to drift to my yard. On the indoor front, laundry is all washed and dried, some hung up, none folded yet. That's a good activity for television watching. And speaking of television, did anyone else turn on the new Sherlock Holmes on Masterpiece Mystery!? I had to turn on the closed caption feature on my television to understand what they were saying. This isn't one of the British dramas that moves along sedately with clear articulation. There is no effort to lose the regional accents and the Jack Webb clip to the dialog makes it more difficult. I hope they rethink the delivery and slow the pace a hair. It's difficult to even read the text at that rate. Andrea, I did wonder, when you said you paid that bill, if it was unusual in the UK compared to here. The people at that office should have sent the check back to you without your having to dun them for it. The legal (closing) folks do it here, also. So much to do this week, the last week of the month. Will report as tasks are put to bed. SRS |
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25 Oct 10 - 10:59 AM (#3014985) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Oh HELL, I forgot Hardi wants to mow DOG WORLD next week-- Ninja Luke will have to help me; I'll have to set up AM chores (in sunlight) so he can do the necessaries out there in the evening?!?!? Because there are summer items to stash before the mower chews them up, and pix to take so I know how to resume in the spring-- there was a change to the chill-pool that relied on a visual to implement it.... Maybe Sadie is going out to the backyard kennel for the week, too, so at least she can enjoy the last of the warm days... ~S~ |
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25 Oct 10 - 01:48 PM (#3015141) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine I started watching the Holmes program, because I've been reading SH since I was 12 or so. Clever idea, but I didn't see the whole thing. Somehow I dozed off in the middle. By the time I woke up, I'd missed too much, so I turned it off & went to bed. I'll check the schedule & see if they broadcast it again. Maryanne |
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25 Oct 10 - 05:23 PM (#3015289) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Well, a productive afternoon in the home office resulted in two big long-pending jobs (missed the pre- and post-Clonidine deadlines with a bad cold). Done and going out the door, one out now via email-list built, and one tangble going out in tomorrow's "regular Tuesday" boro chores. One left for later this evening. Laundry is doing itself downstairs, I see the junkman finally picked up the washer and heater off the porch, and I'm on to the declut of the landing space. I left dogs on patrol downstairs and I cranked up the heat up here-- it's COLD and wet this afternoon! Missed "urgent" aftertnoon calls due to cell phone acting up. I hate it when a good tool goes bad, bad, very bad. ~Susan |
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25 Oct 10 - 05:39 PM (#3015303) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing We didn't know the SH was on or would have tried it. Instead, I tried a few episodes of Pushing Daisies available on netflix. Kind of funny, definitely quirky, kind of boring after a while. Don't know if I'll watch any more. We did enjoy a movie called Outsourced. It was really good. I have crossed everything off of my TO DO list, today, including calling for two doc appts., changing coumadin clinic appt. time, taking Rog to the doc where he got an even bulkier wrap to cushion the swelling another ten days when they will probably put him in a "boot;" then I went into the health food store for figs and fish oil capsules; drove to Kmart, took in some clothes I decided not to keep; drove down the street to Walmart where we both went in. Rog used one of their motorised carts, he was turning wheelies, looked as though he'd driven one all of his life! I couldn't keep up with him. I told him I think a hot item to invest in would be tandem carts with ageing baby boomers in mind! Can't you just hear it, "Daisy, Daisy...you'll look sweet, upon the seat of a motor' cart built for two!" LOL! So, I took all of the bags out to the car, loaded them, then picked him up at the door. I did it...but I sure felt tired. Lots of accountability for me, today. Now we are home and have new clothes in the washer. The man has never worn sweatpants! He's finally going to try them since nothing he owns fits over the wraps on his leg. And, I finally found some 100% cotton tops I like, like the ones my dau. and I bought at least seven years ago and I wore out to nothing. I am so psyched, plus they are only XL and fit!! I use them not only for daytime, but also for sleepwear. Now that I have found them, I am going to go back and get a few more. They will last me for a long time. |
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25 Oct 10 - 06:14 PM (#3015322) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Having to accommodate bandages or casts does cause some wardrobe changes. When I was a kid I broke my leg and had the full-length cast, and some split down the seam jeans legs that went with it. I don't remember (but suspect) my mother doing laundry a lot, but I'm sure I wore just a couple of pairs like that so she wouldn't have to destroy my whole wardrobe. Paid a bill, listed another eBay item, and will make a brief run to the store. I didn't feel good much of the morning and afternoon, lethargic, achy, probably the weather shifting and allergies getting a purchase on my system. Ugg. I'll work this evening to make up for what I didn't do part of the day when I hoped a nap would help. The more I want to move stuff out of here, the smaller the items seem to be that I end up listing. Earrings. How much space does that take in the house? But on the card are some pretty copper and silver Native American earrings I bought years ago when I was visiting my Dad's home and never wear. They were made by one of the tribal artists that lives on the reservation where he had his house. (I always stop at that store to buy locally caught and prepared smoked salmon). They were in a basket with some other odds and ends that I ended up tossing or putting where they actually belong. Cleared out the little basket for some other loose jewelry. Kat, I have some heavy flannel sleep pants that I got a couple of years ago that I love (the kids wear those also, and we all sleep in long t-shirts). Too soon for those yet; I made the bed with a thermal blanket and a wool blanket this week, but the last couple of nights it has been so warm I've folded the blankets over and just used the sheet. Fall in Texas, quite changeable. My A/C came on a couple of times today. SRS |
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25 Oct 10 - 08:11 PM (#3015392) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I'm just excited at the thought of him wearing anything with an elastic waistband. I think he will like it and I know I will because I won't be telling him to hike his pants up all the time. He's got about 20lbs too many, around his waist.:-) Thanks for telling us about SH. I found a place to watch it online HERE, so we are having supper in front of my PC to watch it. Looks good! |
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25 Oct 10 - 11:03 PM (#3015449) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage A trusted someone on Twitter gave me the address of the programs via bit torrent a couple of months ago, but I saved them, didn't get a chance to watch, and now I'll go back and watch a second time to get the details I missed just trying to keep up with the dialog. I sent you a link via Twitter with the links. See if the programs are still there (with bit torrent it is kind of a moving target). If you click on them they'll ask where to save them. If you have a movie file, park them there. When you click on them, your media player should open automatically. You can enlarge them more than the PBS thing will let you. This afternoon I called my Chevy dealer about a free oil change coupon they sent, and I don't need an appointment. If I take a test drive at the same time, I'll get a gift card at an outdoor store up the road. The thing about test drives is that they make your own vehicle seem so dated, but I am curious to see what they've changed in the pickups. So I may do the drive to get the card and can use it for the holidays. Someone asked me to relist a shirt that expired over the weekend on eBay. This time it is an auction and has a Buy It Now price. No response so far. I'm nickel-and-diming my way out of this cluttered house by listing things on eBay, to be sure, but I can see a difference. SRS |
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25 Oct 10 - 11:42 PM (#3015463) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks, SRS. I was wondering what the twitter was as it just showed some kind of link,but only led to your twitter blog type thingie. I'll look at it, again, in the morning. We're off t'bed now.:-) |
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26 Oct 10 - 12:13 AM (#3015470) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Here's a wonderful trick to share with you! Go to this page and, without clicking or depressing a mouse button, run your mouse over the photo from the top to the bottom. This is Hong Kong, daytime and after sunset. Wonderful trick! Kat, depending on the version of Twitter you're using, I'm not sure where the links will appear. But I sent it as a direct message to you. If you open your direct messages, you should find the right links. SRS |
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26 Oct 10 - 12:13 AM (#3015471) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg The landing project got trumped by a new professional opportunity around the study resources I found and fell into deeply the last few days. There's that deep, satisfied "Ahhhhhhh...." at finding what I had been looking so hard for, dropped into my lap TBTG along the hunt-- and of COURSE I reckanized it as soon as it hove into view! The landing-room project can just go in a flash when I get to it! I also had a screamingly hilarious phone-time with my son, earlier this evening, who totally "gets" me. Oh my he really got me going! ~Susan |
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26 Oct 10 - 08:43 AM (#3015696) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: SINSULL Micca leaves today and have gained four pounds. SIGH! All that wine and eating out. Back to thhe grindstone this week. SINS (burp) |
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26 Oct 10 - 10:44 AM (#3015805) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre The third load of laundry is in the washer waiting for the second load to come out, the dishwasher is on, my counters look beautiful, the table is clear and clean (it's my catch all area in a big way), living room and downstairs hallway swept, diaper bag emptied and reloaded, bottles made, baby napping and soon we will be off to have a birthday lunch with a friend. Afterwards we'll be coming back here for an Oprah-a-thon....shows we've both been wanting to catch but haven't had the time....it feels like a huge luxury to just hang out and watch tv with a friend. :) Also, pellet stove area cleaned down really well (basic sweeping and wiping down the stone base that collects quite a bit of dust from daily inside cleaning) the furnace guys will be coming to install a part that needs replacing sometime this week. Michelle |
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26 Oct 10 - 11:16 AM (#3015839) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg When I went up last night I decluttered several boxes from landing that had set there waiting to be dispersed to their proper rooms-- all goodies, too. All that is left now in the landing room is stuff I actually have to SORT-- about 2 med. boxes-- plus one large boix of Hardi's stuff I will NOT sort but leave for his handling. One bulky item came down for handling-- carpet scraps from the rug Hardi and friend laid for me last YEAR in my office. BRIGHT magenta, not sure how big the biggest piece is or how to use it til I get it out of the bag-- for winter boot wipage/drippage probably. To pressure wash in the spring. The smaller pieces can be used in the chill-pool project for the spring, so I can set them out in the vicinity of Dog World and find them, then. A nice check to cover the pool fee arrived this AM, making the trip to take the trash out to the road (while Ed minded the phone in case I fell) unusually worthwhile. Nice timing, since the audio study resources to resume pool world are loaded on my player all set to go. ~Susan |
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26 Oct 10 - 01:46 PM (#3016022) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg The rug scraps DO equal the laundry room/mud room entry path, YAY! No Ninja Luke so far, but Adrian is coming tomorrow, YAY! ~S~ |
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26 Oct 10 - 03:36 PM (#3016121) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine I roasted a chicken this morning, so I should be able to eat from it for the rest of the week. Our power is out just now. We had a big storm come thru and a power line came down behind me and a couple houses north. It didn't take me out right away, but I see Edison trucks around, so it must be off while they fix it. Hope it's back soon, because I have my neighbor's crockpot plugged in because she was out before me. Fortunately I left the garage door open, just in case we did lose power, so at least I can get around. I have a guy coming tomorrow to give me an estimate on blinds for the small livingroom & diningroom windows; the big windows already have drapes. Maryanne |
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26 Oct 10 - 04:05 PM (#3016148) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy The original cheque was sent to the finance dept in another part of the country. However, I have had a phone call today, and it appears that the cheque from the solicitor hasn't yet arrived, and so they are going to send it straight back to them when it does, as the solicitor is aware that the bill's already been paid. Have had today at a theme park in the west Midlands with 3 young children - and heavy rain! I got a call from Ruth saying that she's coming up tomorrow and bringing some cases of cider up, as the one I let the new local cheese shop have last week has all but been sold already! (Looks like I will be sharing my bed tomorrow, so I had better clear a bigger path into the room). Andrea |
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26 Oct 10 - 11:06 PM (#3016411) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Maryanne, I hope you have power back. We had a terrific storm come through the other night...the lightning hit so close even my Rog was impressed and we had a deluge of rain, hail and wind. Our lights flickered, but never went out, thank goodness. Andrea, I am so happy for you...it is finally happening and YOU made it so...it just seems to be so *right* for you, right now. Congratulations! You continue to be one of my hero(ines!) This morning I took Rog into work for the first time since he broke his heel. We were there for about an hour while he lined out some work for others and conferred with the GM. Then we went to my doc. Then home to meet the O2 guy for a change of portable equipment and a bit to eat. Rog managed a shower this evening with his leg wrapped in a garbage bag and me directing the sprayer part of the time. Good thing after we put clean sheets on the bed yesterday! Got my new jewellery supplies. My focussing ability is almost non-existent at the moment so it will have to wait. Looks good though...all the pretty new things.:-) |
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26 Oct 10 - 11:25 PM (#3016416) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Same storm, Kat. I was only out for about 2 hours while they fixed the line. M |
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26 Oct 10 - 11:41 PM (#3016422) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing It hit in WY where my sisters are, too, Maryanne! Any storm in a port, eh?**bg** |
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27 Oct 10 - 01:12 AM (#3016452) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Sounds like you're all managing various levels of adversity. We had a wind alert yesterday, probably the lowest reaches of that huge storm that trounced the mid-west. I took the dogs for a nice long walk again this evening. It is sometimes an effort to get myself out the door, but once we start walking it's great. It will get easier as the weigh comes off. I always have a lot more energy with I'm at my "normal" weight. I made a 1/2 batch of the same tortillas I made for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I ate two and put the other four in the freezer. The interim light eating (but not the same rigid diet) says limit of 2 slices of bread a day. I filled them with a fajita filling - sweet banana pepper slices, onion slices, seasoning, and shredded chicken. I do like having a bird as leftovers in the fridge for a variety of dishes; that diet proscribes the meal every day and you can't use the bird fast enough before it gets too old. This evening I have been photographing another eBay item. It is a small, rounded shiny enamel and silver compact. It must have been purchased in the 1920s, the price tag is still inside. 39 cents. This one has very little sign of it's age, only a couple of tiny nicks in it. Shiny round things are difficult to photograph, to light and focus and keep your reflection out. I've tried close; tomorrow in daylight I'll try it with a telephoto lens outside (I'll be way back, focusing in on it). That should let it all be in focus and the focal plane won't be quite as shallow as it is up close. SRS |
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27 Oct 10 - 07:08 AM (#3016602) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Hell, I ain't managing no adversity, I iz harvesting "opportun'ies," as a hockey commentator here spels it. Correspondence with potential hunting guests (and a cabin-leasing mentor in a faraway state) is underway. I'm gonna go back and read ALL LF's posts about yayhoo hunters, plan to how to handle/convert the issues she covered so well, and rake in the "tips." Since we rent we cannot get in on the gas boom, but by golly we can serve pie and local restaurant fare! Adrian's coming at 9 to kick some ass on dirt and stairway carpeting. Ed's coming to check on him while I leave for a bit do an MRI. ~Susan |
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27 Oct 10 - 10:32 AM (#3016767) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage My list is quite involved today. None of it de-cluttering to speak of. Last night I moved a little more of the stuff that is in the hall outside my office; in this instance, from a little eddy of items that piled up next to the big lumpy archaic video game of my son's that is stored behind the side door. Moved the tub of tile adhesive to under the newly placed wire shelves and took a couple of unused soaker hoses out to the garage. I have another one lying in a garden out front I have to roll and put away. The old bag of cat litter that I don't use for anything (and because it's clay probably wouldn't provide much traction in the ice) is going to the garage. There's a spot of oil under the pickup it can soak up. And that will clear out that pile that was generally out of the way but didn't look great. A question came for an eBay item, and I see more watchers. Looks promising, but no bids yet. All stuff I want out of here that will add nickels and dimes to my PayPal account. SRS |
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27 Oct 10 - 11:35 AM (#3016810) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Jeremiah and I went to a Mommy and Me class this morning....lots of fun activity going on there as well as some singing. :) Later today we will be doing the bulk of our grocery shopping for next month. I made a menu and am happy to say that it's all point friendly, mostly core/filling foods. :) It's a beautiful sunny day here in Pennsylvania....can't wait to get back out in the sunshine!! Tschuss! Michelle |
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27 Oct 10 - 06:21 PM (#3017213) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg He came, he saw, he kicked ASS. [shaking head] Adrian is FAR too good with tools to do much more cleaning, but he made my woodwork and my feelthy kitchen cabinets shine. My house SMELLS-- smells GOOD! I mean it blows my mind to reach for one to open it-- like a cat shying off a new thing it almost touched? These are not MY cabinets! The best fix was a new landing at the bottom of the dangerous stairs, raised to the level of the last and too-shallow step. We almost lost Dick Greenhaus on that step-- can you imagine?!?!?!?!-- and I finally feel, now, like it's SAFE for anyone with reasonable caution. The whole goal with Adrian was getting key rooms to the point of not-grimy, ex-disgustingness-- so we can MAINTAIN them in that state. ~Susan |
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27 Oct 10 - 06:59 PM (#3017253) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Today I used two coupons. One was for a complimentary oil change (I usually go to a place near work and it's about $26). Chevy wants me to go look at the new models. So I looked at the new models while I waited, so they gave me a gift card for $30 to a local outdoors (Cabela's) store north of town. My daughter shops there every so often, so there you go, a nice stocking stuffer. I need to vote, I didn't get out of the oil change in time to go vote early, but I'll do it tomorrow. I paid a couple of bills, and picked up dog food. I also checked with the vet, and the whole peanuts in the shell (I got unsalted roasted this time) are fine for the dogs. They sure love them for treats! I'm going to pick up dog poop today and mow the back tomorrow, hopefully for the last time this year. The next week looks like the weather is nice, so I'll plan some yard work. I brought in quite a few large cherry tomatoes this evening, and gave most of the okra to the next door neighbors. I hadn't picked for a couple of days so a handful of big ones will go in the compost. Tonight I'll list another eBay item. I've done most of the work on photos, just a little more description is needed. SRS |
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27 Oct 10 - 07:40 PM (#3017295) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg Susan..I hope you up your goal to be able to afford him on a weekly basis, funded with room rentals, or perhaps the work that came your way recently. There is no reason whatsoever if we are not especially good at something to keep someone from earning money who is, when we can earn money doing something we enjoy and are better at. As you get rental money, how about not just non-disgusting, but clean and pleasant, hereby enjoying your house more and attracting renters more easily...mg |
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27 Oct 10 - 08:43 PM (#3017345) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Yes, thanks-- we are negotiating a weekly (shorter) visit to maintain what has been cleaned. But I expect him to be too busy with tool jobs before long. ~Susan |
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28 Oct 10 - 12:27 AM (#3017427) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I may have found the store, still in existence, where my great aunt bought the Art Deco compact that I'm listing. Back then there was a New Haven tag in it, but the store appears to have also been in nearby Ansonia as well. I'll call tomorrow and ask if they might be the source of this tag I'm looking at. Interesting. Didn't get a walk today, but I did some yard work and tomorrow I'll try to find time to mow the back. I smelled something dead back near the pine trees but couldn't find it. Might be very small, a snake or lizard. It was twilight when I was looking. Sounds like people are encouraging Sunday night trick or treating here instead of on Monday. Chances are people will do it both nights, or not at all, it's a toss up some years. I think it means I'll need to keep the dogs in both nights, and be sure there are no tripping hazards near the doors. I'll leave the porch lights off, that usually discourages folks. Some years I give out candy, but when I'm trying to lose weight myself, I'm not introducing that temptation into the house. What about the rest of you? Do you decorate, dress up, or do anything for Halloween, do you give out candy, or do you disappear for a while? SRS |
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28 Oct 10 - 06:44 AM (#3017572) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: ragdall SRS, I haven't heard any suggestion about changing Halloween to Monday, here. That would be confusing! For decorations I put a light bulb into a plastic jack-o-lantern and set it on a table in the window. My husband loves to hand out treats to the children who come to the door. I prefer to stay out of sight until it's over. The past four years, I've gone over to my son's house and helped supervise my grandchildren as they went begging door to door. That was followed by hot chocolate and watching my son light a few fireworks in their yard. They moved 152 km (94 miles) away from here this past summer. With Halloween on a Sunday night and school the next day, they've decided not to come back to town for it. I'd like to go there and go out with the children as usual, but that would mean leaving my elderly husband home alone and driving my thirty-two year old clunker there and back, possibly on snowy or icy roads. I'll probably stay home and hide in my room as I used to do. rags |
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28 Oct 10 - 08:31 AM (#3017627) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Dark country road, nowhere for kids to walk. We kill the porch lights in the remote possibility anyone would be foolish enough to try it here. Some town activities have been hosted at the church. I used to have a small role in the town activities when I managed the Red Cross. When I had an office in town I always set out candy for the afternoon children's supervised walk if it was routed past us. But when I was 11 or 12 I got arrested one Halloween.... it turns out it's NOT a good idea to throw eggs at cars with little bubblegum machines on top, nor to swear a blue streak at the partner running after you lickety split, who turns out to be the guy arresting you, nor to run straight into a bush backed by a fence, either. But those were years when kids were expected to be kids, and the little chat back at the copshop actually worked, and see how I turned out? ~Susan |
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28 Oct 10 - 09:55 AM (#3017678) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Dishes are done, laundry is in the dryer, another load of clean, folded clothes has been taken upstairs to be put away. I'll soon start a large crockpot of chili to cook slowly while I work in the nursery today doing a little rearranging. I also have several packs of meat to separate, date and freeze today. The sun is shining and it's a windy day...I might just wash some blankets to hang out on the line...love that fresh smell! Michelle |
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28 Oct 10 - 10:47 AM (#3017711) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Great image, Susan lobbing eggs at police cars! I will savor that one. :) Sunday night is a school night just like Monday night, and Monday night is Halloween, so that's why I find it odd that people would this year choose to go a day early. This week I've finally begun using my living room reading corner the way I intended it ages ago. For a while it was shoved out of the way and had stuff piled on it. I have a bentwood rocker with a matching rocking hassock (my father probably bought these at Costco 20 years ago). With this I use a good goose neck lamp. Critical to this corner is a lamp positioned correctly (over the shoulder but set to avoid glare in the corner of the eye or on the inside of the glasses). I called to ask about the store this morning. Interesting history, but in the way of corporations, they buy each other up, keeping only the name, and the history of the old one is sometimes lost. Not sure if there is a connection, and the eBay hits on the name come up with unrelated products. I won't pursue it, just list the item. SRS |
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28 Oct 10 - 03:42 PM (#3017949) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Um, SRS, unless my calendar is wrong, Halloween is on Sunday..it's my Rog's birthday, too, so we tend to make sure we have the date right. Did a couple of loads of laundry, folded and put away from yesterday and one needing to be folded from last night. Yesterday was busy, today was rush out the door to give daughter ride to work, see my doc, drop Rog at work, see the therapist, pick Rog up, come home, eat lunch AND catch a quick nap before picking Morgan up. Haven't even had a chance to wrap my head around any other things, just yet. The past two weeks have been a bit rough, healthwise for both of us, and whirlwindy! |
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28 Oct 10 - 03:59 PM (#3017963) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Got a nice email from a friend late this morning wanting to go for an afternoon walk with our babies. :) We did 2 miles in the hilly section of town. Oxygenated cells = death to cancer cells. :) I feel GOOD! Also...bathroom got scrubbed down earlier this morning, walls included. Michelle |
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28 Oct 10 - 04:21 PM (#3017978) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Rocky Horror Picture Show is a big deal on campus here right before Halloween. I've never been to it, but I know a lot of people getting ready to "jump to the left" and go in costume. I've had a busy week getting things done. Took in the last of the pots/planters that had petunias. Since Saturday night, uploaded 3 pages of images (50 in all) to the Directory of Illustration. CLICK Walked my absentee ballot over to the courthouse (only 5 blocks). Paid the annual city tree trim and street cleaning tax. Off to the eye doc this afternoon for check up. Alice |
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28 Oct 10 - 05:51 PM (#3018035) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I see what I was looking at - the new calendar for January is on the wall behind the current calendar, and it is larger. They're both partially blocked because I haven't relocated the calendar since moving a cabinet, so the TV is partly blocking it. Sunday is Halloween. And that makes payday one day earlier!!! ;-D I voted today. I'm so very tired of all of the ads and the conversation that I'm simply not turning on the television or radio much. Good time to read a book and revisit my music collection. Sinuses are registering a weather change; I think it should remain clear, but tonight there will be frost warnings in outlying areas. I brewed a small pot of jasmine tea this afternoon in one of the kitchen gadgets I inherited from Dad, one of those French press things for making coffee. It also works for tea. Soon it will be weather for hot baths and cooking soups and stews. Something to look forward to! Found a tip on my garden guru's site today. He doesn't recommend using peat moss in the yard, but one good use he has identified is for storing root veggies. Especially if you don't have a root cellar in which to keep them. Dark and dry and in a tub of peat moss is the next best thing for around here, apparently. Works for garlic, and I hope it works for onions also, because that's what I find is hardest to store (I haven't grown potatoes yet an I don't do enough carrots to worry about storing them). SRS |
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28 Oct 10 - 06:16 PM (#3018054) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Great image, Susan lobbing eggs at police cars! I will savor that one. :) :~) Ain't? ~S~ |
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28 Oct 10 - 06:28 PM (#3018067) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre SRS, Thanks for sharing the tip about the peat moss! We have an unheated mud room and we store things in there, often in a closet that is slated to soon have built in shelves for more storage space for potatoes, squash, etc. :) Chili is simmering in the crockpot, potatoes are baking, corn bread ingredients assembled (to be made right before dinner), candles are lit and I just finished dusting the living room. It's nice in here! Michelle |
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28 Oct 10 - 08:34 PM (#3018148) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Here's a link to his newsletter talking about peat moss. I mowed and trimmed the back yard this evening, and that may well be the last time I'll have to. Since I don't water back there unless it is mid-summer and really dry and I want a portion of the grass green for the dogs, I don't water at all. There was a Thanksgiving about six or seven years ago when the whole gang that gets together was at my house (I'd gotten far enough along in the year and a half since moving in to have people over) and I mowed the back yard right around Halloween. It stayed looking like that for months. I hadn't planted much in that first year; I had moved out an incredible pile of dead trees, limbs, brush, and weeds, so a simple mowed lawn was a luxury. Thanksgiving was one of those wonderful sepia-toned fall days, and once the house was ready, as an afterthought, I put two patio chairs side by side, angled a little toward each other, about 1/3 of the way down the yard (it's quite long). Every so often that afternoon and evening I'd glance out and see a couple of people seated out there visiting. It was a wonderful feeling, to know that space was inviting. The kitchen counter has been collecting stuff for a few days. I'll clear it this evening. I got my exercise with the mowing, and today for lunch I had my daily quota of carbs. The books says 2 slices of bread a day; in this case, I stopped by a little Chinese takeout chain at the mall and got fried rice as the side with broccoli beef and kung pao chicken. I'll avoid the orange chicken because of the breading and grease (but I do love it). After reading about what really goes into chicken nuggets (only about 50% of the "meat" is actually chicken) I'll check and see what the ingredient list is before getting it again. I think they use real meat, but I want to be sure. Fish for dinner. My sinuses aren't happy after that dust and grass, and I think I inhaled a bug. I'll use the neti pot in a few minutes. SRS |
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28 Oct 10 - 09:01 PM (#3018155) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Oh I fergot-- I went to see friend today/fetch water, so what did he do-- filled and loaded all the jugs for me including HIS enormous jugs he lent us till spring. I left here with 10 empty gallons and came home with 30+ gallons of NFU water. He also lent me his personal copy of Gasland-- his DVD recorder is broken so I owe him bigtime for lending us that. I decluttered a complicated parochial matter today with another friend. A timely intervention. ~S~ |
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28 Oct 10 - 10:36 PM (#3018204) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: GUEST,mg I decluttered my ex-true love Patrick Fantastic. Ran into an old friend from college and had dinner with him and it turns out he and PF go hiking together still. Well, maybe it is more recluttered but I think I can put some old ghosts to rest now. mg |
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29 Oct 10 - 12:19 AM (#3018229) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Back from some shopping; had a couple of good coupons (dollars off total purchase, not off of particular items) at a discount store where I get a lot of this stuff already. Laundry is put away that was folded yesterday, groceries put away. Our little "dog world" is re-stuffed for the cool weather (I put hay back into the dog houses in the stall in the garage). They love that hay. The heat isn't turned on yet in the house, but that day will come soon. Found more about enamel and chrome compacts, will list it soon. My page of auctions has the pleasant green entries of a couple of bids. SRS |
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29 Oct 10 - 12:57 AM (#3018235) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage My screen sat open for a long time before I posted. That kind of decluttering, Mary, can be very complicated. Good luck. |
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29 Oct 10 - 06:07 AM (#3018338) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg (((Mary))) I can relate! === Updates below are set off in italics for son's reading convenience. (He's been calling me nightly to check on me and was not able last night but was able to look here.) Monday: Landing sitting room part 1; regular upstrs chores Took large empty box up to use in sorting, ydy. (Brought one large item down that I need elsewhere.) Took before pix this AM. Going back up shortly for chores. AM studies AWESOME with new resources. One load of laundry soaking. A bit left to put away (mostly done). Tuesday: Sitting room part 2, next pix for attic room, trash-- lunch and POOL in town. Did some on each of these. Landing needs Hardi's step next. Wednesday: MRI and doc visit; more laundry, clean dnstrs loo Adrian came and did the loo part and much more, TBTG. BP had not really moved much but MRI went well. Thursday: Vac office, hallway, & sitting room, POTTER COUNTY visit for water/see friend. Thursday's plan was what I have come to call a "casualty of ministry. I am not the casualty, but sometimes my plans are when they are pre-empted. The task not done was my office, but it doesn't really bother anyone but me and I am using dnstrs spaces for many office tasks, this week at least. It's cold up there and not yet so cold I want to run expensive heat. Fine for sleeping. (Not fine for settin' around over books. Too bad, another neat study resource floated into present time.... I brought it down... another arrived in ydy's mail with more on the way out of the *scholarship* bucks that arrived.) Friday: Clean laundry room Also done by Adrian. I get to clean up after myself dnstrs instead, LOL, and do the dishes or some other faskinatin' wifely thing. Saturday: Police porches LOL, this will include very little work but much fresh air and unloading water jugs WAY too heavy for me. I bet the Ninja will find his phone msg today and bop over to see what I had called about. Or his dad will see me unloading and stop to lend a hand. It often works like that around here. :~) Sunday: Pack for my W Va. trip On schedule!!! Monday: Get ready for my departure A day extra! Probably a casualty of ministry, too. Friend happens to be coming into town, will spend one afternoon at his place I hope. Done! Ed came along! The new scooter is in the works. The old scooter which works for very brief periods at a time will probably be donated to the church for use inside it, as was originally going to be one of its many uses. The new one will live at home-- it's a 4-wheel model I can get onto the porch for myself and is able to be left outside in winter. That will happen when Hardi gets back and will further declut and winterize the front porch. LOL, the heated garage we always wanted. We'll need a good bike lock to lock up the snowblower. ~Susan |
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29 Oct 10 - 10:20 AM (#3018499) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg RE: Monday: Get ready for my departure A day extra! Probably a casualty of ministry, too. In fact it WILL be a well-used day, and sort of a casualty of ministry: a totally unexpected arrival (called ydy during lunch) is due for a month's stay with baby, dog, and hubby. She happened to catch me before I rearranged the attic room for hunters. Good thing Adrian tacked down tose cords Wenesday! I had ALL the info on hand to email her despite my email breaking down-- because I had stashed most of it right here. So when son resets my password I can pick up where i left off. Multiple redundancy works. :~) Some of you are gonna need that when you get a little fuhthah into your own geezerhood, and be sure to remember who told you. :~) ~Susan |
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29 Oct 10 - 10:23 AM (#3018500) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage It was still more like summer than fall here in Texas when the thread started, but today when I got dressed I put a long sleeve shirt on over my t-shirt. First day for that. It's lovely outside and this morning the dogs are sitting in sunny spots in the yard, soaking up the rays. After months of spending time in the shade. The back looks great, and unless we get another really heavy rain and then some warming after, I think the lawn will stay short as it goes dormant soon. Tons to do today for work. I'll come up for air occasionally. SRS |
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29 Oct 10 - 11:17 AM (#3018541) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Up early this morning, dishes & daily laundry done (might do extra laundry later...shower curtain, sheets, etc), floors swept, lunch packed for DH, breakfast made, baby fed, repair man here for the pellet stove and am currently catching Jeremiah's montage up to date (time sure does fly). I was reading this morning and stumbled upon a quote that I really like and maybe thought maybe some of you (who are working on accountibility issues) might like it too! "I'm not beautiful like you. I'm beautiful like me." ---Joy Drop, "Beautiful" Michelle |
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29 Oct 10 - 11:30 AM (#3018553) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Jeri I was at work until today, and the temperature was in the 70s (F, which is above 21 C to all you Celcioids). Now, I'm home and it's autumn again. I thought I was going to have to change my ancient mercury switch thermostat. After I bought a new battery operated one and read the instructions, I took the cover of the old one to check the wires. I decided to chance turning it on. It hadn't been shutting off at all unless I screwed around with it for a long time, and even then, I didn't know what I'd done to shut it off. I had the cover off and turned the setting up, which tipped the mercury switch and turned the furnace on. Then I screwed around with a little doohickey in the middle that said "long" and some decimals. The mercury switch tipped back and the furnace shut off. I'm guessing the doohickey adjust something in the bi-metallic norglostat that makes it more or less sensitive. I'm guessing I probably screwed something up originally and accidentally just un-screwed it up, or screwed it down or just unembuggered it. So although I have gained clutter in the form of a brand new battery operated thermostat, I have diminished clutter in the form of mercury having to be properly disposed of, the other bits of the thermostat and future batteries I will not have to use and dispose of, not to mention what might have happened if I'd gotten around to using the drill. There are cuss words I haven't used, walls I haven't destroyed because of wires that haven't accidentally fallen in, bandages I haven't used, trips to the emergency room I've prevented, along with the car accident and subsequent traffic pile-up that didn't happen because I wasn't trying to drive with a screwdriver sticking out of my hand. In short, I might have prevented the apocalypse. No need for thanks. Glad to do it. (It strikes me that decluttering something in my life means I get to clutter the thread big time, but I suppose it's worth it.) |
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29 Oct 10 - 11:36 AM (#3018556) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre Jeri...LOL! Michelle |
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29 Oct 10 - 12:50 PM (#3018617) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Sorry, Jeri, I have that market cornered AND cluttered. Ya know why? Because I am not yet old enough to start posts off with, BITE ME. I often suspect that I simply need to hang around you more often. :~) Or at least just get older. Hm, another name change...... naw. Take too long. ~S~ |
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29 Oct 10 - 02:43 PM (#3018731) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy I am now the proud owner of a terraced house in Northumberland! I have also de-cluttered my credit cards with the sudden influx of funds, so for the moment I am debt free! I'm picking up the keys on Monday, and plan to spend a few days next week up and down the A1, bending the cards again with diesel refills for the Volvo, and carting the stuff that couldn't go into storage up north - including the cat! I plan to take him up on Friday, and perhaps spend the weekend there. I will have to see if they can deliver my stuff the following week. It will give me chance to maybe sort out any problems before the place fills up. Andrea |
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29 Oct 10 - 03:18 PM (#3018763) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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29 Oct 10 - 03:30 PM (#3018770) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Wonderful news, Andrea! This really went so very quickly! Do you think you'll be up to your eyeballs in boxes for a while, or will you have a few comfy corners ready to go for the holidays? Or are you so organized as to move in the furniture, put it in place, and be ready to live in the entire house immediately? SRS |
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29 Oct 10 - 04:30 PM (#3018808) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg I just love this house. No other place I have ever lived would let a decrep like me unload four 7-gal containers (56 lbs each) out of my van so easily-- it's backed up against the front steps so it's a drag-and-let-down gently piece of (pant-pant-pant) cake. Hardi will be so surprised to see so much winter water already on hand here without his help to fetch it-- and can drag it inside next week before the Overnight Freezes begin in earnest. And I net a now-cleared-out van to pack over the weekend for my trip, with room to sleep in it to boot. A little declutz needed in the van, a little reload of bedding, and zoom-zoom. With time to spare. TBTG! Or YMMV (namaste) ~Susan |
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29 Oct 10 - 04:33 PM (#3018812) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing CONGRATULATIONS, ANDREA!! |
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30 Oct 10 - 12:16 AM (#3019105) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Since I had confirmation that a check I had to send through the county child support office won't be cashed (we both wanted to get these stupid folks at the county off our backs, so I sent a check that they sent to my ex, but he's letting me keep the cash because I used it for gas to take our son to Arizona to school) I was able to go grocery shopping. I hit the produce section pretty hard, and among the veggies and fruits, I picked up a lovely organic acorn squash. I baked it tonight, same as earlier in the week - I don't know exactly what the explanation might be, but these baked squash are like a fast track to my childhood. Mom used to fix a lot of squash when we were kids, and I guess you could say that I'm from a winter squash climate. I didn't have much to do with the bent neck type until I lived here in Texas. (Zucchini is another story - they grow huge in the Pacific Northwest). I can happily scoop the baked squash out of the skin like ice cream out of a pint tub. :) More activity on eBay. I'll list the compact tomorrow morning. I'm going to take one more shot at a couple of good photos with the best lighting, so I'll take a fabric backing outside in daylight. SRS |
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30 Oct 10 - 12:36 AM (#3019115) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I just did that with a butternut a couple of nights ago, SRS. Yummy stuff. I didn't eat squash until I met Rog's mom and she made some for a holiday. I took a little bit to be polite and found out I really LIKE it!:-) I had an acorn the other day, but it went bad before I could cook it...really fast, I'd only had it 2-3 days. We will try to get back to doing a few things, tomorrow. I took Rog to work about 1130a, today, then went on to Target for a couple of things, then across the road to get cat food, then back to get Rog. Picked Morgan up after school and took him home about 1.5 hours later. He's going to come help with trash and cleaning a bit this weekend. I've been keeping up with the laundry, but that's about it, this week. I told Rog if we wrap him up like a mummy for Halloween/his b-day, I get to wear a chauffeur's outfit! |
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30 Oct 10 - 04:42 AM (#3019156) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: mouldy I will be up to my eyeballs in boxes, so I think that a second major de-clutter will have to happen. Just been online and got the mail redirection set up. Can't change the address on my car insurance till Monday, because they are "updating" their system. Can't get through to BT to set up a land-line yet, as there's a queue, and the removals people's office is shut for the weekend; but I've left a message. Anyway, I am off to get my hair permed in a few minutes, so a lot will have to be left till Monday or Tuesday. Andrea |
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30 Oct 10 - 08:30 AM (#3019211) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg One box at a time. Keep your vision of how you want the space to be, before yourself as you work, and be kind o yourself. You marched through this process but now you get to work at your own pace. ENJOY the new place.... but the boxes will stay boxed till you open them. :~) Pause frequently to pat yourself on the back. :~) Or as one popular cartoon here puts it-- don't forget to stop and eat the roses. ~Susan |
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30 Oct 10 - 11:26 AM (#3019281) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Emily, hubby, baby, and dog arrive Monday. She is a strong woman who already reminds me of my son's wife, who I like VERY much. A very young, new mom totally in the best tradition of matriarchs. Faulkner has hosted foster dogs before but not a male-- so his training on THAT is underway. (They'll meet on leashes.) By the time they arrive, email will have handled most of their wants and all of their needs, just like it has worked for traveling Mudcatters on the way here. Bandmate Ed agreed to help with transition/orientation to take the load off Hardi, who may arrive home after Emily does-- and who does not need to do MY job (landlady) while I am gone next week. Gee, "I love it when a plan comes together." One more trip up those stairs tomorrow-- and their space is "ready enough" even on the really short notice involved. [celebrating] MY PLAN WORKED! ~Susan |
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30 Oct 10 - 12:25 PM (#3019316) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Alice Congratulations, Andrea!!! |
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30 Oct 10 - 12:37 PM (#3019322) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage My next door neighbor was in the back part of her yard this morning and the dogs were barking at her. I saw her and walked out, and she said she'd gone out to see what they were barking at before they started barking at her. I think now that the dogs have seen us talking for a while (and I took out some treats) they won't bark at her again. Our over the fence talk was interesting, and we find we both would love to fill in the "den" that is a 6" step down into one room in our houses. In the 1970s it was trendy to put a sunken den, but it is such a tripping hazard. She's having some concrete work done on the driveway next week, and I mentioned that I'd love to fill it, so she's going to ask her guy, or give me a call when he's there and I'll go ask. Probably can't afford to do it now, and if I have to pull up the tile there's no way I'd do it soon. If they could pour concrete over tile, though it might be worth it. I'd love a level floor (it's not level now, and I didn't level when I put in the tile). I re-shot the compact photos, this time on a different background in daylight with the camera set in a macro setting so I was farther back from it. This lets the focal plane be a little deeper and the whole thing is in focus. SRS |
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30 Oct 10 - 01:21 PM (#3019366) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg SRS, one way it can be done without potentially-extensive demo is to frame a new floor on top of the existing, shimming to level as they go, add a new subfloor underlayment and flooring material over top of that, and re-marry the new floor to the existing walls with basebards. This means less demo for you and the resale option of the sunken floor, without tearing out material that will be hard to remove if it was installed properly to being with-- and if it was, then you will have quite the mess. Unless you seek an in-floor heated floor system, I'd frame. You would want to determine the relative cost of filling that 6" solidly with concrete (they can add fiberglass/other fiber to reduce weight), or with the framed wood. If you have access to reclaimed wood (I'd do it here with shipping pallets), and bamboo flooring, you're not only ahead on money but on being Green by going with the framing approach. But either can work-- There are new products all the time-- one I saw recently was a glue to bond new concrete to old, so maybe that can work to go on top of your existing tile? It probably depends on the finish of the tile-- gloss or matte. ~Susan |
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30 Oct 10 - 08:22 PM (#3019598) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Susan, great minds think alike! I had also thought about simply putting in a support system of beams and flooring through the room, though that would mean quite a space for critters, dust, and stuff to accumulate underneat. But if I don't do concrete, I may well do this. Seriously. This is a very good idea, thanks for the confirmation of that. If I put in concrete, it would be permanent. I have this gorgeous wood paneling in that room, but it all stops 6" above the floor, and when there was carpeting in here, it ran up the wall that far. I've tiled around the room to cover that 6" bare concrete. Concrete in here would mean it would be flush with the floor surface and would look perfectly normal. And I'd have them put in a very smooth concrete surface, maybe even one that looks like limestone without having to have tile. They can do great things with decorative concrete staining. Okay. I'm certifiable. I just stepped into the breech and offered to send out Secret Santa assignments on Monday if everyone who is participating will contact me by late on Sunday. I've set up a table in Word and will simply add everyone on one side, then print it out, cut it up, and rearrange the list to make the assignments. If you were part of that, please send me your particulars. If we have any orphans in the thing and you can send a little something extra, let me know and I may call on you to come to the rescue. I love the Secret Santa stuff and hate to see it just die this year. So, here I am. SRS |
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30 Oct 10 - 10:05 PM (#3019680) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg SRS, Yeh, not only can you stain concrete you can STAMP it to make it LOOK like tile, flags, pavers, anything. Do look into aggregate mixtures further to reduce weight. And also pls consider another old favorite flooring of mine-- terrazzo. I am sure a mix also can include not only the small chipped stones of terrazzo, but also recycled glass chips. (I THINK Terrazzo is poured and not tile.) Look up Silestone counters and then think FLOOR. Me, I'd go bamboo. Warm look, makes cold fluoro light pretty. OTOH if you have more hot days than cold, there-- you will want a cold-to-the-feet surface-- 'crete or stone. You and your friend can EACH try one approach and arm-wrassle for the Smartypants Trophy afterwards. And as a last gasp for retaining the original underneath-- there's always baseboard instead of--- eeeewww- rugging up the wall a la hotel. I do not think you are crazy but consider the source. :~) My sis once had one of those sunken-pit issues. She solved it by moving. :~) Her next apartment had a worse issue-- which she had to solve with sleepers. Thus the background for my startlingly clear info. :~) Plus I had a great happy crying jag and prayer this AM. ~S~ |
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30 Oct 10 - 10:36 PM (#3019702) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I love terrazzo - we had that kind of floor in parts of the house I grew up in. I suspect that's a very expensive treatment. But the floors we had in that house would look wonderful in this one. Yes, I've seen some wonderful concrete floors over the years. Have had several responses already from the Secret Santa folks, and we re-named the thread to try to attract a few eyes to the change. Have sent invoice for a couple of shirts, have another sale pending and then will send an extra invoice. I can cram two shirts into one of those flat rate Priority envelopes and that's cheaper than shipping parcel post. I'll tape them within an inch of their lives to keep the packages intact in the mail. A couple of other eBay items that end soon have potential to go way up. Fingers crossed! SRS |
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30 Oct 10 - 11:10 PM (#3019721) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Well don't give us a link or anything... ~S~ |
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31 Oct 10 - 12:20 AM (#3019746) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage This is the listing that is probably most interesting. An antique powder compact from the 1920s. The enamel strayed onto the chrome in a few places, so this may have been a second of some sort. I suspect a restorer could flick the enamel off of the places where it doesn't belong and polish it nicely. Same bidder got four shirts, so he'll receive 2 full-to-bursting priority flat rate envelopes. Saves almost $10 doing it this way. Actually, it breaks even with the medium flat rate box, so I could do it that way also. I've already crammed these envelopes though, so I may just leave well-enough alone. SRS |
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31 Oct 10 - 12:31 AM (#3019750) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Have had several responses already from the Secret Santa folks, and we re-named the thread to try to attract a few eyes to the change. Is this the SANTA thread you want people to visit? ~Susan |
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31 Oct 10 - 12:40 AM (#3019753) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Duh. [slaps forehead] Yes, that's the most recent Secret Santa thread. It didn't get off the ground this year, I know Liz has been both ill and troubled by computer gremlins. I've got computers out the wazzoo here, so I might as well step up, but we do need to act fast. I may have to pair up those who discover this later as they appear. Time to visit with Mr. Potter. I'm trying to finish these books before I go see the newest film. SRS |
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31 Oct 10 - 07:17 AM (#3019877) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Don't you be slappin' that girl Maggie around now. We like her. ~S~ |
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31 Oct 10 - 10:32 AM (#3019967) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Think I'll have to declutter the sinuses with the neti pot today. I have a headache trying to take hold. My hall looks much better since I decided to sell those t-shirts on eBay. Out of the batch so far I've only sold 4, bringing a grand total of $9, but this will help my feedback, help my hall, and there wasn't much work in those. I figure you have to average out the eBay work to approach this as a declutter method. Some things just won't bring a lot of cash, but they're out, and as the feedback score grows the sales really are a little easier. I look at feedback when I purchase anything. (On sites like Amazon, I typically skip the lowest prices if they have low feedback, because folks just starting out can be real wild cards in the auction venues). If some of the other things I've listed do better on the purchase price then I'm rid of all of it and have a lump sum to enjoy for my effort. I have a lot of stuff in the freezer - I keep flour, nuts, rice, hatch chiles, plus my frozen garden produce. I have a couple more chickens in there, a bag of shrimp, some 1lb blocks of pot roast, but I use the chicken and fish more than the rest and those were running low, so yesterday I did some of my stocking up shopping. I found boneless skinless chicken breasts with a good coupon (the last day in the meat market at Albertson's they put a good meat market coupon on the package). I also picked up some fresh catfish fillets. These will keep me going all month. Also for the freezer I had an "aha!" moment on how to cook and freeze some eggplant without breading it (I'll quarter it lengthwise, cook and freeze it, and use it in this wonderful pork/tomato/onion/eggplant casserole I make. It's a recipe from a middle eastern cookbook). I'll start new threads later today. Before then I need to get some of my accountability stuff (i.e., mowing the front lawn and walking the dogs) and I'll get it in the title. I think for all of us the combination of exercise and de-clutter is still a good one. They're continual things we are all working on. I'm down about 5 pounds since the beginning of the month. Every little bit helps! SRS |
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31 Oct 10 - 11:25 AM (#3020002) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Misread boneless skinless chicken breasts as HOMELESS, LOL. I agree on dual focus for thread, and it's not Nov. 1 quite yet. And this one IS titled "October Plus." === Part of my exercise is working for the guests in my house, several of whom will arrive late Monday night in time for me to leave town Tuesday. Dog-prep on that short-order basis is complicated and will take me outdoors today. Baby-prep will take me up several different flights of stairs. Couple-prep will take me all over the house and may involve a rearrange of the LR (weight lifting!). Slow and steady, that's my motto-- and I am really almost ready and quite relaxed about it all. The best news-- she grew up on a farm and is not worried about farmland-type dust, and-- here's the kicker-- they love HOCKEY! ~Susan |
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31 Oct 10 - 03:02 PM (#3020167) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg New ThreeCycle shaping up, from the last few days' email: Nukerator and CD player being delivered for guests coming here, firewood from a friend going there, probably some sheets coming here too, with wedding dresses due for church fashion show for spring. All this is with a fellow, inveterate barterer who has just turned up, in time to add the nukerator delivery to scheduled errands to my area.... who needs the info I have on adrenal restoration. Don't ever forget, folks, some of our clutter is someone else's need, easily met. I get to dump a non-working nukerator in this deal. Our guests gets our newer and smaller nukerator where it will fit a tight space, with modern controls/turntable to heat babyfood, etc. (Guests will pick and carry up the nukerator they prefer and bring down the non-working one!) happyhappy ~Susan |
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31 Oct 10 - 03:38 PM (#3020197) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage I poked around the back of the kids' computer - I'd plugged the data plug into a non-functioning plug on the computer. I opened it, looked at the cards, and re-positioned it. I've been cluttering that computer this afternoon with all of the free software that I use, once the operating system up completely up and running and updated. Avast antivirus, Spybot Search and Destroy, Kerio personal firewall, DVD Shrink, Spyware Blaster, WinPatrol, Google Earth, Google Toolbar, Picasa, for starters. It's nice, a fresh start on a computer, it's like moving into a new house or apartment. So much potential as to what you can do with it. Must mow the lawn, then be sure tripping hazards are out of the way, even though I'm not planning on being at home to trick or treaters tonight. And the girls will be in the house because all of that foot traffic can be rather alarming when you're busy protecting your yard and the neighborhood. SRS |
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31 Oct 10 - 04:34 PM (#3020237) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing I've done a couple of loads of laundry, picked up and put away odds and ends here and there, put the dishes in to soak, vacuumed and supervised Morgan vacuuming, as well as his taking out the trash and litter which Papa emptied from the boxes. I also decluttered my desk, again, though it still looks cluttered...or maybe more like controlled chaos. LOL. Also took Morgan to pick out a pumpkin for our house, stopped to get candy to hand out, then came home and supervised his making a jack o'lantern out of it, after I claimed the privilege of cutting out the top. He's a great kid, but I noticed he didn't mind Mama getting her hands in the slime and the goo to clean it out, which I am happy to do. Love this holiday and all that comes with it. Morgan also moved a couple of plant pots from off the front step for me, I moved a couple more, then hung a wonderful ghost we bought a few years ago complete with upraised arms which the gossamer material hangs from, plus I added a kind of egg-shaped part from an old ghost we had which shakes and says "wooooo-ooooo" when it is touched or the wind blows. It is attached to the "neck" under the material and also lights up. There is a steady breeze right now, so it is turned off. I hope my batteries don't run down too fast, though we probably won't have too many kids. I also hung up purple bat lights in the front window. As it is Roger's birthday, my brother will be over at 5p to say happy b-day and to help with the little kids. He loves seeing them in costume, etc. Rog is playing on Second Life and seems to be enjoying having nothing to do. He sure gets around fast on the office chair. He stands up, puts his knee on it, then scoots with his other leg and hands. |
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31 Oct 10 - 09:12 PM (#3020404) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: LilyFestre It's been a busy day here on the mountain. I rearranged the nursery to accomodate the electric baseboard heat that will be turned on soon. So...I moved the dresser, made space for the rocking chair, cleaned out even MORE clothes that no longer fit and found some clothes that I had tucked away in a plastic tub for cooler weather. I HATE the smell of plastic tubs (bothers my throat, makes my hands itch) so even though the clothes had already been washed, I ran them through the washing machine two more times to get that stink out. My kitchen has been neglected for the last two days as we have been off and running but this morning I took care of all that and found the tabletop again. I did some yoga in the kitchen and spent some time reading. Floors have been swept. Healthy dinner tonight of grilled chicken breasts (all fat trimmed off and then tenderized), fresh butternut squash from our garden and a salad (baby lettuce, tomatoes, raisins, ground walnuts and feta...YUM). Pete baked some chocolate walnut oatmeal bar cookies today but so far, they haven't tempted me. :) Baby gear packed for tomorrow's day long journey to the doctor for a check up...now to put some of my own laundry away and get my clothes ready for an early morning. Regular yoga classes will resume for me this week as I found a sitter nearby who is willing to trade off child care. YAY. :) I've missed my yoga in a big way! Yoga at home is just not the same as at the studio...too many things here calling my name needing to be taken care of. Michelle PS. Happy birthday Roger!!! |
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31 Oct 10 - 10:57 PM (#3020451) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: katlaughing Thanks, Michelle! I am glad to hear you are getting back to yoga classes! SRS, congrats on keeping up with ebay and selling stuff, too. That compact is a beautiful colour and design! |
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31 Oct 10 - 11:44 PM (#3020466) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Made a pot of soup this morning. Only a few trick-or-treat-ers this evening. About a month ago, I put 2 gallons of unpasturized apple cider in the fridge, and it has "hardened" nicely. Had my first glass this evening. Yum. Maryanne |
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31 Oct 10 - 11:56 PM (#3020469) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Is that all you do, put it in the fridge and leave it? And how long does it last (or should I say, how long can you drink it before it is too far gone, or is it always gone before it's bad?) No trick or treaters at the house, and I felt sorry for the few I saw in the street. I didn't see any houses lit up like they were welcoming the kids. Makes me feel a little guilty. Maybe next year. But there weren't many kids, only two groups that I saw. I've baked a casserole that I should have started a lot earlier but I didn't get to the store to get the pork I needed until after the yard work. I have leftovers for the week now. Pork, onion, tomatoes, eggplant, served next to a pile of mashed potatoes. I'll let the potatoes serve as my slices of bread once a day and keep the rest of my meals meat, fruit, and veggies only. Tons to do this week at work. Stuff I put off while a co-worker was away needs to be finished tomorrow. Sigh. It gets so busy this time of year, though it is always busy, so I guess it is by an order of magnitude that makes it different. Five items ship out in three parcels tomorrow. Nice to have them off of the table, and a few bucks in my pocket. SRS |
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01 Nov 10 - 12:05 AM (#3020473) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: maire-aine Yup, just put it in the back of the fridge for about 3 weeks. I keep the temp at about 38F degrees; too cold would kill the "yeast beasties". It's always been consumed before it went bad. If you "decant" it (pour it into another bottle & rinse out the sludge at the bottom) it'll keep a little longer. Next year I may get a glass jug with a top that lets the gas escape (when the plastic jug expands, you have to let the air out occassionally). Maybe even a hydrometer to check the alcohol percentage. M |
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01 Nov 10 - 08:50 AM (#3020653) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: wysiwyg Big insight at post just now in Vizsla thread. Shame on cat people!!! :~) Who have been bringing out (clawing!!!) the DOG in me! :~) ROFLMAO. YMMV! ~S~ |
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01 Nov 10 - 10:04 AM (#3020709) Subject: RE: BS: October+ fall declutter & accountability From: Stilly River Sage Here's the next thread. |
