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01 Mar 12 - 12:35 AM (#3315407) Subject: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Here's the last thread. Moving forward into sweeter weather, healthier days, and less-cluttered houses. Our scales will all sigh as the pounds melt off. Only three weeks till spring! SRS |
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01 Mar 12 - 01:31 PM (#3315706) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Can't come soon enough, imo! We have about three inches of snow in the Banana Belt Valley of Colorado this morning! It's pretty, but I am ready for Spring. When we got up it was mostly rain, very wet. Luna refused to go out! Now it has turned to snow and piled up a little she did something new. I threw her ball into the snow. She ran over, picked it up, dropped, and then began circling it whilst eating the snow! So funny...had no interest in bring the ball back which she always does. She has plenty of water inside, but she sure seemed to think the snow was tasty. I finally just shutt the door and left her to it. She's in, now.:-) meditation and qi gong this morning as well as changing all of the characters' names in On Garfield Creek. I don't want to use the actual names of my ancestors since it is a novel. |
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01 Mar 12 - 06:36 PM (#3315818) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Dorothy Parshall sunday: an hour on the phone to tech support - need a new sim card Tuesday: an hour at a toxic mall/Bell centre - new sim card but two staff, one after the other, tried to make the connection from router to computer, ignored my plea for "somewhere where I could actually talk to a tech person" . The second one, handed me a phone on which I could barely hear a voice asking, "can I help you". By this time I was severely poisoned in addition to being totally frustrated by an hour of basically being ignored by clueless incompetents. Environmental poisoning creates serious anger. I threw the phone across the room, screamed bloody murder and left in tears. I was going to go home and crawl in a hole but I saw the Best Buy. I have found staff there to be exceptionally helpful so I pulled myself together and went into the Geek Squad area where a lovely man passed me on to a sweet young lad. An hour later, he gave up. "must be the router". Another hour on the phone to tech support:He decided that the problem was the router. I made an appointment with my neighbour. Weds: I sat in his LR for two hours while he spent an hour and 11 minutes on the phone with Bell. After 12 person hours and three weeks, of agony, frustration and fury, the nice person Leo had gotten discovered that Bell had screwed up my billing. There was nothing wrong with the sim card or the router. They gave me a new and viable account. I still feel beaten to a pulp by the gross stupidity of Bell: failure to train staff appropriately, to hire moderately intelligent people. Even tech support failed me. Only Leo's insistence that there was nothing wrong with the equipment got him through the wall of ignorance. I went back to the cabin and used it for an hour and then it quit. I had received "yesterday's" emails but no recent ones, even when I clicked "get mail". So, I gave up and brought it back to the city where it works fine. I am it was a glitch in catching up and the next trip to the cabin we will be back on line. I stayed there Tues and most of Weds, took two de-tox baths and read three novels. I think it would be wonderful if we could de-clutter the world of really ignorant anti-helpful people, if customer service could cease being an oxymoron. "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." Martin Luther King Jr. I am still in recovery. |
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01 Mar 12 - 11:55 PM (#3315946) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I am set on the living room recliner for the third night, hoping to quash the persistent cough of this cold. A couple of loads of laundry and some dishes are all I did today. And slept. More tomorrow, perhaps. SRS |
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01 Mar 12 - 11:58 PM (#3315947) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Good to hear you are getting some rest, SRS. Have you tried hot honey water with maybe a touch of lemon? Twenty minutes of more qi gong, tonight. |
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02 Mar 12 - 12:47 AM (#3315959) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Feeling better on this front although my hearing is still clouded. I skipped the steroids today. That glucose reading of 500 set me on edge and I won't take any more until I hear back from my endocrinologist. My schedule has been twisted a little bit due to the brakes on my car feeling funky. I took the car to the shop today and if I'm really lucky, I'll have the car back tomorrow. But as a result of not having a car that is safe to go very far in, I had to cancel tomorrow's appointment for a port flush and blood draw which means it's pointless to go for my appointment on Monday (no blood work = no results to discuss) so it's all been rescheduled. I spent a good part of today at the nursing home going over discharge plans for my nana. That too has gotten messed up a bit because the initial health issue that took her to the nursing home suddenly reappeared today so we made the difficult decision to keep her at the nursing home for a bit longer. This will allow continued PT, a visit to the neurologist and testing. We'll see what happens from there. She clearly was disappointed about having to move the discharge date back but handled it like a trooper. I was proud of her and told her so. That made her eyes sparkle. :) Since I can breathe more normally now, I'm hoping to go to the Y tomorrow and get my schedule in place there. My favorite trainer at the Y recently had a baby and will be back next month to lead Zumba which I am looking forward to. Jeremiah is making strides in school. Today I snuck in and was able to watch him in action without his knowing I was there. Oh my heart! It was the sweetest thing to see him dancing and interacting with the other children. THAT is why I take him to daycare a few days a week!! Today we sat and *read* a book. He has this picture book...it has 9 photos on each page, separated into different categories like food, animals, home, vehicles, etc. I ask him to show me the bunny or kitty or tractor or whatever and he points out the pictures. Today he also started pointing out a few on his own and telling me the word!!! It seems to me that his language is coming out so fast now. It's amazing to me and I LOVE LOVE LOVE his little tiny voice. One of my favorite things to hear him say is alright. His intonation is the same as mine which just cracks me up. He also LOVES to say insulin (No no, mommy needs to do her insulin now), excellent and motorcycle. And home. Home is a favorite word. :) I didn't do much around the house...dishes, laundry and such as I was out and about today. I desperately need to go grocery shopping. Well, maybe not desperately but there are some decent sales this week and I want to pick up a few things. And the staples. Also...Jeremiah will be turning 2 next week. We are going to have a little party for him at the nursing home which has a lovely private party room. This way Nana can join in the celebration! I'll be making goodies to take to his school too. I am looking forward to it!! SRS...if you are all stuffed up with that cold of yours, try putting some Vick's Vapor Rub on the bottoms of your feet and then covering them with some cotton socks. It really does help. A friend also told me that she drops an eucalyptus cough drop in her hot tea which makes a nice steam to breathe in. I haven't tried it (because I think my head is finally clear) but it makes sense to me. I'm also working on a bug out bag. Do any of you have such a thing? Michelle |
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02 Mar 12 - 01:01 PM (#3316185) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Looks like a couple of folks have not found the new thread. I'll put in another link. The odd thing about this cold is that I can breathe, but I can't smell and taste as many things as it seems I should be able to. Clearly the cold is affecting that regardless of the congestion. Another good night's sleep, but still more is needed. Looks like another perfectly good weekend will be spent more indoors than out. I did walk the dogs yesterday before dinner, we all enjoyed that. But I won't be mowing much (I have a friend who is looking for some work like this so I may break down and have him spend a couple of hours helping with some of this.) Michelle, a friend of mine in New York City has his "go bag" for if he needs to pick it up and head to the hospital, or if he needs to pick it up and head out of town (i.e., another 9/11 event). And yes, it was absolutely wonderful watching as the kids learned to talk and read. You're shaping a little person there, and when you hear your own voice or inflections come out of his mouth it isn't only amusing, it's amazing, isn't it? SRS |
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02 Mar 12 - 01:20 PM (#3316196) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Okay. Link posted and I'll refresh this to bring it back up to the top. SRS |
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02 Mar 12 - 08:46 PM (#3316394) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Be there or be square! I plan to be the square ROOT, soon! ;~) ~S~ |
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02 Mar 12 - 11:55 PM (#3316482) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Floors were taken care of today. Pete fixed the vacuum cleaner which has been broken for about 3 weeks....it's like a brand new rug today! YAY! I did laundry, cooked and cleaned up toys. Jeremiah now has only 1 magazine holder sized basket with toys in it. Everything else has been taken out of this room and put away for later. Maybe we'll rotate stuff. Maybe we'll just get rid of it. Either way, the living room is in MUCH better shape for it and he played much better in here today. So...I got stuff done but it's been a shitty day. My car, which I was planning on being about $350.00 cost just shy of $800.00 and a teal sister of mine had her pick line removed, food tubes taken away and she is now in hospice. Her name is Brandi Cheney, she's in her late 20s/early 30s and she will die very soon from ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed just about the same time as I was and is the first person I know to die from ovarian cancer. So I'm a combination of continued exhaustion, blood sugars running around 450 from the steroids, I still can't hear like I should be able to, my car cost way more than it should and someone I care about is laying in a hospice bed at this very moment dying from ovarian cancer. TODAY SUCKS! |
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03 Mar 12 - 12:42 AM (#3316489) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing {{{{{MICHELLE & BRANDI}}}}}} qi gong this evening |
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03 Mar 12 - 01:00 AM (#3316494) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Third night on the recliner to avoid some of the worst coughing as this cold runs its course. Dishes washed, kitchen tidy. Laundry done already. I got a book this week about healthy fresh dog food, from one of the folks at the Dr. Mercola site. I am thinking about a mix of part fresh, part dry for them. We all need a healthy diet. Michelle, I hope things are peaceful for your friend. The rest of us will rage at the dying of the light. SRS from my cell phone. |
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03 Mar 12 - 01:28 AM (#3316500) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: ragdall I've been dealing with some medical issues that's my excuse for slowing down on the declutter. I've managed produce and recycle a large garbage bag full of shredded documents from board meetings that I participated in many years ago. Thursday I made a run to the landfill to dump materials produced in my recent replace a wall project and a couple of boxes of textbooks from university courses dating as far back as the 1960's. I'm building a pile of other books, toys and miscellaneous items to donate to a garage sale. It's to raise funds for a residence where out of town patients and their families can stay while having treatments at the Cancer Clinic that is being built here. rags |
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03 Mar 12 - 01:47 AM (#3316502) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Rags... Little by little. That's what I keep telling myself! And YAY for you for donating to such a great cause! When I was going through chemo, I had a 2 hour ride to get to the clinic. Having somewhere to stay after an 8 hour infusion was a God send. :) Great cause! Michelle |
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03 Mar 12 - 01:10 PM (#3316704) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Rags, even the old books that are unusable due to content can be recycled. The Half Price Books in our town (they're all over now, but if you have a used book store they may be the same) will send books they don't need to a central warehouse to decide if they're useful somewhere, and if not, they go in the recycle bin. This morning I bundled up my flannel sheet and blankets that I used on the recliner and tossed them all in the laundry. Out, out, damned cold! I have errands to run, dog food to pick up, dogs to walk. It will get done. How's the garden looking, Andrea? SRS |
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03 Mar 12 - 08:09 PM (#3316878) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Feeling almost human this evening. I'll see about walking the dogs in the morning. It was too dark when I got back from errands. Had to go over to the library to get my computer up and running. There was a step we missed after it was encrypted (all of our university laptops are going that route). If a computer is stolen someone can't take out the hard drive and put it in another computer and just read the data. Not that mine has anything critical, but it still makes sense. My goal tomorrow is to start mowing the back yard, in stages. It's too tall to do easily in one afternoon. And I'll rake it and start building this year's compost heap. Yup. Big plans this weekend! SRS |
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04 Mar 12 - 04:18 AM (#3316996) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg rags... you call that slowing down????? :~) ~S~ |
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04 Mar 12 - 04:27 AM (#3317001) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Two dry-clinic appts left and one aquatic, then PT is DONE (till fall). I decluttered my fitness schedule-- not less time; just moving back to the days of the week that work with my work schedule!!! As I contemplate the transition to a trainer, I realize that the double bed in the Mudcat Attic Dorm is just waiting to replace the low, wide, FIRM surface that has been SO productive at the clinic, plus there is a blank wall beside the bed for the pinups. TBTG the housemate moved out-- I get a free clinic here at home, right above the shared workout room! And now I can safely climb the stairs to it. It has milk-crates I can set up as fitness stations. The landlord/friend's son who is a PT-in-training is home on spring break.... ~S~ |
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04 Mar 12 - 12:53 PM (#3317154) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Lots of walking for me yesterday. Michelle PS. Steroids make me hungry 24/7. ARG. Michelle |
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04 Mar 12 - 01:43 PM (#3317175) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Vacuuming and dusting some this morning. Kitchen looks good. Headed out into the yard for a bit. SRS |
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04 Mar 12 - 07:37 PM (#3317331) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Finally - planted the rest of the potatoes. Dug some weeds. SRS |
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04 Mar 12 - 07:48 PM (#3317340) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing qi gong last night Morgan this morning earned five bucks (that's $16 total he made off of us this weekend and worth every penny!) helping out with scrubbing the tub (begged to do it as he "doesn't get to at home!) and mopping the floors while Rog swept, I washed dishes and M&R took out the trash. I took the big blanket off the couch, we shook it out, outside and it is in the dryer. Also, Rog took down shower curtain to be washed and rehung, plus we bought a new liner to put over the bathroom window. We then went grocery shopping, again, with Morgan's help. We had a good time and he didn't spend all of his money!:-) Lots to do tomorrow and the rest of the week. The following week, Morgan informed me I may have him a LOT...it's spring break.:-) One thing we will probably do is go to the candy factory and watch them make Easter eggs. Very educational, ya know?LOL! |
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04 Mar 12 - 10:39 PM (#3317391) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage More vacuuming, more dishes. Taking out the trash. Staying low key, getting over the cold before I get back to my normal pace. SRS |
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04 Mar 12 - 11:18 PM (#3317396) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I continue to feel wiped out. Very little energy. Ears worse today than the last 3 days. I am irritable and not wanting to do anything with anybody. Tomorrow I am going out for the day with Jeremiah. I'm taking the stroller and we are going to walk around the lake and play on the playgrounds. The diaper bag is packed, my wallet is in order and I'm off to lay my clothes out. I am going to GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE BRIGHT AND EARLY. I am looking forward to the day when I have at least half the energy I used to. )(&*&^R$E^%$^%(*&_)(*)(&(*^$%$@%$#*&^_)( Michelle |
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04 Mar 12 - 11:23 PM (#3317398) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Dorothy Parshall R just dashed off to the city but I get to stay in the country. We have been doing separate vehicles so I can get to the cafe on Fridays when he is iffy about when he can leave town. A number of local things to do tomorrow - and run the vacuum through here. Maybe do some sorting, too. Friday's musician was terrific and the Swamperella dance music this afternoon brought out a good crowd and some terrific dancers. R even danced one dance with me, after arm twisting. We did well enough that he is considering improving! I feel badly for all you guys who are sick even tho I remember, those of us with environmental illness never get colds and flu, we are just sick all the time. I took several detox baths in the last week and had a couple really good days - when I felt calmer/less angry than so much of the time. One of the first symptoms of exposure to toxins is anger; perfumes can send me ballistic in seconds. The mall last week took an hour to do so. The computer is now picking up the internet just fine, except last night when heavy winds apparently stymied the signal. We stopped to pick up a sign that had blown into the road, on our way home about 5 pm, and the wind was so bad it took all my strength to close the car door. It blew most of the night - like a freight train coming through! I understand there is a simple test for ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, one needs a doctor with enough smarts, or who listens well enough, to order the test. My neighbour on Whidbey died a week after hers was diagnosed - stage four. She was seeing a doctor almost weekly but she was 78, obese and had heart problems, diabetes and... Why would anyone notice, what I now know as, symptoms of ovarian cancer? They were obvious if you know what they are. And there was I trying to get her to eat and do something, when she was desperately ill. She had even been in hospital overnight for "tests" a couple weeks previous to finally being diagnosed. So called "health care" system basically tortured her to death. A decent doctor is sure hard to find. Gave a young friend a vest on Friday that I made about 40 years ago. I do not think I ever wore it but it is beautiful and she seemed to really like it. That is a great way to de-clutter! I recycle toilet paper inners by putting rolled up newspaper in them and using them when starting the wood stove - mini logs. I thought I was going to get rid of the shower curtain here when I replaced it with a nicer one with life-size wolves on it. Then tucked it away to put back up if we leave. I like my wolves. Maybe I will have enough energy to hang some pictures tomorrow. Inch by inch... |
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05 Mar 12 - 12:42 AM (#3317412) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: ragdall SRS, Thanks for the used book store suggestion. We have only an independent used book store here. They have shown no interest in recycling old books for me. Those with soft covers, I put into a mixed paper recycling bin. I couldn't bring myself to rip apart the hardcover books to recycle the innards. Maybe some anthropologist in a future century will discover them intact in the landfill and be awed by them? After my offspring returned to The Fort last weekend I once again discovered water on the floor beside and behind the toilet in the basement bathroom which they use. I had expected that having the leaky drain pipe from the kitchen repaired, (and repairing the wall), would end this problem. My next two guesses are that the toilet has developed a faulty seal or, more likely, water is leaking through spaces between tiles in the aging shower above that bathroom. It happens to be the one that I use daily. I rebuilt and tiled that shower about 25 years ago. It needs a lot of work now, especially in two sections that are on outside walls. I've told myself that I need to wait until it's warmer outside before gluing back tiles that separated from the end wall because of frost, etc.. On my list for the month of May, (when daytime outside temperatures should be above freezing), is replacing all the one-inch tiles on the shower floor, cleaning all the wall tiles thoroughly, gluing back missing and loose tiles, removing all old grout, re-grouting and sealing/waterproofing. When the tiles came loose I removed them before they could fall and break then covered the end wall with a shower curtain. This week's leaky wall solution was to cover the side wall with a $2 shower curtain and a $2 expansion rod to support it. The wall is now waterproof again. I hope this will end the water in the basement problem. Last night, I watched and deleted 5 hours of recorded TV programs (decluttering the recorder) while I filled another large bag and a half with shredded financial records. I'll empty the bags in a recycle bin on my way to the Senior Centre in the morning. rags |
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05 Mar 12 - 12:45 AM (#3317413) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre DP, There are NO accurate diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer. There is something called a cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test that can be an indicator HOWEVER an increased CA-125 can be the result of so many things. The ONLY way to tell if a woman has ovarian cancer is to do exploratory surgery or a hysterectomy. The only organ in the female body that can NOT be biopsied are the ovaries. Being diabetic or overweight or older has NO bearing on whether a doctor should pay attention to the symptoms presented. I am diabetic. I am overweight. I am also not *old enough* to fall under the average age for ovarian cancer. Further, I'd like to point out that many, if not most cancer patients I have come across are NOT obese. The chemo waiting room is FULL of thin people. Another fallacy is that chemo makes everyone lose weight due to vomiting. I never once threw up. And my gyn/oncologist told me I would GAIN weight. Go figure. It's a tragedy about your neighbor. A tragedy that happens far too often. What do you expect when there isn't even a freaking accurate diagnostic test? Also, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are NOT obvious. They are very subtle and mimic many abdominal issues....hence the reason it is so often misdiagnosed or diagnosed far too late. I am extremely blessed that mine was found early. GRRRR. Michelle |
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05 Mar 12 - 12:50 AM (#3317414) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre On the decluttering front, I cleaned the kitchen tonight. I don't know just how it happens but holy hell....both sides of the sink were FULL and every sauce pan I own had burned on crud. What the hell? I guess I didn't declutter. I just puttered in the kitchen. Only 2 pots remain...soaking away. I did make enough rice to fill 2 gallon sized bags. I've been craving rice and figured I'd make enough to last. I will add it to soup, chili, stir frys and maybe I'll make some rice pudding. Not sure why I crave it, but I do. And now I have lots ready to go so I don't work my way through the fridge eating everything else in sight and not getting what I really want. Oh yeah. Steriods make me HUNGRY. And AWAKE. And continued brutal blood sugars which may explain my want to kill just about every living thing mood. Michelle |
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05 Mar 12 - 12:51 AM (#3317415) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre (Jeremiah and Pete are exempt from that last statement) Michelle |
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05 Mar 12 - 01:12 AM (#3317417) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I was quite thin when the cancer diagnosis came for me. Made it easy to do some scans, harder for others because they prefer more meat. Now I'm not skinny. I hope I don't have any cancer lurking. We ALL hope we don't have any cancer lurking. I had my bleeding checked because a friend online told me about her sister's problems. I went in, got an ultrasound quickly that found a polyp. I had a D&C the next week, and upon finding an adenocarcinoma, had a second surgery a couple of weeks later. My friend's sister, who had a doctor who kept telling her it was nothing, died a few weeks later while my friend and her sister's husband were taking her to the ER. I am so grateful that my friend spoke up, and so heartbroken than though she helped me save my own life, her sister lost her life to an aggressive form of uterine cancer. Cancer sucks. Been online working this evening, I'll read more closely tomorrow. SRS |
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05 Mar 12 - 05:44 AM (#3317481) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I have a silly day ahead of me. At some unspecified point, a courier will arrive to collect a knitting machine sold on ebay. I don't know if it will be am or pm. At school collection time, a local person will be collecting a bench, but at least I know when. This evening I go to an astronomy class I thought wwas cancelled, though that isn't a problem, but a pleasure. I put pick up only on the knitting machine, hoping for someone local, to avoid packing problems, then some people asked if I could post, which I found I could, and then they all got sniped by someone who never contacted at all, and has now taken possession of my day by arranging the courier herself. I've a number of jobs to do, but most are not ones I can just drop when the doorbell rings. I have, however, early, tidied my proper spare room - the one I can put someone up in at no notice, now I've moved all the clutter off the bed. And yesterday, I tidied the emergency spare room - the one I would sleep in on a camp bed if required, because of all the stuff that would be in a loft if I had one - so it doesn't look as if I had just opened the door and thrown things in. (Guess why it looked like that!) Two days running, I have got below the stone barrier - but I can't help it by going for a brisk walk. I may try going up and down the stairs on non-errands, though. I have two flights. I imagine myself running up and down, as I used to, but I fear this is not the reality. It's cold and damp feeling today - the forecast is rain or possibly snow on high ground. I am on what passes for high ground hereabouts - we don't have to use extra baking powder. There are highish winds, gusty, but not cylindrical. I had porridge for breakfast, with the last of the squeezy golden syrup. Penny |
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05 Mar 12 - 08:20 AM (#3317572) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. No sign of the courier - though hope sprung a few minutes back when a DHL van appeared outside. But not for me. I have reduced two baskets of undealt with mail(the sort that doesn't need answering) and magazines to a quarter basket that I could respond to at some point, and a bin full of recycling paper. I have cut the plastic windows out of a load of business envelopes, so i can recycle the rest. The wind is blowing in a very odd direction - away from the house. I am in a three storey block, in from the end. The garden is enclosed in a six foot fence on the three sides which are not bounded by the house. There is another, two storey house to the right offset from my garden, with a gap between it and my neighbour. The wind has flattened my daffodils away from the house. It must have blown in through the gap, hit the house and curved down into the garden. Staring at the garden, I have realised that the half metre slabs I have lifted from the paved area would make a better path to the back gate than the foot slabs that currently form stepping stones to it. And they would make a better pedestal for putting a plant pot on. Can't do it now, because I'm waiting for the courier, and I wouldn't hear the bell, and if I did, I wouldn't get there in time. I bet the courier has used the satnav, and got stuck up the really bad lane. The algorithm all the guidance systems reckons that any route without a speed limit is better than any route with one. Round here, all the decent roads with two lanes have speed limits. he ones without have only one lane, with occasional ad hoc passing places. The favoured route for satnavs is not only one of those, but is also a steep hill, with four dogleg bends. He would be coming up it, meeting the local drivers, all male, who cannot reverse up to the passing place they have only just passed, or worse, the delivery van which is also using satnav, and would find it impossible to reverse. When I'm dealing with individuals, I can tell them how to bypass those problems. Can you guess? I'm bored. Penny |
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05 Mar 12 - 10:26 AM (#3317642) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Still no courier. Schools are out - I see them crossing the green on their way home. A message from the school run delaying arrival to pick up the bench for an hour. which will get here first I wonder. I have eaten a tuna mayo sandwich. And a couple of biscuits. I have swept the lower stairs, and the entrance hall. I have sorted out my collection of freeby shopping bags ready for when I can go out, so the shelves there look tidy. I have read some of the paper. Still bored. There is a blackbird having a bath in the bowl of the birdbath. The sage bush has been hit by the frost, and the leaves are dark and drooping. One of the robins landed by the compost bins, and then flew off. It is now in the birdbath. The yellow wild primroses are out at last, joining the hybrid reds and pinks which have been out since autumn. The crocuses are flowering, including some I missed when moving bulbs from the veggie area. There will be tulips up there as well, I see. I feel trapped. Penny |
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05 Mar 12 - 10:43 AM (#3317652) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. The bench has gone, and I'm £10.50 better off. No courier. Penny |
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05 Mar 12 - 11:48 AM (#3317695) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I've emailed the buyer to see if she has any idea when the courier is coming. I may be going to get my first bad feedback. Penny |
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05 Mar 12 - 01:11 PM (#3317734) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. After a bowl of soup, I'm off to Astronomy evening class. My neighbours have the parcel. I've had no response from the buyer. Cheesed off describes my feelings about htis person. Penny |
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05 Mar 12 - 05:48 PM (#3317885) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Got home at 10.30 - sometime between 6.30 and now, it was collected. I've notified the buyer - still no response. A good evening at the class, and so to bed, with cocoa and a slice of seed cake. Penny |
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06 Mar 12 - 01:11 AM (#3318010) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Penny, I've had eBay days like that, waiting to hear from someone "out there." And the feedback should be splendid considering how you watched to be sure it got handed over. I didn't get a parcel shipped today, I was asleep when the mail carrier came by. I took another day to try to get over this cruddy cold. I'll send it tomorrow. This evening I felt good enough that I took the dogs for a walk through the neighborhood, up and down hills, pausing briefly to talk to a couple of folks. The dogs were well-mannered - one little chihuahua/dachshund mix (named Ginger) ran to the edge of her yard and barked and the three with me just looked interestedly at her, no one barked or got excited. I mowed a 20' are of lawn in the back yard and around a couple of trees so it will look a little better tomorrow. There is still 100+ feet of lawn to mow, but the patch near the house looks park-like after all of our winter rain. Two long naps today and I'm up a bit late this evening, but this is wrapping up the day here. The kitchen is looking good, another load of laundry will go in the dryer before I head to bed. SRS |
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06 Mar 12 - 10:52 AM (#3318205) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. All better on the ebay front. It was picked up about 6.45 - so I only just missed it. Message from the buyer, who bid when she thought her husband was going to be in Kent, then found he wasn't, and thought the courier would be calling in working hours. Today I had a message from the buyers of my old place, who have put the old carpet tiles I was after in the porch for me - forgetting, since it's new to them, that the porch door locks. Wasted journey, made less so by dropping into the supermarket and picking up reduced things for the freezer. I'll get them sometime. I have, however, ordered some new ones for the rooms without carpet, thinking I wasn't going to get them! They will now go into my bedroom instead of the grey carpet there, and I think I will lay them on top of the existing stuff as an underlay. I'm trying to work out what to do about the gripper at the door. It'll be nice to have the blue I chose the other year back again. Less like a hotel. Penny |
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06 Mar 12 - 12:15 PM (#3318252) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing meditation and qi gong this morning, then an adjustment from my osteo doc |
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06 Mar 12 - 03:54 PM (#3318366) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: GUEST,mg Would a DO normally do adjustments? We have one in town and a young man here is hurting from sciatica...I suggested he see him..mg |
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06 Mar 12 - 04:11 PM (#3318374) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing It depends, mg. All are theoretically trained to, but many do not these days. The doc I went to previously did the old school type of hard, cracking and quick adjustments, which worked, but weren't all that comfortable or long-lasting and only took about 15 minutes, at the most. The one I go to, now, my friend, was trained in a softer, deep muscle/bone approach which lasts longer and is more subtle. To do it correctly takes an hour to 1.5 hrs. Most docs won't spend that kind of time any more as the cost of doing business rises and/or they get greedy. I will still recommend seeing one, regardless, as any adjustment they do can be helpful. |
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07 Mar 12 - 12:25 AM (#3318506) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I injured my back in 1990, we didn't have a family doctor then since we'd just moved to town, so stopped at a local minor-emergency place. They were D.O.s and he did a thing where I lay on my side and he popped things back into place, then on my other side, another "pop!' and it was done. I try to be careful never to repeat the move that caused that injury. Walked the dogs this evening, met only one cat crossing the road. It gets a little noisy, but I've been practicing "ignore" with the dogs. It kind of works. Antibiotic kicking in for the sinus infection. Called the dogs to come in this evening and they headed to their respective beds. Cinnamon paused at one point in the hall, then kept going. Seems there was a waterbug (cockroach) that had come in from out-of-doors. They are endemic here, but I prefer they stay outside. Too bad she didn't clobber it, but a rolled magazine took care of that roach. Flushed and cleaned up like it was never there. It's that season, cockroaches on the move. SRS |
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07 Mar 12 - 09:05 AM (#3318636) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg SO busy this week-- last week of PT with both pool and dry clinic, plus Lentifications, plus social, plus fam/CA, plus... oh yes and decluttering. More later. Massive changes happening here. ~S~ |
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07 Mar 12 - 04:09 PM (#3318860) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Walked and played in the park with Jeremiah. Walked around the outside of the nursing home with my family. Walked the track at the university 3x. I wanted to do one more but my wee one had had enough. He was in the stroller for most of the walk but he did go about 1/4 mile before he got tired!! :) Michelle |
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07 Mar 12 - 08:05 PM (#3318937) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Dishes are done. Table is cleared. Laundry is going. Dinner is in the oven. Toys are picked up. Pill containers filled. Baby is sleeping. Ahhhh. A minute of quiet. Michelle |
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07 Mar 12 - 08:12 PM (#3318939) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing It was gloomy, windy and cold here, today, until this evening. Blah day. Meditated, then did mostly nothing but throw the ball for the dog, add a piano piece to soundclick for my brother, then watch a couple of episodes of a BBC thing on netflix. Took a good nap. About 430p I couldn't take the inaction any more. I wish I'd taken a Before picture...I cleaned out and off Roger's computer desk/shelves thingie in the kitchen, his Grand Central. Found $15+ in change, tons of little bits/parts for his work, and a lot of out of date papers. It still looks cluttered, but it's an organised, clean clutter. It's also a surprise! I also bagged up the basket of paper for recycling which sits on a shelf under the library table I use for a desk in the DR. Tomorrow I will get back on track with entering my next book, etc. |
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07 Mar 12 - 09:25 PM (#3318996) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Finders keepers on the change, or after all of that clearing, it can pay for a pizza for dinner, so you don't have to cook! Kat, keep in mind the faux-Latin saying Illegitimi non carborundum. Take stock, not stalk, and move forward. Did you know that was a sort of punchline in one of Margaret Atwood's novels? (The Handmaid's Tale) SRS |
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07 Mar 12 - 11:53 PM (#3319103) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Drinking lots of water, finished day two of the antibiotic for the sinus infection. Another week to go, but it is more or less subsiding, with a remnant cough and clearing in the morning. Not getting a lot done around here except that I have made myself wash the dishes each time I use so so I don't have them building up in the sink. The kitchen looks good. Tomorrow I'll call the new rehab place and ask about taking Zeke to see Susie, and I may have to give him a bath a couple of hours beforehand. When the dogs come out of the garage (there is a dog door) they usually have bits of hay on them and smell like sweet hay and dog, not a bad thing, but others down at rehab may not appreciate it. I have a very large bale of hay on the opposite corner of the garage from the dog stall and have been pulling from it to mulch my garden. I noticed this morning a "dog nest" alongside it, where one of them has made that spot his or her own and loosened more hay to make a comfy spot. SRS |
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08 Mar 12 - 08:31 AM (#3319498) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Yesterday I had to go to the village centre three times (it's a three minute walk each way). 1. Usual walk to buy paper, drop into Oxfam, where I tried on a couple of items but didn't buy, and the Chinese to buy a special fried rice for lunch. 2. Walk to retrace steps to see if I could find my wristwatch, which had disappeared from my wrist, leaving only a depression in my skin. 2. Walk to village to give out notices about lost man's cheap Russian watch set on the wrong date and my phone number. While doing a last check in Oxfam, another customer spotted it in the bottom of a basket of greetings cards. Hooray. I had a delivery of a knitting not-quite-a-machine from an ebay seller. It's a Simpleframe, see the fourth picture down on this page, Knitting machines , and I've already done half a scarf on it. I've had a bid on my chair (and a serious enquiry from someone in a concierge'd building in Wapping, which I have agreed to deliver to, if she wins. I'm trying to get my mind round that sort of address and my old (I called it vintage, and the photos were honest) chair. Odd). I have, today, hit a major target on my weight offensive, I am now at the same number of pounds over the next number down of stones. As, for example, I am now x stones 11 instead of y stones 11. Since when I started I did not take account of the fractions of a pound, this may not be a whole stone lost yet, but it's pretty near. 14 pounds down. Next target is a whole number BMI. I am cunningly using closely spaced targets from different measures, but which look like a major one. Of course, if, like Americans, I used only pounds, I could do it in tens instead of 14s. So I do it as well.) I must not buy chocolates to celebrate. Penny |
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08 Mar 12 - 09:17 AM (#3319688) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg I graduate from 6-7 months of PT today around noon, with hot tub/spa celebration to follow. Cards, PMs, pix of you toasting the grad-- any or all greatly appreciated-- to be displayed on a memory/motivation wall adjoining the next planned phase. Donations to defray spa costs gratefully accepted. Help to set up the Pink Room for the next phase is also welcome (it's actually more blue). ~Susan |
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08 Mar 12 - 12:17 PM (#3319902) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing meditation and qi gong this morning |
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08 Mar 12 - 02:21 PM (#3320091) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. It turned out I had only knitted half the yarn - the whole lot made less than half a scarf. Lovely fabric though. Unpicked and replanning proceeding. Penny |
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08 Mar 12 - 04:04 PM (#3320131) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Dorothy Parshall Michelle: A friend of mine in PA told me there was a simple blood test for ovarian so I believed her. I hope you realize that I was totally furious about the way my dear friend was treated - NOT treated! She was so sweet and kind and always good natured. I am afraid that part of the problem was that she was not willing to TELL the doctors strongly enough. But they added insult to injury by giving her a chemo treatment and that was so awful she basically told her kids, "I'm out of here" And left forthwith. Reason #.... for why I have such contempt, in general, for "alleged health care practitioners". |
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08 Mar 12 - 04:35 PM (#3320144) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Congratulations on finishing physical therapy! A hot tub sounds lovely right about now. My sister had her back porch remodeled a year ago and tells us about going out on a winter night an enjoying a soak on the porch. :) I thought the Rx wasn't working, but the nurse tells me I may be feeling the weather change on my poor abused sinuses, that the antibiotic should do the trick, but if I don't feel better by Monday, to call back. I understand how the weeks ticked by for Michelle with her cold, and mine is nothing approaching the mayhem hers caused. I'm going to make a favorite pork/tomato/eggplant casserole this evening, and I had to put the meat to thaw up in a cupboard since the dogs were in for a while. Poor dears, they didn't want to stay in the garage during a thunder storm. :-( They've gotten so spoiled. Counter-level food is at extreme risk with Zeke in the house. That knitting machine sounds interesting. Have you always used one? I've seen those things working in craft shops. I suppose in this day and age you can program in a pattern and have it work unattended? Does it increase or decrease stitches for graduated things like sleeves or torsos of sweaters? SRS |
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08 Mar 12 - 04:40 PM (#3320147) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Dorothy Parshall As for life in general: I am putting time into emails helping to organize our country committee to stop the windmills from being placed on the ecologically sensitive pavement barrens as well as an area with many residences, on a migratory bird landing route. Having a meeting of committee on Sat. Went to council mtng on Monday and a helpful lawyer, found by R, attended and talked with us after. I stayed in country Mon as R was coming back for council mtng. And Tuesday also, when I had tea with neighbour to talk about our project, then took a walk in the woods with two neighbour women - 10 inches of crusty snow was good exercise! The sugaring off started. The sugar bush was a beehive of activity as holes were drilled and spiles and buckets placed. The sap flows on warm days with cold nights. Bet they will have the fire going on Sunday. This has been a good week for temperatures. Here in the city, we have been waiting for R to be called to testify in the case against the man who assaulted him on 4 August 2010. Each day has has been, "tomorrow". Now it will be next week. It is a bit torturous as we want it over but with a good result - the scary man still in jail. We are both terrified of the idea of life with him loose. This drains a lot of energy. The legal system allows the perpetrator to act as his own lawyer so R is faced with being questioned by the man who attacked him. Can you imagine a rape victim having to face being questioned by her rapist? I am close to a basket case myself from the whole thing. R seems to be able to function OK. Lots happening in his business. Another hour on the phone with Bell today - got satisfaction re the weeks I was without internet service in the country and also for the recently received bill for services I neither requested nor received! I wonder what Bell will do next. Chores all under control. |
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08 Mar 12 - 05:12 PM (#3320150) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg The exit interview included a strength eval to quantify my progress on their numerical scale. The bottom line is, I now have the strength of a typical woman my age, and then some, in some muscles. The bigger thing I think is the chart I drew up to finally get my arms around the craziness of the church year as it attrits my strength, time, and general wellbeing-- now a chart of opportunities to plan ahead, let the year flow as I flow in response to it, and go from strength to strength. I am organizing it into mind/body/spirit categories under a Maslow's hierarchy of need adaptation I use with other folks. I expect next to have the life coach I thought I needed to do that chart with me, plop into view as a peer. TBTG and to all the support here. Next phase is stretches and strength training at home, continued pool aerobics, and that Y gym with a monthly trainer-tuneup in those specific months when accountability needs to be hands-on-- and now I actually can predict which months those ARE. ~S~ |
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08 Mar 12 - 05:28 PM (#3320158) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Went through that large basket of papers this afternoon. Lots of copies of things I've written over the years including letters to my mom when we first moved to New England. Fun to read. Also found some, precious to me, artwork I'd forgotten about from a couple of girlfriends. I have a stack to be filed, a stack to dictate into the computer and a stack of metaphysical teaching materials to use with Morgan. The basket had been sitting, stuffed, on the old office floor for probably a year. It feels good to have gone through it. Also put away two loads of clothes, folded one more and have another in the dryer. |
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08 Mar 12 - 05:53 PM (#3320169) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre DP, Misinformation about ovarian cancer abounds. There is no diagnostic test. A pap smear is not a test for ovarian cancer. Because of such information, many women, including your friend, die for no reason. It disturbs me greatly. I am sorry for your loss. Michelle |
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08 Mar 12 - 06:02 PM (#3320174) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I've mentioned before, I'll keep it brief - a friend and I were discussing symptoms I had - she told me of her sister's problem of symptoms not taken seriously by her doctor. By the time she switched and was treated, her uterine cancer was advanced. My friend's story sent me directly to my ob/gyn, and within the month 2 surgeries and a clear margin were the result. My friend's sister died a few months later. It makes you want to dope slap the doctor who continually dismissed his patients reports. And get him OUT of the business. Casserole in the oven, the house smells wonderful! SRS |
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08 Mar 12 - 06:35 PM (#3320192) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I have now got a crusade locally. Our village is organised with local residents' associations, under a village association, both of which we belong to. The idea when the village was built was for everyone to get involved in running the place, but this has fallen by the wayside, and the committees are made up of the willing, unelected. On the corner of my neighbourhood there is a small wooded area, and one committee at village level has got it in mind to cut it back, rip out the understory, and open up that part of our bit to traffic noise and lights, and intrusion by walkers cutting across it. They were supposed to have a site meeting with our Chairman, and this was minuted at the meeting setting it up, but they then held the meeting without notifying her, and have told her that she has no input into the decisions. So I'm drafting a letter, and getting ready to post notices and talk to neighbours and the local wildlife trust to get them involved. We're dealing with the sort of little person who says "this is what I want" and ignores anyone else. At least it's my choice to get involved this time. Ho hum. a busy time looms. Penny |
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08 Mar 12 - 11:52 PM (#3320285) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Good for you, Penny. I hope you can get them to stop. I did the dishes, cleaned off the counters, folded and put away another load of laundry and took care of some of the papers I'd kept out to transfer, etc. I hope I don't surprise Rog too much...dishes twice in one week!LOL! Maybe I will tell him it is an early anniversary present. Thirty-two years coming up in a few days...unbelievable.:-) |
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08 Mar 12 - 11:59 PM (#3320286) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Penny, you have met the "big fish in a tiny pond." Remind her that the other fish still have a voice, and I wish you great success! I'm wrapping up a day of computing (processing photos for work, etc.) and am looking forward to a great tour of iconic Western art tomorrow evening. I have to hand over a disk of photos to a friend whose retirement was officially last week and who wants shots of a couple of events (including her reception). It sometimes seems so silly to be so busy and the only thing really moving is my fingers as I type file names and my right thumb and two fingers as I work the track ball. Not a great over-all workout. SRS |
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09 Mar 12 - 02:07 AM (#3320305) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre My little man is sick. Or teething. Or both. At any rate, it's 2:00am and he's up. He was weepy and clingy and now he's sitting next to Pete (who is blissfully sleeping). Jeremiah isn't eating much and has a temp of 102.4. This morning it was slightly lower. He's had some water and a tiny bit of his bottle and I've had a luke warm wash cloth on his head. There's more but I'm beat. Gonna try to get the wee one back in his bed. |
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09 Mar 12 - 03:58 AM (#3320330) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. It's a little man, actually, and I have yet to meet him. He has problems with our chair, who is a woman who rubs people up the wrong way a bit herself! But has been definitely dealt with undemocratically in this case. I didn't sleep at all well last night, and spent about two hours fully awake, rading, and sipping camomile and lavender tea. I don't think this was to do with the impending fracas, as I didn't find myself thinking about it at all. (I am slightly bothered as other times this has happened I have found out afterwards that someone in the family has a problem - not scientifically explicable, but enough to merit attention. Mind you, last night I watched physicist Brian Cox explaining how when any one electron is persuaded to change energy level, every other electron in the universe has to change too, instantaneously, because of Pauli's exclusion principle, and I'm supposed to believe that. He presented no evidence.) And this morning, 1.2 lbs are back on. Dur. I don't believe I ate 1.2 lbs of stuff yesterday. I have to find out how to fit three bags of soup in the freezer, which I know to be full. The local shop had some reduced prepared vegetables, and I had some onions with the juices from some Aberdeen Angus burgers last weekend which needed to be used up. I slow cook the veggies, and then use a stick blender to break up the chunks. The nice thing about bags is that I can freeze them flattish, so they don't take up much room. I'll bring a variety of previous soups up to the small kitchen ice box part of the fridge, which should do it. Back to my letter - intimidating hint that I was involved in the successful campaign to prevent a local council in London from putting a multiplex on a site with abundant wildlife. He He. Penny Penny |
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09 Mar 12 - 10:30 AM (#3320455) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg I was able to Skype with ALL the Califournians last night-- so cool to see mom, and to see them all reacting to "OMG the technology" and "OMG she isn't who we thought she was all these years." Nice also to get their congrats for my PT grad, by visual. I will next Skype with them from the new exercise room as soon as it's set up-- #1 son left them now Skype-able. Great that sis will be able now to Skype with hometown peeps she so recently left. As I take the week off from the Hurt Locker, I find a lot of PT insights bubbling up. This AM's cold hard light makes it clear that I dare not stop the progress, tho slowing it don to less-pain-than-PT is def. necessary because I have stuff to DO. But another way of looking at "what was achieved" is to acknowledge that now-- I am only as weak as most women on the day they make their New Year's resolution. How far do I WANT to go? I WANT to be able to toss Clydesdales and to hang from monkey bars-- I want to be able to support my own weight, and I am not there quite yet. :~) I'm just strong enough now to START that little journey. To explore with doctor (the 21st) is bloodwork and echocardiogram sched for Monday, and the physiology of arthritis. Not how to protect and live with it muscularly-- I know quite a bit about that-- but the PT said something I did not understand, and thus the DO can eddicate me. ~Susan |
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10 Mar 12 - 09:57 AM (#3320906) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Think of what we all could accomplish if we could "toss Clydsdales" every so often. :) Tour was kind of crowded, but it went off without a hitch. We scared people into getting there early. Next big appointment - pickup son at airport this evening. Cold blustery day here, so it looks like work in the house. 100% chance of rain today (I see the storms approaching on the weather radar) and 80% tomorrow. A good time to work on eBay stuff, methinks! Or, I shudder, get my taxes out of the way. SRS |
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10 Mar 12 - 10:51 AM (#3320930) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg SRS yes, and it is a lot of fun to toss them. When they are small enough to think we are stronger, they grow up "knowing" we always CAN toss them. Phase II room progress continues with a knockoff of the old Chicago mob's "concrete overshoes." I hate cuff-style ankle weights, so we're making me a set of step-in hightops, with a range of attached weights. They will all have pretty pink ribbon laces. Three faboo DVDs I ordered arrived yesterday; as we dined Up There we reviewed them on the portable DVD player. The player's story s a hoot-- I got it cheap off Ebay to use poolside, then decided I no longer needed it and set it in the Porch Sale bin. It didn't sell. Then Hardi needed one so I hauled it back out, but then he didn't use it. So then I took it back for an exercise DVD I'd gotten that I did not yet have enough muscle to use, and again the player sat. Now I finally have the muscles and the player and the right DVDs all in one place. TBTG it didn't sell the one weekend it sat out on public view! The DVD set has sound exercise physiology coaching and is age-approrpriate: http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-3-Pack-Aerobics-Strength-Flexibility/dp/B0000UQQTO I'm using the flex one first. It goes well with the KidFit series I ave on the DVR with Dr. Bounce, to inspire playtime applications of basic but fun stretches and warmups: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1250560/ ~Susan |
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10 Mar 12 - 05:01 PM (#3321046) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg The first set of step-ins is done-- just an ounce or two shy of the 5-pound ankle weights I've been waving around in the air at PT. They were black and pink to start, got blacker with the tape job, and I need to add the decorative laces and celebration charms. As soon as I try these out, I will have heavier ones to make for leg extensions with the next cheap set of booties at Sallie Ann's. We got about 12 bricks of various weights, for about 7 bucks total. YAY! The comparable retail item only goes up to 1-1/2 pounds each leg, and is 20-80 bucks. We're hardcore here! ~Susan |
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11 Mar 12 - 12:19 AM (#3321159) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Been to the airport to declutter the passenger compartment of an incoming plane of one handsome 20-year-old. We'll have a birthday dinner tomorrow (it was last Wednesday). I've kept the dishes done, washed as they were used, not accumulating in the sink or dish water. It's largely self-defense - I don't find things moved, broken, whatever, because a large Labrador retriever decided to clean the dishes! It's bad enough he licks out a skillet every so often. More rain forecast for tomorrow, but I'd be indoors anyway, getting ready for dinner and the birthday cake. The garden is soaking up this good rain and taking care of itself for a few more days. SRS |
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11 Mar 12 - 01:29 AM (#3321171) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Good to hear he is home, safe and sound, SRS. Morgan came over this morning. We had breakfast, as usual, then went to the hardware store for a new rake and doormat. Morgan earned a little bit of cash for helping to clear up and put things away, plus he helped Papa install a grab bar outside the back-door, so I can get down those steps, safely. (They are crumbling and need to be replaced.)We also ran a few other errands. The rake is really neat, very large and designed to prevent leaf build-up. Morgan used ti for a bit in front and never had to clear it. I think he will be over tomorrow morning whilst we do our usual cleaning, then he will go home as Rog and I have plans for a quiet, just us, luncheon out for our anniversary. Don't forget to set your clocks ahead, tonight/this morning! |
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11 Mar 12 - 06:50 PM (#3321464) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg I've kept the dishes done, washed as they were used, not accumulating in the sink or dish water. I'm on that deal too, for an annual Lenten variation from using the dishwasher. It does make a nice drying rack tho, since the sink counter is full of non-fracked-up (NFU) water most of the time. I also found a tiny drainer (Lowe's, $4) to sit on top of one of the bigger jugs, to catch the clean teacup between uses. Today's Outdoor Exercise module was Lawn Ironing and a bit of re-plumbing the dog kennel. Not plumb as in water lines, but plumb as in plumb-bob. Ironing the lawn involves walking out the deep mud ruts as they dry, so we don't break our necks walking in the grass in a few weeks. Sometimes it's done on foot-- my heels make a great lawn roller at this weight-- and sometimes with the van for its extra weight and stamina. Today, both. I was a good girl and followed PT instrux not to overdo-- took a camp chair along to sit in and lean on for the kennel task Hardi was helping with. An earlier trip Out was to remove the colorful shoelaces from my scooter's handlebars. On these I'd listed all the great scootering days of last season; as they accumulated they made nice streamers to keep the scooter visible in traffic. They were gathered up today and sent towards my exercise room, where they will decorate my step-in boot weights and my hand weights, etc. I'll accumulate a fresh set of laces this season and each year they will make a nice memory-aid. Kinda like when peeps used knots in cords to commemorate tribal history, organize a calendar, or accumulate weather data. I now have boot weights of 2 and 5 pounds. I have lead shot I can add to increase them s l o w l y . I need to make one more pair for now for leg extensions, but need the boots and need to check my PT chart for the weight I have been pulling on the clinic's cable machine. Hardi has assembled/provided some stuff I needed for Up There and most of it is up there for a decor-a-thon. Sad news-- a good friend and all-around Nice-nik informed me today that her hernia op of Thursday had revealed an ovarian cancer she had not known about. :~( (Barbara, if anyone cares to pray.) Time for all the love she has put out into the universe to roll back over her. Notes via PM can be printed for me to give her. I already have her enrolled in email prayer supports. ~Susan |
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11 Mar 12 - 09:37 PM (#3321531) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Susan, Please give Barbara my contact info and let her know that I'd be happy to talk to her anytime. Michelle |
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12 Mar 12 - 12:32 AM (#3321589) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I'm sorry to read about your friend, Susan. Ovarian cancer is such a damned secretive assault on a woman. Michelle is such a fount of information now I hope she'll be able to help. Today was a wonderful day here. I fixed breakfast for my son, one he hasn't had in a long time, then I went down to the rehab facility and spent a couple of hours visiting with Susie. She told a story that should make you smile: You may recall that 2 weeks prior to the accident she had cataract surgery and a cornea transplant. When the accident happened we stressed to the ICU folks that just because the eye health wasn't "life threatening" that it was incredibly important to her well-being once she recovered. They built her drops, ointment, everything, into their treatment schedule. As did the rehab hospital. Last week she saw her eye doctor, 10 weeks since the surgery, and he was rather anxious to see her. He was so relieved and amazed at how far she has come back. "He told me he was afraid that they would wheel in a vegetable version of me, and he was so happy to see I am so much better." Her eye is doing excellently (he'd also feared what that kind of accident could do to the delicate surgery site he had worked on). I think they had quite a long visit, much more than when you visit a specialist to recheck after surgery. :) Shopping, then back home to start a marathon of cooking for five of us. Chicken strips for my son, but I found a great piece of sockeye salmon at my high end grocery so brought that in also. Pan fried some potatoes to go with them, and used the last of the garden broccoli. My daughter held up a rather rangy long stalk with small florets, she asked what this was. Without missing a beat I told her that was my organic free range broccoli, not be cramped like in commercial growing operations. :) We finished with a small cake from that same store, one that they examined, picked apart (some like frosting, others don't) and ate all of except one square inch. That was the cook's reward. :) Nice to be offline and off the grid for a while (though there were times when all three young people were sitting there hunched over devices all running on my house WiFi setup. I told them if they didn't come up for air I'd turn off the router.) SRS |
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12 Mar 12 - 01:28 PM (#3321798) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Day off and it is going to reach 80 outside. The oaks in the area are fully-tassled now and that causes some allergy problems. I'll be taking benedryl at bedtime to boost my daily zyrtec. Report to follow! SRS |
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12 Mar 12 - 02:51 PM (#3321846) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I am a vacuuming, laundry doing, budget organizing, bill paying, phone call making, setting up speakers for a meeting busy mommy machine!!! Big score of the day, clearing up a misunderstanding that has been ongoing for weeks. YAY!!!! Michelle |
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13 Mar 12 - 02:22 AM (#3322069) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I've mowed about 2/3 of the back yard, and stopped when the mower ran out of gas. I wanted it to because I have to turn it over to remove and sharpen the blade. I've ordered new batteries for the dog's Invisible Fence collars. The neighbor told me that they're going right up to the fence now - I saw it today blatantly. They were being good about their boundaries, even without their collars, but with Zeke back there, they have followed him beyond their boundaries without the reinforcement of the collars. So they'll get a shock in a day or two first time one of them goes across the line they both know by heart. I have to switch the one collar between two dogs, because one device was pulled apart in a wrestling match, but I think I'll be able to buy a used one from the same folks for considerably less than new. It's really surprising to see them so boldly go where they weren't allowed for years. The last batteries were exhausted a couple of months ago. I've just started reading an article on High Fructose Corn Syrup that you might want to look at. Not to preach to the choir - I think we're all aware of this stuff. But it might be useful to pass on. SRS |
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13 Mar 12 - 01:34 PM (#3322332) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage How's the garden coming along, Andrea? Alice, are you still buried under snow? Maryann, how is your garden plot looking? Are you doing any more remodeling? Rags, how is the work in the attic? Kat, are you making any more jewelry these days? In other words, refreshing the thread. :) SRS |
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13 Mar 12 - 04:26 PM (#3322383) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Finished mowing the back yard and clearing things out of the greenhouse (put away to keep out of the winter weather). We're back in the gardening business! SRS |
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13 Mar 12 - 04:33 PM (#3322389) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing My hands aren't quite ready for jewellery making just yet, SRS, but getting there. I did meditation this morning with about half of qi gong. I ate too much sodium on our anniversary, careful as I was, restaurants use so much it's really hard to keep it down. I figure I did about four times or more of what I usually do and, I didn't drink enough water, so the past two days have been a bit miserable for me. Haven't done much but sleep and groan.:-) Feeling much better today and have Morgan here for a few hours. We will have him the rest of the week. Rog is working at getting Wed and Thurs. off in addition to his usual Fri. We're planning to take Morgan to a really neat place he doesn't know about. Years ago, a couple who owned a farm began adopting children from several different countries. Each time they did, they built a child-sized replica of that child's traditional housing from their country of origin. Over the years, they added all kinds of animals including llamas, ponies, ducks, hens, rabbits, etc. which the children can pet, respectfully. So, school groups and individuals can visit. My kids had loads of fun there. They adding a Viking ship which I know Morgan will love climbing on. It's called the "Moon Farm" so I gave him a hint about where we are going..."to the Moon!" He's excited. I hope to get a few things done still, this week. Get our tax stuff ready and sent out to my girlfriend who does them for us. Rog has to put a new fuel filter on the car and the floors have to done. They are filthy with fine dust tracked in, esp. by the dog who needs a bath. Not sure how we're going to accomplish that...might have to get her some natural sedation pills. She is not comfortable about water other than for drinking. Kid just went home, so it's time for some more lie-down for me as well as more water. |
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13 Mar 12 - 05:48 PM (#3322428) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Dorothy Parshall Kat: Moon Farm sounds wonderful! Michelle: There is a great del about our alleged health care that is terrifically frustrating! Penny: Community!!! Our committee goes to the regional govt this week to find out what we can do most effectively about these turbines. May have lawyer also. The area on which this scumball wants to place wind turbines is covered in this ?: Is the MRC aware that the area in which the developer is looking to build the windmill turbines is adjacent to a reserve for the sandstone pavement barrens? Studies are currently being made to expand that reserve to protect more of this barren,, one of only 20 in the world and the largest one in Quebec. The barren is home to a number of at risk species such as frogs and salamanders, and is part of the migratory route for large birds such as snow geese which come down to feed on the wetland which is an integral part of the barren. It is also home to a variety of at risk trees and flora. In an article, The Sandstone Pavement Pine Barren of Northeastern New York: A Legacy of Fire and Ice, by David Franzi of SUNY, Plattsburgh, Franzi states, "The barren are marginal ecosystems in delicate balance with existing hydrogeologic and climatic conditions and vulnerable to extinction by natural processes or human activities. With fewer than 20 known sites worldwide, they are considered to be globally rare." (http://serc.carleton.edu/vignettes/collection/25562.html) This study, and others, gives us good reason to be concerned, not only for the barrens, also known locally as "The Rock", but especially for the water table which supplies our area and which could be severely damaged by drilling and other changes in the terrain. Why I am upset! The court case which had me distraught all last week is postponed until 21 March! That does not feel like a reprieve but more like a prolongation of the torment. All I want is for that man to be in jail for a few years so we can feel safe. Keeping in mind that I do not like the idea of anyone being in jail - unless they are truly dangerous. Beautiful weekend, and Monday, in the country. Sugaring off has started and our landlord presented us with a still hot can of syrup on Saturday! There are buckets on trees all through the woods and around the cabin. It is fun to have people all over the place, gathering the sap. vehicles in and out, waving to neighbours - and making sure I am clothed as the cabin is a gold fish bowl! This would not be great year round but for a few weeks... Almost up to 60 on Monday and we fear a short season. But I got spring fever and opened up the garage/studio to let the warm air in! Took out and organized all the stuff that was sitting in the hallway until the weather was better. Cleaned out the screened porch so my pottery is visible on the nice shelves out there and the remaining wood pile is tidy. Set up the distiller in the garage so the noise and heat are out of the house and I can run it whenever needed. Just need to take a bucket of water out. Good system. Also hung a fav LARGE Photo on the LR wall. The internet is working well! Sunday we looked at an industrial property that interests R. After a good lunch at a cafe run by a verbose, but delightful Persian, we had a great visit with a friend on the beautiful, tumbling river. Did two loads of laundry last night and all is caught up! Cleaned off most of the city kitchen counter and re-organized it. Much better! Now to the store and the library. |
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13 Mar 12 - 09:18 PM (#3322509) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I spent today driving to the hospital to have my port flushed and a bunch of blood work done. I was supposed to have a mammogram too but my port was being fussy so I had to have the tubing left hanging out of my chest while a dissolving agent did it's thing which takes an hour. This overlapped with my mammogram appointment..can't very well get squished with a 2 inch needle sticking out of my chest! Oh well, that can be rescheduled. A friend went along with me today and that was nice. She showed me how to make a swirly scarf that seem to be so much in style...fun and easy. And it was nice to have something to knit while I waited...kept me focused on something besides what was going on with my body. Now we wait. I'm praying for low numbers, a drop in numbers or even if the last number was maintained....anything but rising numbers which indicate tumor activity. And oh yeah..I did a load of laundry this morning among all the other normal morning chores. I'm beat. Sweet dreams everybody! Michelle |
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13 Mar 12 - 10:19 PM (#3322521) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg OUT and out, all day. Started a scootering blog. Acted as ally to Black uni yoots getting some BS in town. Started a new clergyspouse network on SKYPE. Typical day, no time to give details. ~S~ |
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13 Mar 12 - 10:55 PM (#3322535) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Something very cool happened today that I forgot to mention. Here it a copy of it from Facebook and the really wonderful responses I've received: Michelle Lawrence I am SO EXCITED to have been asked to speak about Survivorship at the Danville Relay For Life event!!!!! Yvonne Lantz-Acker, are you on a team for this??? Like · · Unfollow Post · about an hour ago Jessica Strange, Kayla Poirier, Cindy Grand and 19 others like this. David Pearson You go girl! about an hour ago · Unlike · 1 Yvonne Lantz-Acker I am not on a team but I would love to come hear you speak!!!! I think this is great ! When is it and what time do you think you will be speaking? At the survivor/ luminary walk??? Exciting !!!! You will do great at it !!!! about an hour ago · Unlike · 1 Michelle Lawrence I don't have all the details just yet but will be sure to post them as they arrive!!! I had my port flushed today and Kathy (one of the nurses) asked me.....what an honor!!! Out of all the people they see at the clinic, they thought of me!!! *Beaming* about an hour ago · Like · 1 Yvonne Lantz-Acker You should be grinning ear to ear. It is fabulous and you are a great person to speak :) you went through a lot and did not become bitter and I am SURE you helped others get through it as well. Soak it all up. This is your moment girl! Keep inspiring others so proud of you. Excited for you too !!!!! about an hour ago · Unlike · 1 Michelle Gandolfi Flak woooo whooo! that doesn't surprise me in just the small time that i've known you i can tell how wonderful you are! about an hour ago · Unlike · 1 Melissa West McCarthy I don't think any of us that know you are surprised that they chose you! Your strength and sweetness, your unfailing energy to spread the word about awareness, the fact that you are WINNING THE WAR, your compassion for others....goodness -... See More 58 minutes ago · Unlike · 3 Janice Biscoe Congrats Michelle, you will do the cause proud! 57 minutes ago · Unlike · 2 Jill Olin Parks Congratulations...GO MICHELLE!! I spoke at my first Relay during the Summer of 2008 -- it was one of the best experiences I have ever had...enjoy!!! 8 minutes ago · Unlike · 1 Michelle Smith Congratulations Michelle! You are worthy of the honor. You handled everything so well and have used the experience to help others. I'm so proud of you. Keep up the amazing work. :-) |
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14 Mar 12 - 12:13 AM (#3322557) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Michelle, this sounds like a wonderful opportunity. We've seen you grow so very much through this whole process, the opportunity to inspire others can't be passed up! If you want a reminder, look back at the pink book. The early days were filled with a mix of fear and petulance, and as you got a grip on the whole thing, you became a Cancer Fighting Goddess. And a Mom. What a story! I got in a good workout today - I finished the last 1/3 of the back yard and then mowed the front. My neighbor did one part next to her yard a couple of days ago, so I did 2/3 of the front. (I had mixed up a bottle of vinegar and orange oil to spray those weeds - when I walked out, they were all gone, mowed!) My yard is a rough cut, lots of weeds, but I can now go out with the weed popper and get rid of some of the worst roots and basel whorls out there in the turf. (Weed popper and many other tools courtesy my friend who lost his house to foreclosure.) I put up some LED lights to hang from the top of the green house today (also bought from my friend) as I worked on other things out there. Last year I accidentally bought some of those "icicle" LED strings, but they look good hanging from a high ceiling in the greenhouse - they'll make it look enchanted if I have them on at night if I have people over and we're on the patio or in the yard. Or in the greenhouse. :) SRS |
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14 Mar 12 - 02:53 PM (#3322872) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Well, that was easier than I thought. Talk about charging in where I am not entirely in possession of all the information. He isn't quite what I expected, turned up on my doorstep whe I arrived back with my friend who decided to defend me. But we finished off with us having the responsibility for managing the patch - Hmm, and them not ripping out the "scrub". Someone who has taken on a lot more than he thought because others have fallen away after things started. Then having pressure put on him when he tries to do some of what he thinks needs doing. Penny |
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14 Mar 12 - 03:36 PM (#3322883) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage This reminds me that I have to get going on my park project in the village. It has languished since last summer. Not sure what is going on allergy-wise today. I suspect the opportunistic pollen is assaulting my tender sinuses and there is nothing the antibiotic can do about it. I'll stick with the allergy regimen for now. Laundry under way, kitchen still clean. I need to reorganize the fridge a bit, after I was able to finally get some produce last weekend. I am enjoying sauteed zucchini and more. Two and a half weeks to clear up the cold and infection and I finally feel like eating veggies - probably because I can taste them now. SRS |
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14 Mar 12 - 09:24 PM (#3322996) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg I'm so glad I took the week off from scheduled workouts, post-PT, because I have been busier than a 1-armed paperhanger catching up on work and household chores. The pain cycle of PT allowed these to pile up, never mind the amount of time I was gone DOING it. PT is a funny thing. You do it because something hurts, and it heals you... while hurting you in the process. Not so much IN the workouts, for me, but if you do it right it starts to really hurt about 1-1/2 hours afterwards; this wears off just in time for the next PT visit. (Otherwise you have wasted your money and not worked hard enough.) I do not regret that at all, tho the dry-clinic part of it seriously knocked my hard-won personal schedule for a loop. But now I can get back to my more established routines, and got caught up this week while also stocking the new exercise room for the time I have allotted to it starting Monday. Up There I need to vacuum and decorate, which will begin Monday. === Tomorrow I depart for a business trip up into the snow belt of NY, where I will be going once per month for various networking stuff. I have a person to stay over with, this first time, and lots of open time on this trip to reconnoiter; so I will also go see the most logical KOA for boondocking as well as the town where another kind host has offered boondocking space or a guest room (for the colder months). In case the vibe at the guest quarters this trip is not great, I am also prepared to boondock it if preferable. It is odd to be setting up for this with no major prep, but the Boondocker is still all equipped for these fun or work-related getaways and just needs a good vacuuming the first time I set up the inside here before the next trip. But all the equipment is already in there, including a change of clothes for unexpected business opportunities, and sleepovers all over the Diocese. I love having offers of places to stay... but I also like the alone-time boondocking permits. That van is surprisingly warm even down to 35-40 degrees without electricity, or colder with electric blanket. I found a great stuff sack for a twin, down comforter no longer needed in the house, which has been the one item I wished I'd had on board many a time when staying in the van or in a home. I did use it once and WOW was it worth toting it up the awful stairs where I often stay in H'burg!!! There's just no beating that superlight, burrow-in or toss-half-off comforter. With the stuff sack it is no bulkier than a sleeping bag and much more flexibly-usable! (Also in the stuff sack is a flannel sheet to add or substitute as needed.) ~Susan |
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14 Mar 12 - 09:42 PM (#3323001) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Nice long dog walk, though the girls seemed to be trying to pull in front more than usual. I may have to rearrange the dog order again, see what happens. Warmer and more humid today, and people are telling me their tomatoes are growing even though by the calendar it is very early (in the past I've had to replace plants put in too early, they seem to end up stunted). But I may pick up a few just to give them an early shot. SRS |
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15 Mar 12 - 11:07 AM (#3323187) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Did some gardening this afternoon, digging up some comfrey (unfortunately leaving some roots behind), and pulling up some hairy bittercress and a few other weeds to be put in a pot of water to rot down before composting. Hung out the washing in the sunshine. Penny |
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15 Mar 12 - 11:47 AM (#3323196) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Work today but tomorrow off, so my weeds will have to wait one more day. Allergies trying to fill in the gap where the cold and sinus infection vacated. Benedryl overnight does help. And brushing my hair to remove any pollen I picked up during the day. Changing the pillow case often helps avoid a build-up also. With everything getting started so early it tells me this might be a heckuva year for allergies. SRS |
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15 Mar 12 - 12:07 PM (#3323199) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg I found the gold mine!!! The eyes had it all along. ~Susan |
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15 Mar 12 - 04:24 PM (#3323293) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I went out to lunch with a lovely group of people from the nursing home where my nana is staying. I made a new friend named Iris who had lots of things to talk about. She has a twinkle in her eye and doesn't mince words about anything. I kinda like that! While we were at the restaurant there was a terrible car accident on the highway below between a gas truck (outfitted pickup) and a mid sized car. We watched as 2 helicopters came, 3 ambulances, some fire department folks and there may have been a third helicopter as well. It was reported to us that one person had died. As the clean up and rescue vehicles were in the area, we were trapped at the restaurant as no cars or trucks were allowed in or out unless they were rescue vehicles. It made for a relaxing lunch for the 15 of us as no one felt rushed and the conversation flowed freely. It's interesting what you learn. I love hearing the stories of this area that they have to share. I went to Lowe's later in the day and picked up two wardrobes and plan on getting our closet in order this weekend. I'll use the wardrobes for storage of out of season clothes and the bottom will be stacked with totes holding various organized sizes of clothing for Jeremiah that people have given us. And hopefully I'll get the shoes in order too. I have too many and am going to donate most of them. I wear the same shoes over and over so why have so many? Of course I'll keep a few extras for dressing up...maybe 4 of those will stay. I also am on a mission to get my paperwork all in order and it's darn near close. I have some filing to do and a new binder to make to hold all the day care receipts and daily reports about what Jeremiah did during the day as well as his artwork. I signed up for the April Challenge at yoga for next month..dropped off a check for that and also a stop at the drug store. Time to sit and relax a little bit before I start dinner. Love to all, Michelle I've been on the go all day |
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15 Mar 12 - 05:21 PM (#3323317) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Well, our day changed horses before mid-stream this morning when Morgan called bright and early to tell us he was sick and had thrown up a couple of times, so no Moon Farm, today. I knew I had to get out of this house AND valley, so, after taking the morning to do pretty much nothing, we left for a long ride. Only, it didn't sit well with me. Wrong place, wrong time, so we came home, then went to the grocery store. Came home, ate lunch, then talked about what we can do to make this place look more "chic" than "shabby." Rog has decluttered an enormous, dust-ridden mass of wires and cables from under his kitchen desk, swept the area and made that look better. I think we are going to move my PC back to the bigger desk in the old office. I'll have more room for paperwork and be able to have the scanner and tape dubber in handier spots than now. We will leave the library table in the DR and move the jewellery stuff to it. It's a little iffy for me as I like being able to see the front door, see Rog, the dog on the sofa and out the DR windows, plus that's where we watch netflix, but I think I need the change. We agreed, if it doesn't work out, we can always put things back. As far as I know, Morgan will be here, tomorrow, provided he isn't sick. He says he's fine, now.:-) If so, I'll have him help me start by moving the jewellery stuff out to the kitchen table. Moon Farm may happen on Sat. or Mon. as he also has Mon. off from school. Another goal is to drag out the old aluminium awnings from the kitchen door and window to see if we can salvage them with a new coat of paint and get them up. A few days in the 60s and the high altitude sun has the house warming up to near 80F inside during the day! |
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15 Mar 12 - 11:19 PM (#3323426) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I sent a message out but it had a coding error and I killed it before I realized what happened. Darn. I visited a lovely antique store today, one I have passed by when it was closed, but when I went in I found it is owned by an acquaintance from events at work. Great conversation - and he confirmed my suspicion that the china I've been selling on eBay is only going to go to a few die-hard collectors who DON'T mind that semi-vitreous china was a bad idea. Better for kitchen tile than plates. I enjoyed this Mudcat exchange earlier today. First two from where the link lands once the page loads. Kat, it sounds like you have a more grownup place to work again, and just because it doesn't have a view of everything isn't bad. Fewer distractions. I hope Morgan is up and ready for Moon Farm soon! I have tomorrow off - our building is closed, no power, due to a huge but fast electrical upgrade of 50-year-old transformers or whatever. It's spring break for students and faculty, but staff works all week unless something like this comes along. I have tomatoes to put in the garden tomorrow, then I'll mulch all around them. This year I'm trying the Ruth Stout approach, at least as far as hay mulch. I still use amendments and such. SRS |
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16 Mar 12 - 03:23 PM (#3323805) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Weeding the garden, came in for a drink and to dig out a small screwdriver. The weed popper works on the big rooted gooshy weeds that break off if you try to hand pull them, but the tines get wood chips and stuff in them that needs clearing out regularly. I'm rescuing asparagus, onions, and garlic from the mix of tall weeds this afternoon. The fresh batteries for the invisible fence collars arrived and the dogs were surprised - the zap is back! A zing each and they looked around to see what had changed, but now they know the old boundaries (away from the fence) apply. I swap the collar between the two until I get a second one (used) from the supplier. Those things are expensive. Must work on the trimmer again, I have to declutter the curb of the weeds growing over, either with the trimmer or by hand with a pair of loppers. SRS |
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16 Mar 12 - 03:52 PM (#3323815) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Today has been a little different time wise but I've gotten quite a bit accomplished anyway! Most all of our paperwork is in order, easy to access and easy to find. I have one section yet to do and that's taxes. It should take me no more than 15 minutes as it's been pre-organized time wise and sorting wise. I just need to do some highlighting and get them in the appropriate binders. Dishes are done with the exception of 4 pots that are soaking. I mopped part of the kitchen...mud season has begun! I talked with the folks at the Montour County Relay for Life about what they are wanting in a speaker and how much time I'll have. I sent them my montage....got back an email that said OMG AMAZING! I'll take that as a yes, they'd like to use it! In the course of the conversation they also asked me if I would consider being part of the American Cancer Society's Voice of Hope program. Absolutely! :) Then the speaker for the Coping with Cancer group called (I'm the schedule person)and we talked a little bit about his upcoming visit this week. Jeremiah has been busy today too. A friend gave him a Mr. Potato Head which is a Godsend for when I am doing dishes in the kitchen. It keeps him happy, busy and out of the dishwasher! I love how much he is growing daily. His vocabulary is exploding and he understands some things that are asked of him (Help Mommy put your toys in the basket. No. Put that back. Close the door. Where are your shoes? etc.) Today he is asking for a tissue for his running nose (although he is feeling SO MUCH BETTER). I took photos of some of his old clothes that he can no longer wear and downloaded them onto my computer. As soon as he settles into a book or a nap, I'll upload them onto Facebook to a local yard sale site. Baby clothes go fast if you put a fair price on them. It's time to make some cash. My oncology camp for women just sent out this year's camp schedule and I am hoping to go to at least 2 of the camps...which means I need to come up with $200.00. Where there's a will, there's a way!!! :) Later Gators. Michelle |
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16 Mar 12 - 07:12 PM (#3323892) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Got those 4 stubborn pans with the caked on stuff all nice and shiny clean!!! :) Did some laundry too. Am about to go sweep. Loving the energy I have today! Michelle |
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16 Mar 12 - 09:59 PM (#3323960) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Sounds like everyone is feeling better there, Michelle! I finished weeding the first garden, the one where most of my herbs grow. I used the weed popper for some, but it's just as easy to use that Korean cultivating hand tool (with a kind of curved blade) so went back and forth on those. Three wheelbarrows full of weeds to the newest compost pile in the back. I took my LP gas tank over to the place in the next town where I get it filled, and since it was just time for a friend to get off work I called and took over boxes I'd picked up in the recycle area at work. He has lots to sell on eBay - I didn't want to overwhelm him with huge boxes, but these are modest sizes, sturdy, and will store flat in his apartment. He needs to sell the stuff in the storage locker to at least break even on the monthly rental on the locker. Now I need to get going on my own eBay stuff. SRS |
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16 Mar 12 - 11:04 PM (#3323970) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Yes, we are feeling MUCH better...all of us! The baby is still on antibiotics and coughing but nothing like he had been earlier. My ears are still somewhat cloudy but manageable. :) I hope you are feeling better too! Michelle |
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17 Mar 12 - 12:14 AM (#3323976) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage The antibiotics are finished, but the allergies are kicking in so I'm being careful. The weeds are going full-tilt, so I'll be taking benedryl at bedtime to boost the daily Zrytec. More garden tomorrow, and planting tomatoes. I always live in hope of a good crop. Or a couple of crops on either side of a hot summer. I put in "Super Fantastic" as the type and they seem to do the best job of sticking around till fall and their crop is "indeterminate" - they produce all season. SRS |
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17 Mar 12 - 05:26 AM (#3324005) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Yesterday was teaching swimming day,which I combined with planting my tree, which was supposed to be my leaving present. This is the third time I have tried, but the previous two attempts have resulted in two dead rowans. The site had been occupied by Japanese knotweed, treated with herbicide, which should have been cleared some years ago. The previous times the caretaker had dug the hole and planted the trees, despite, last time, my asking him to wait for me to bring some compost for the hole. This time, I got in first. I dug a hole down through what looked like good soil to a layer of gravel. Then I poured in two buckets of water to flush it through - and found that it didn't drain, which is odd with gravel, but the pebbles are very close. (I've just wondered if it's actually concrete down there, but that shouldn't be the problem, as rowan grows in very little soil on rock on mountains.) I sank a cardboard box in the hole, and put bought topsoil in it - I'd heard this trick on the radio, for dealing with replanting roses in the same place - and then sprinkled the hole with Rootgrow, a mycorhizzal spore product, which should help the tree get established. Then I put the tree in. It's only a couple of years old this time, with no side branches yet, and I got it at a low price from the London Wildlife Trust garden. I staked it, and put a decorative plastic fence from Lidl round it, to keep the children from it, hopefully. I had to buy new topsoil, and though I only needed one bag, I bought four, as they were on offer for 4 for 3, and I want to build up a couple of beds in my own garden. So I've been lugging heavy bags around, which I feel SHOULD have had a positive effect on my weight (well, I suppose, negative) but it hasn't. Bah. Penny |
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17 Mar 12 - 05:28 AM (#3324006) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I am now busy scanning a knitting pattern book. I got so carried away with selling on ebay that I put up, and sold, several books, and then realised that a couple had stuff in I wanted. Penny |
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17 Mar 12 - 07:49 AM (#3324056) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre We have packets of seeds waiting for it to be time to plant. The temperature is perfect for planting right now, however, it IS March....NOT late April or May. The ground is even ready too as it never really froze much under the surface this year. We do have some seeds to get started in the house which will happen this weekend. I'm up, dressed and ready to scoot out the door shortly (it's WAY early for me on Saturday morning) as a girlfriend and I are headed to a craft fair about 65 miles away. I haven't been to this particular one in years. I'm looking for a little something for an Easter decoration and something small and cute for my Nana who is in the nursing home. Something, preferably, that she can hang on her bulletin board, door or walls. The maintenance guy is GREAT about putting a nail in the wall or whatever is necessary..super fast too! :) Time to pack up the coffee and get going! My girlfriend has a child that is 5 years old but not yet in school (he missed the birthday deadline by mere days). He has learned how to read and is VERY excited to read Green Eggs and Ham to me on the way to the craft fair. I have to say, I think I am equally excited to hear him read!!! Happy Saturday Everybody!! Michelle |
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17 Mar 12 - 01:58 PM (#3324212) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Q (Frank Staplin) Got rid of our old-fashioned beds. Time to dispose of out-of-date stuff to Sally Ann. Our new beds provide massage while you sleep, if you want it. A click of the hand held programmer turns on the vibrators, and eureka, exercise while you sleep. Other buttons change the attitude of the bed, raising the head and/or foot portion of the mattress, or providing comfortable reading or TV positions. Electric blankets that program themselves to hold the bed at the desired temperature complete the modernization of sleep furniture. Next to go to sally ann will be chairs that just sit there and do nothing. |
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18 Mar 12 - 10:14 AM (#3324536) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg LOL, Q, we also got rid of a do-nuttin' recliner and replaced it with a lifteroonie jobbie. I don't need it now, but during PT it was invaluable! I also no longer need the wheelchair a friend gave us, which I used for awhile to do seated housecleaning; that was FreeCycled a few days ago to someone in urgent but temporary need-- who turned out to have been the person we got the FreeCycled lift-recliner from! WINWINWIN! Today is last catch-up day, and then tomorrow begins the return to scheduled exercise. I am loving the daily schedule I set up for myself with this return to functionality, and I enjoyed getting some work routines re-established as well as the monthly trip of a few days ago-- I scoped out what I needed to boondocking-wise and there are a lot of neat activities I can do there as well, that cannot be done here. One MAY Include horseback riding, which I have not done since.... over 30 years ago. It WAS a real big part of my life, for a pretty long stretch. The physical issues that took me out of it were re-defined by the PT in such a way that I actually think I can try that again. If it works, I can do it for the rest of my life! It would be the equivalent of a lifelong guitar player losing and then reclaiming that ability-- aquatics and horses, that was me. And in the meantime, stirrups for my scooter. There's a pesky discomfort on the scooter I think they will solve. OK... last catch-up day.... how to spend it.... part of it outside. ~S~ |
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18 Mar 12 - 12:15 PM (#3324587) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Fighting the good fight against very high pollen levels right now. Getting into the garden in spite of it. Tomorrow and Tuesday we're likely to have rain, so I'd like to finish some of the weeding and planting today. I put out bowls of beer last night and took a whole bunch of snails to their last garden party. I need to clean the carburetor on my weed-whacker, and I found a good video on YouTube for the type I have. I picked up the cleaner last night and I'll run the video one more time before I head out to the greenhouse to give it a try. eBay hovers on the edge of my consciousness, I have pieces that people are interested in, I just have to clear enough space to the a photo of the entire set and then list a few things individually. Paid the last monthly bill - in time but later than usual - I insured the smart phones back in January (a couple of weeks after we got them) but only one of them showed on the last bill. So I called and said I'd put both of them on the plan and it took a few days to get a confirmation that they both now are. So now the bill is paid. Q, it sounds like you decluttered your pocketbook a bit with that high-tech bedding option you put in! SRS |
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18 Mar 12 - 02:08 PM (#3324669) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg ... so I washed my porch-sitting recliner to get the first 5 layers of gasworkers' dust off, de-trashed the van, brought in a few folding chairs that had barricaded the driveway, did the dishes, updated the auto-schedule that reminds me of each day's priorities the day before, fixed a dozen buttonholes, made Hardi's after-services Big Lunch, and took a short nap because soon we head out for another church event (only 3 today). ~S~ |
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18 Mar 12 - 04:18 PM (#3324754) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage In for a drink and a cool down then back to the yard. I am making progress and may well be able to put in some tomatoes today. The mower is out and I'll also lower the settings and give the front yard another mow. It's looking ugly because I don't have a bag to catch the heavy grass - there are furrows of mulched weeds on the ground out there, but the grass will just have to come up through it. Maybe time to put in a load of laundry, then head back out. SRS |
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18 Mar 12 - 06:45 PM (#3324808) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I spent the day at a Relay For Life fundraiser dinner. I was in the kitchen for a good part of the day, also setting tables, putting desserts out, manning the ticket table for a bit, taking photos, etc. It was busy but good. Now I'm home and my body is reminding me that it is NOT GOOD for me to stand in any one place for too long (I did that for a few hours today, taking orders at the counter) and now I'm paying for it. It was a good day though. Our Relay team took in a little over $400.00 in profit. HOORAY! Job well done! Michelle |
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19 Mar 12 - 12:43 AM (#3324931) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Well, I opted out of mowing because I still can't use the string trimmer. I spent more time pulling weeds and didn't have a chance to work on the carburetor. Maybe tomorrow. I have concluded, after getting over the cold, during which I had a different diet and am now metabolically feeling better, that the Atkins diet just isn't going to work for me. The amount of protein just doesn't feel good. That said, I know low carbohydrate diets work for me, so I'll be looking more at the Zone - one that has a lot of everything but in more modest portions and you make a point of having more fruits and veggies and smaller amounts of meat. Soups, casseroles, salads, those work. I think the Atkins diet messed things up more than it fixed. Dog walking, working in the yard, more exercise in general, I should be able to lose weight easier now. I'm not so brave as Susan to name it, but I'm close to what was my pregnancy high weight with my first child, so I know how far I have to go to get back to my normal weight. The ice cream this weekend was a treat, but I didn't really enjoy it that much, now that I'm pretty much out of the habit of eating sweets. I'll stick to more savory snacks for the time being. SRS P.S. - good job, Michelle! |
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19 Mar 12 - 01:03 PM (#3325222) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing meditation and qi gong this morning Busy weekend. We moved my DR office to the old office and all is functional, but I've got loads to sort through and stash somewhere. All of the jewellery stuff is out in the DR now to be sorted, also. Thought I'd have Morgan, today, but both parents are sick, at home and, even though he is feeling fine, I don't want to take a chance of any cross-germination.:-) we did get to Moon Farm on Sat. and it was a blast. Today would have been my mom's 96th b-day. |
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19 Mar 12 - 02:04 PM (#3325257) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Returned to exercise routine today, up in my Own Room. The basic routine for now is the same as from PT (all as 3 sets of 10): Supine leg raises (5-lb weights) Supine triceps (5-lb weights) Side-lying leg raises (5-lb weights) Side-lying arm raises (5-lb weights; was up to 8 but waling it back till external shoulder rotation comes up to 5) Side-lying reverse clams (5-lb weights) Side-lying external shoulder rotation (2-lb weights) Rowing - 30, black band plus red Deltoid/pec extensions - 30, black band plus red Step-ups-- there are the equivalent of 10 step-ups on that staircase. === All these exercises are posted on the wall, along with last year's scooter-commemorating laces. I did not really lose any strength from the 1-week layoff. The weighted boots I made were great. The pillow choices I made were great. Faulkner is a great little trainer. To add tonight during Hardi's workout in the room below this one-- find pre-bedtime my stretching routine. === But the great news that arrived while I did this-- bloodwork results: duh, THYROID is and HAS BEEN under functioning. Meds begin tomorrow. ~Susan |
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19 Mar 12 - 03:56 PM (#3325323) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg PS I have leg extensions to add to the routine as soon as I rig up a base to pull from. I can do one type with the 5-lb boots but need to cable for the reverse of it. ~S~ |
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19 Mar 12 - 04:07 PM (#3325332) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: GUEST,mg If you don't like too much protein and like low-carb, try adding fats..I find that I need higher fats than people like to see me eat..but it is the only way I can stabilize my blood sugar and slowly lose weight..even 40 or 60 carbs a day are too many for me..I try for zero and there are always hidden ones..bacon works like magic for me in terms of weight loss...I also find dark chocolate and cream cheese to be wonderful..I mix dark chocolate, stevia, cream cheese, ground flax seeds, coconut oil and cinnamonfor a blood sugar stabilizing treat...mg |
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19 Mar 12 - 04:41 PM (#3325346) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I think you're right, Mary. Good quality fats, olive oil, fish, etc. I began to be aware of where my kidneys were - an ache that was my body telling me that what I was eating was piling up. So I'm drinking a lot of water, eating more fruits and veggies, smaller protein amounts during the day. I had a fruit and yogurt smoothie for breakfast (banana, a big handful of frozen strawberries and about 8 oz of yogurt). Lots of carbs in bananas, but healthier than wheat flour products, etc. Lunch was out with a friend (I moved her large potted tree thing from the office to her apartment - she retired a couple of months ago and this plant was waiting for a good time for us to move it for her). Mexican food - chile relleno, refried beans. Tonight I'll have a salad, some sauteed zucchini, and a small portion of salmon. And I'll be getting a lot more exercise now that spring is here. SRS |
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19 Mar 12 - 04:43 PM (#3325347) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre mg, Are you diabetic? Michelle |
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19 Mar 12 - 04:53 PM (#3325353) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Good fats are great. I eat half of an avocado at lunch and the other half at supper, every day. Check the protein in veggies, esp. when juiced; lot more than I ever realised and I am doing great with that as my only source of protein. I see the first juice on that page has 11 grams. No meat and the only dairy is about a tbsp of shredded low-fat cheese. Almond milk has protein also, as well as nuts in general. The kidney doc I go to advised against fish, partly because of the sodium, but mostly because of the mercury, etc. I used to use rice protein powder in my smoothies, but it was too much protein. kat |
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20 Mar 12 - 12:03 AM (#3325529) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing I did a ton of dishes, today. Took me two separate tries, but got them all done. Usual chores fell by the wayside this past week and weekend. |
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20 Mar 12 - 12:16 AM (#3325532) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Dishes out of the way here, also. Dogs in now, asleep in their beds on a rainy thundery night. Various devices charged and ready in case power goes out overnight. I hope the rain doesn't drown the garden. SRS |
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20 Mar 12 - 12:56 AM (#3325543) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I did dishes here today too. It was far too nice outside to tend to dishes! I also vacuumed and paid my car insurance, house insurance and taxes today. And then I ordered myself some new yoga clothes for the upcoming April Challenge (yoga). YAY! I am officially broke and I don't care! LOL The taxes are paid, everything is insured, there is food in the pantry and I'm gonna get to go to yoga! Life is good! :) Now...if I could just sleep! Goodnight Everybody! Michelle |
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20 Mar 12 - 03:34 AM (#3325562) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I really wish I could sleep like a normal human being. My guys are all tucked in and sweetly sleeping but not me. I just am awake. ARG. |
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20 Mar 12 - 10:58 AM (#3325701) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I heard a story a couple of weeks ago (on National Public Radio) about how humans used to sleep, before electricity and such. Going to sleep in the early evening and waking at maybe 1am, awake till 3am, then back to sleep. Apparently there is evidence of this being quite commonplace, before a couple of hundred years ago. Claim the biological divided sleep habit. :-) It thundered all night but it looks like the whole large system is slowly moving east. Perhaps it will be sunny by this afternoon. I need a walk (with the dogs) after a couple of days housebound. SRS |
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20 Mar 12 - 12:04 PM (#3325747) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing My son heard that story on NPR, too, SRS, and told me about it, last night. Interesting. meditation and qi gong this morning |
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20 Mar 12 - 03:44 PM (#3325849) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Pool per schedule, 1 hour mixed stuff. ~S~ |
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20 Mar 12 - 06:19 PM (#3325906) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I have to make myself sit down and declutter my brain of a few hundred words for a newsletter article this evening. Inspiration isn't going to be the motivator, I'll just have to make myself write it. Dog walk coming up soon. SRS |
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20 Mar 12 - 07:45 PM (#3325960) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Made arrangements for a personal trainer today! I can't wait! I spent 5 hours with a friend who is working hard to declutter and get rid of things that she no longer needs, wants or uses. It's much more fun with someone! :) She will return the favor later, I'm sure. I got Jeremiah some swim shorts and signed him up for swimming lessons. He LOVES the water so this should be lots of fun! Both Pete and I will be in the water with him. Pete isn't a water bug so I asked him if he was sure about this and his response? "I'd do anything for Jeremiah. I'd do anything for you and Jeremiah." *Pause while my heart melts* He is an incredible Dad an Husband. We are so very lucky. <3 Tomorrow is off and running to another appointment 2 hours away. This time it's to the endocrinologist for thyroid and diabetes monitoring. I'm taking a friend along and we are both looking forward to a lunch of vegetable rolls (think sushi style) and fresh fruit. And a trip to her favorite yarn shop (and you should see what she's teaching me to knit!) Gotta get dinner started. Later Gators! Michelle |
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20 Mar 12 - 11:10 PM (#3326091) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Took the dogs for a nice long walk up and down hills and around blocks in the neighborhood. Good exercise for all of us. Susie is on schedule for surgery on Thursday. They'll put the piece of bone back in her skull. This surgery will be the last stage for the head injury - I don't know how long it takes for the bone to heal, to bond back into place. She'll have to wear the rubber helmet for a while longer, while the bone knits. The doctor says this isn't a big deal, it is cosmetic, but for the woman with the concave dent and the helmet and bald head, it is a huge stride. She can grow her hair, get back to her old self. SRS |
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20 Mar 12 - 11:59 PM (#3326102) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing That's good to hear about Susie, SRS. Michelle, where DO you find all of that energy?! Go, gyrl! I had cabin fever, today, so the dog had about 2-3 hours, off and on, of ball-fetching, plus I did a tiny bit of raking out my perennial garden. It felt good to be out and to just sit in the sunshine. Our daughter has agreed, tentatively, to drop Morgan off three mornings per week before school, so we can see a wee bit more of him than just weekends. Rog will take him to school when it's time. Morgan's been wishing he could be here in the mornings, so it's going to give us all a great start to our days. |
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21 Mar 12 - 01:57 AM (#3326114) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Kat, C~O~F~F~E~E! (I am so sleep deprived it isn't funny.) Jeremiah is up with a nasty cough tonight...almost barky. There was a sign on his school door today that said any children who were in school on the 13th were exposed to strep throat and now is about when it will start showing up in other kids. GRRREAT. I think the parents of that child should be responsible for paying for everybody else's trip to the doctor. Seriously..if your child is sick, KEEP THEM AT HOME. While he tires out, I have made an easter wreath which came out pretty cute! It's round and looks like spring grass with daisies and polka dot easter eggs on it. It hangs by a pretty pink ribbon. *YAWN* Michelle |
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21 Mar 12 - 05:39 PM (#3326602) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: GUEST,mg I basically am ..as are probably most people who are overweight...I can keep it under the magic numbers usually if I eat pretty high fat, moderate protein, extremely low carb...so probably I am very diabetic but am brave enough to ignore the usually bad advice...mg |
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21 Mar 12 - 08:53 PM (#3326717) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Laundry done, folded, put away. ~S~ |
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22 Mar 12 - 04:35 AM (#3326845) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I am expecting a delivery of carpet tiles for the two spare bedrooms on Monday, so need to find the steel straight edge and the Stanley knife I last used to fit tiles in the main bedroom of the old place. (Which the new owners have now lifted! They are going to let me have them.) Tuesday, I sorted out the stuff in the garage which I had brought in the last trip and stowed it in the cupboards - but did not find the errant items. I also searched the small spare room where the tile offcuts are. No luck. And the boot of the car. Ditto. Yesterday was health walk day, and then an ex-colleague came over for a chat, so the tidy was suspended. I have to search the fuse cupboard alcove in the garage where I have stored some other bits and pieces. I have another knife, but I might have to buy another ruler. And find something I can make white marks with - I was using a tippex pen, which should be with the other things. And I need my flexible curve, though that is for the tiles for the downstairs loo basin. I have some that were dumped by the guy who didn't fit my kitchen, plus some that I found had been flytipped at a place we stopped to photo a sunset! At the moment there is painted wall with the marks where the previous owner removed an earlier basin, and an unsealed gap which allows water to drip down to the floor. I've got all the tiling gear OK. Penny |
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22 Mar 12 - 06:25 AM (#3326891) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Go Penny! ~S~ |
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22 Mar 12 - 10:23 AM (#3327044) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. And I have a moral problem. I ordered the new carpet tiles when I thought the new owners of the last place weren't going to give me the old ones. I would like the old ones in my bedroom, but it has a carpet that is not in a state to be replaced, and I hate to dump stuff that can be used for something. all that rationing waste not want not stuff is heavily ingrained. I wouldn't be able to lift it in one piece, either. (The nice thing about tiles is that they can be laid without moving the furniture to another room, just about a bit.) I might be able to lay them over the existing carpet - boring grey - but there would be a problem with the door strip. It's a bit puzzling, actually. New carpets were laid as part of the sale, from the age they appear to be, but the ones they replaced must have been terrible since three were in awful states. One had the sponge back reduced to powder, so must have been decades old, one had mysterious stains that I didn't want to identify, and the one in the bathroom looked OK, but stank to high heaven, and was filthy underneath. (That's already benefitted from the old bedroom tiles.) Penny |
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22 Mar 12 - 11:55 AM (#3327091) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: mg I would absoutely rip out old carpet. They are petri dishes for all sorts of nasty stuff and can never get clean. I would get down to bare floor and scrub it and air it out...old carpet can be cut in strips and used to kill weeeds in gardens etc...mg |
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22 Mar 12 - 12:02 PM (#3327097) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I agree with mary - send the old carpet into the yard to do some good. Paths in the garden, whatever. I hate wall-to-wall carpets, they hold onto tons of dust and dirt, even if you clean them regularly. Susie's surgery was delayed, she has an infection of some sort (according to the blood work). She is very disappointed at this delay, but she definitely doesn't need surgery with an infection. The result could be disastrous. Rained overnight, so more delay until I can get into the garden. Where some of the potatoes are finally putting up tops. :) SRS |
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22 Mar 12 - 12:03 PM (#3327098) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing I am so glad our daughter ripped out the old carpet in our LR about a year after we moved in. There was beautiful hardwood underneath! After fighting flea infestations back East, years ago with indoor cats and dogs that went out and in, I'd never have carpets again, with pets, esp. meditation and qi gong this morning Yesterday, I cleaned out the frig and did more laundry. |
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22 Mar 12 - 07:16 PM (#3327348) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Looks like more rain. I won't wish it away, but I wish it would pace itself better. Once a week a good steady soaking and I'd be content. Not particularly motivated to go for a walk at the moment, but the weather radar shows that the actual rain is past here and we're just seeing heavy overcast. Going when I'm not motivated helps me feel more motivated later (I'm working on something I'd like to finish, but I can finish it after dark after I walk the dogs.) I'm going to bring in some chard to go with dinner tonight. That will perk me up! SRS |
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22 Mar 12 - 07:30 PM (#3327356) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. It's unbeautiful plywood underneath, and it isn't old - that's the problem. It's very new, only a couple of years old, I should think. And no staining or insect infestation or anything. Compared with other things in the room, like the damage to the wardrobe doors and the paint spills on them, it sticks out like a sore thumb. I don't have room in the garden to use it. I have thought about offering it to my neighbour who has an allotment. Penny |
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23 Mar 12 - 12:21 AM (#3327489) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Oh, well, hope the neighbour can use it. I started on cleaning out my large old desk in the office. Started with the huge, deep drawer which holds legal sized files longways front to back, so it's easy to read the tabs if I just pull it out and turn to look, rather than having to read them crosswise front to back, if that makes any sense. I had a lot of paper to recycle in there...old stuff from 2005-2008! Found some things I'd been missing, too. I will try to finish it this weekend. The dog is getting much more exercise these days...must've put in at least another two hours, today, in about 3 sections, fetching the ball. I also raked a bit more of the yard which felt good. |
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23 Mar 12 - 02:31 PM (#3327786) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage This seems to have been a very long week. Lots of stuff piled up do to on the weekend. The weather is improving so it'll be fine for mowing, yard work, airing the house, etc. SRS |
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23 Mar 12 - 05:04 PM (#3327877) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Yesterday, I decided that I need a new duvet cover, as the one due to go on the bed was old and rubbishy (it fastened up the side and was forever coming undone, and it only had one matching pillow slip). So I went to John Lewis to buy one (and a satnav, as last Saturday I was stuck for ages in a jam I would have known about in the old car, which had a trasffic warning system). In a whole department, there was only one design I liked, but it only came in King size or Super King size, and they only had square pillow cases on display. I spoke to one of the staff, who found some standard pillow cases, but no duvet cover, so I bought them, plus two that I thought would go with an older cover which no longer had pillow cases. I meant to buy the divet cover online. No luck. There were the huge sizes, a waiting list for doubles, and no reference for singles at all. And the pillow cases turned out to be half size ones. Back I went this morning, to plead for a refund. But while I was looking for an alternative (Nothing I liked in any other store, woould you believe?) I spotted a single of the design I wanted on their display stand. No, I couldn't have that, as it would be needeed, unless the range was withdrawn. The member of staff I spoke to checked the other stores, and there were only a scatter of odd ones in the country - her supervisor confirmed that there was trouble with supplies, and they weren't sure there would be any more. She was going to ring round, but I suggested having the display one, she agreed, AND knocked £10 off for it being the display one. Very satisfactory. I think I'm going to use the old cover for making a hot bag for cooking in like a haybox. I have some foam backed foil left over from the airing cupboard, which was heating the atmosphere and getting cold and clammy, and I will need some insulation. I'm not sure about using old blanket, or buying some polystyrene pellets, or both. And I'll need a metal pan without a long handle, of a suitable size. I've had a wartime haybox cookery book for ages, but always fell at the first hurdle - making the box. Rather like the reasons I did not take up astronomy - chapter 1, grinding your mirror; or stage magic - chapter 1, practice rolling a coin round between your fingers, so that it cannot be seen from the other side. Too much could go wrong. Penny |
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23 Mar 12 - 05:16 PM (#3327888) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Hot bag plan now dumped - reading round haybox sites I found that one person had used a coolbox for his - and I have too many of them. so it will be in one of those that I do my cooking. Penny |
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23 Mar 12 - 06:48 PM (#3327932) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Penny, you have such interesting ideas and projects! Rog had some work for his freelance job this morning and I had nervous energy to work off, so cleaned out the bathroom cupboard, consolidated about 6 almost empty lotion containers into one, and a couple loads of laundry. He came home, we had lunch then went to what was to be a two month recheck with the new pulmonologist. After we were checked in she called from the hospital and cancelled (she does critical care, too), so we went back up the mtn. to the transmitter site because Rog had more work to do. It was the longest ride I've been able to tolerate since last year and it was beautiful, though too hot in the high altitude sunshine at about 9,000 feet. He parked in the shade, though and it was wonderful to just sit, listen to the wind in the juniper and pinyon trees and watch huge ravens wheel through the sky. Still a lot of snow up higher, but just small patches on the north side of the hill. Petsamaritans come all the way from Vernal, Utah, over Douglas Pass every Sat. to PetSmart in the valley. I looked over the dogs they have and we've decided to go look at a couple of different border collies they have. Luna needs a playmate and I need a dog who will let me know when someone is in the yard or at the door. We are taking our time and aren't really sure if that's what we want to do, but it's another dog, a young cat, a goat, or a couple of ducks. We have no pond, the neighbour's goat would try to get to any that we might have, which we wouldn't mind, but the neighbours would, and I don't want to stress my old cats with a youngster, at least not now since Trystan is just getting over a kidney infection. The cats both love dogs, so...we'll see! Besides looking at dogs, tomorrow, we are setting up new hoses for the front yard, hooking up the water to the evaporative cooler (our house was 80 degrees inside, today!), and other general stuff with Morgan in tow, no doubt. The weather is gorgeous! Come hear what's been going through my head the past two days: IN THIS THREAD. kat |
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24 Mar 12 - 01:16 AM (#3328019) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I ran a couple of errands and then had a nice long visit with Susie this evening. We always have so much to discuss - today I confessed that right after the accident I was so in shock by her condition, and the grim prognosis, that I felt that death would have been preferable to being a vegetable for the rest of her life, if that was what was to come. I couldn't imagine the contrast to the old Susie always being in my mind. She understood - and her daughter said something similar recently. We're all so grateful that she is making such a remarkable recovery. The rehab folks are slow to respond when she rings for help to go to the loo, so regardless of their rule that only staff help the patients (liability), I made a point of taking her to the restroom before I left. Such small things can make a difference in how good someone feels. She said that when she gets to the point where she is able to put weight on the hip and use a walker she is going to throw a party. Knowing Susie, she'll want to make the lasagna herself! :) Nice weekend coming up. Dog baths (all three) are on my short list of things to do. Mow the lawn. Short list but a lot of work. BTW: I think the sulfites in so many shampoos might be the culprit on the hands breaking out. I've been using a couple of types lately that have less sulfites, and they're much improved. I heard an ad on TV this week for one that has no sulfites - I'll go looking for it and report back. I may wear rubber gloves when I bathe the dogs, to avoid the effect of the regular sulfite shampoo I use on them. I suppose I could use my shampoo. Really doesn't make a difference (just costs more.) SRS |
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24 Mar 12 - 12:41 PM (#3328182) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Beautiful morning for a walk with the dogs before I fed them, and I found one of the dog toys I've been looking for since last week. I'd set it on a shelf in the garage and forgotten it, and in the meantime was looking around the yard for where the dog might have left it. Laundry is washing, so I'll see how much I can hang on the line and if Zeke knows to leave it alone. I don't remember if I put it out there last summer when he was staying during their family vacation. I'll start with short things he can't reach and go from there. SRS |
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24 Mar 12 - 04:07 PM (#3328272) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing I've been using sodium lauryl sulfate FREE shampoos for years because SLS makes my scalp itch so badly. I can dig up the names of the ones I've tried if you'd like, BUT I started using WEN, after Jeri mentioned it and I REALLY like it. It seems expensive, but not really as it takes very little and is so nourishing. We did it. Went to PetSmart and found what they called a border collie, but she looks like a McNab BC to us, small er size and short hair as well as not hyper or vocal like some BCs. She is a doll and Luna likes her! See contest thread for finding her a new name. |
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24 Mar 12 - 07:08 PM (#3328353) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre Swimming: 45 Minutes Michelle |
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25 Mar 12 - 12:47 AM (#3328485) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Congratulations, Kat! That's so nice that they get along from the beginning! I'd think about giving a McNab the name "Dorothy" - after a character in a program I loved years ago with Elaine Stritch as a Brooklyn-born writer living in London with an uppity butler. She was Dorothy McNab. ;) Mowed the back and the front. Cleaned the trimmer, put in a new spark plug, but it wouldn't stay running. I asked my next door neighbor what he advised, and he thinks that running it with the chock, as hard as it will run and stay running will eventually clear out whatever is blocking it. So I'll try that tomorrow. I'm feeling the aches of all of that work. I accidentally uncovered (or nearly stepped in) a bunny nest. I put a photo on my facebook page. I saw two run out of the grass, stopped, rounded them up a bit. One headed into a nearby flower bed, and one back onto the berm. That's the one I picked up and photographed. Mama will probably move them out of the yard tonight. And it that wasn't unusual enough, there was an odd mowing event when I pushed the mower under and past a pine tree with low supple branches. When I pulled back the mower was smoking and there was splashing - the oil cap had been popped off in the tree by a branch. I stopped it, cleaned it up, added oil, and was off. But what a strange thing to happen. A couple of loads of laundry done. One I dried on the line, it got late for hanging the second (and I don't want to take them down by lantern light.) SRS |
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25 Mar 12 - 01:20 PM (#3328666) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Called my gardening guru this morning (on his Sunday morning radio show) and asked about the cutworms in my garden. Should have thought of the answer myself - a dusting of diatomaceous earth and using the beneficial nematodes I have in the fridge. I've done some sweeping - the dogs are shedding big time. Lovely day today. I'll see what else I can do to make the yard look good and get more crops planted. SRS |
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25 Mar 12 - 07:24 PM (#3328852) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Still just me reporting? I'm headed out to get some mulch for the paths in the garden. And tomorrow I'll see about getting more hay. I've spread most of what I have already. It's warm out there, but I've gotten a lot done. SRS |
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25 Mar 12 - 07:57 PM (#3328859) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre I'm reading but not posting because I haven't done a darn thing. My cold has decided to make a second round. I have been sleeping in my chair and in bed for the last 2 days. I'm a beautiful sight...hair all wild and curly, jammies, socks, cotton in both ears. Lovely. My incredible husband has been taking great care of the baby, doing dishes, sweeping, cooking and laundry. He just looks at me and says with worry in his voice...Chickster...are you ok? I am not but I will be. :) Another of my teal sisters has received her wings. She was in the hospital last week for what she thought was a cold. A spinal tap revealed she had cancer in her spinal fluid. Six days later, she is gone. She was my bestest smart ass teal sister. She had a wicked sense of humor and had a way of making jokes about cancer that you wouldn't get unless you have been down that path. I will miss her dearly. RIP Nancy. Michelle |
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25 Mar 12 - 11:28 PM (#3328927) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I'm so sorry to read of another of your valiant cancer warriors losing that battle. But I'm sure she's rooting for you, who have made it out of that quagmire. There are bags of mulch and humus in the back of the pickup for putting down tomorrow. I got more done in shaping the beds, putting down layers of newspaper and mulch in the paths, and planted the rest of the tomatoes. I liberally puffed diatomaceous earth around them to try to keep the cutworms away. I normally never see them, but there were dozens in the soil where I was working today. I think it's just the stage and time of year - I usually plant later and they would be gone in a few weeks. Must get ready for the week. Laundry is done, but I still have some hanging, folding, ironing, etc. to do. SRS |
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26 Mar 12 - 12:00 AM (#3328935) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing Michelle, my condolences on losing Nancy. I hope amidst the pain of loss, you will also focus on your victory and rejoice with life. I don't mean to sound harsh, but it's important, imo, for you to keep that focus so you don't go down a path of "what if." We've been a bit busy so not much to post for the weekend. I did sort through more papers in order to put files back into the desk drawer, but those piles are now on my desk. I will take care of them tomorrow. We got a new hose thing that hooks into the faucet in the front yard which is down low against the house and hard to reach. I don't know if they call it an extender hose or what, but it screws into the faucet, is about four feet long with a hose attachment on the other and a stake to put it in the ground. The stake is only about 9 inches, so we put a double shepherd's crook plant hanger in the ground there and wound the hose up it, so I can reach it easily. We'll plant some kind of vine to grow up it. Now I will be able to water on my own which will be nice. Morgan took out some trash and cleaned my bathroom floor fairly well for his age. He's done better, but it's passable. He was working on an "advance" we gave him for books to buy at school. Tonight he called to tell me he's been doing so well at school, his parents took him out and bought him a computer of his own. He was using a very old one which didn't do a very god job of anything. He told all about the new one having 4 gigabytes, etc. He was one surprised and happy kid. G'night all, kat |
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26 Mar 12 - 03:43 AM (#3328960) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Hoses are a sore point here - I'm in the drought zone, and from the beginning of April, they are forbidden. Fortunately, my garden is small enough for me to lug watering cans from the tap. This morning I had the delivery of carpet tiles. Predicted time of arrival, 7.30 on. Time of phone call "half an hour before", 7.00. "We'll be there in a couple of minutes." Fastest time I've ever got dressed from jim-jams. Now to find the steel straight-edge. I'm still confined to barracks because I'm getting a delivery of a small filing cabinet to replace one I broke on Thursday when moving it to find a Bible (in pursuit of an argument on the YEC thread.) The broken one was made of chipboard, and there was no way to re-attach the castor whihc fell off. Replacing was urgent, because I need the stuff in the old one out of the way of the curtain pole fitter tomorrow. And I have to contact the roofer about PV panels, because the government arrangement for getting paid for power fed into the grid runs out at the end of the week. Frustrating, because after then, it requires me to be more insulated than is possible with my house design. Penny |
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26 Mar 12 - 06:42 AM (#3329025) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. No answer from the roofer, but the cabinet has arrived. The base is less of a box than the old one, so it doesn't accommodate the stash of unread magazines so well, but it fits under the table, which the old one didn't. I've removed the metal bits from the old carcass, and am going off to the dump with it, and stuff from the corner of the garage I tidied before the guy arrived, where I found the straight-edge, the Stanley knife and the flexible curve. So I can get going on the spare room floor. Also, my neighbour has given me some chitted Desiree seed potatoes, which I am going to plant in the base drawer of the old cabinet as a raised bed, after drilling some drainage holes. Unless I decide to use it as the hay box! Penny |
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26 Mar 12 - 11:20 AM (#3329130) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage My garden is coming along, yesterday I moved some dirt out of the path areas (between beveled raised beds, there aren't any boards to define them) and put down layers of newspaper covered with cypress mulch. I'll mulch over the beds themselves with hay. Penny, if we couldn't use hoses I'd be on a perpetual bucket brigade with the size of this yard. And it reminds me, it's time to use a bucket to catch gray water in the kitchen and pour it into the garden. We've had rain, but there is no guarantee that it will continue (though some is predicted late in the week.) Kat, I bought some very tall shepherds crooks at a garden center near here a couple of years ago, and got them half price because one of them had some rust on the bottom and had obviously been there a while. Those are for bird feeders in winter, and all sorts of stuff the rest of the year. And at a garage sale I found 8 or 10 shorter ones for $10 each, they're about 4' long and I use them in the garden. I put a tomato cage around each new plant and in a proactive way to support them I put one of these crooks through the upper ring of the cage to help support the whole thing. When I had the garage sale last fall I had several people spot these in the garden and ask if I'd sell them. They're one of the handiest things in the garden. I have an old spade fork that I never got rid of - it's missing a tine, but I use it like a crook in the garden, again, to support things as they grow. I'm using hay this year - I'm determined to keep some moisture in the soil and I think hay worked better than some of the other mulches I've used. I am also thinking about some kind of sun cloth to keep the garden intact if we have the kind of heat we had. I'd have to build a canopy over the top in places, but that may be what it takes. Kat, how is the pooch doing? Are you closer to a name? SRS |
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26 Mar 12 - 11:24 AM (#3329135) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg I have been reading more than posting because adjusting to the thyroid meds is a little hairy, plus it was a very busy ministry week and weekend as we both fought off colds. I took a LONG nap yesterday (rare luxury) and then logged about 10 hours in the rack overnight. I get back to attic workouts in a few minutes. I am looking forward to (and prepping for) a half-day's help from a ministry intern friend who will help me sort and purge a whole lot of office paper Easter weekend. We will also tabulate the 2011 Visa expenditures to see what unbudgeted items it's been covering, so they can be worked into the budget as planned expenses. ~S~ |
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26 Mar 12 - 12:54 PM (#3329173) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I wondered if the thyroid adjustment was going to go smoothly or take you for a bit of a ride. Good luck with that. Lovely day outside. I went out for a few minutes and didn't want to come back in. But it's just about lunch time so I'm going to take advantage and spend an hour in the yard. :) SRS |
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26 Mar 12 - 01:09 PM (#3329179) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing She is doing well, thanks, SRS. Her name is most likely going to be Ceilidh (kay-lee) which I know doesn't make any sense, meaning-wise, but we like the sound as does she.:-) Another night of not a peep, everyone sleeping and raring to go out this morning. I'd love to have more shepherd's crooks, too! The weather here is awful. High wind warning/advisory all day and into the evening until 8p. It's supposed to be this way all over Colorado and is raising the threat of fire all over. Nothing but fine dust/dirt blowing all over the valley. I told Rog not to leave the extension ladder up after he added the water to the swamp cooler on the roof. It blew over this morning. No damage, though. I will be keeping the windows and doors closed for the most part and work on the papers and getting my desk in order. |
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26 Mar 12 - 04:12 PM (#3329268) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg I wondered if the thyroid adjustment was going to go smoothly or take you for a bit of a ride. Good luck with that. Fortunately I have been on other hormone roller-coasters before; what I do in such times is not unlike what Dr. Christiane Northrup recommends for women's monthly cycles-- USE THEM to see what is going on that needs attention and, in that super-sensitive time, put the attention right there. So I use the upheaval of feelings to go for positive tears for old business (it clears the decks), but also walk back my self-expectations for a little while, to allow for time to ride the roller-coaster. I feel... pregnant. The ups are glorious and the downs are... reasonable. :~) ~S~ |
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26 Mar 12 - 04:23 PM (#3329271) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I've also found Northrup's advice handy. I followed her recommendations and gradually adjusted the HRT after the hysterectomy. The insurance company thought they knew better, and when I was tired of fighting with them I used the pill for a while, but it was all upside down on the amounts I needed. Now 30+ pounds later I'm on my old formula, not fooling with insurance but paying on my own, and gradually hope to lose that weight. I wish I'd done the math when all of this started. The difference between paying for the whole thing myself and what I had to pay as a copay was only about $20. Kat, I hope that wind dies down but doesn't blow this way. It would dry out the garden I'm working on too soon. SRS |
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26 Mar 12 - 06:27 PM (#3329346) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing I hope it does, too, SRS. I have finished going through all of the papers on my desk and in the rolling file cart. Still two drawers in the desk to clean out and another rolling cart, but it doesn't have papers, just *stuff*. Making headway, anyway. I also corrected the spelling of Ceilidh.:-) meditation and qi gong this morning |
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26 Mar 12 - 07:27 PM (#3329376) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: GUEST,Mrr I did it! Finally! I have gotten rid of: 2 carloads (ie front passenger seat, entire back seat and all of the trunk full to bursting) of kids' stuff to the little school. 1 full carload of clothes to goodwill. 1 full carload of old electronics and dead computers to a friend who wanted them. 1 full carload of books to the book fair. And I lost about 15 lbs doing it all in about 2 weeks. Mania, anyone? |
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27 Mar 12 - 05:44 AM (#3329538) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I decided not to take the carcass to the dump, asd when I tipped it on its side, it looked like a planter - so, with the drawer slipped in from the base, that is what it will be, for the potatoes. I've picked up the old tiles from the new owner of my old place - nice guy, wouldn't let me carry them to the car, so I'm all poised to lay tiles. The curtain rail fitter is in, so soon I will be able to draw the curtains in the evening - unless I'm planet watching. The wall is a bit odd for drilling fittings into, apparently. I watch and learn for the remainder of the curtain hanging jobs, with light plastic fittings, replacing the venetian blinds, which make my bedroom look like a clinic. Penny |
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27 Mar 12 - 07:19 PM (#3329855) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Wow Mrr! I decluttered the parish website today by deleting 2011, some of 2010, and requesting more content for 2012. Also two press releases about Holy Week, which had gone to the paper, came my way. I was able to use these to beef up that section of the website with just a light edit. ~Susan |
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27 Mar 12 - 10:17 PM (#3329916) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Mrr, I saved last night's post since the 'cat was down, and forgot to come back later to post it. Sounds good (especially the weight)! Soon I'll load the recycling into the truck to take to the dumpsters behind city hall (they make a little money from this). And today is more of the same, another dog walk, though today there were also three dog baths. It took about 10 minutes per dog in the back yard with a bottle of shampoo and a hose. I had the dog-drying towels also and made much of them as they got the towel massage after. I tried getting the trimmer to run, but it just won't stay on once it starts, so I went to Home Depot and looked for the most power I could get for about $40. I'll use that in the front for now to keep code enforcement happy and I'll get my bigger trimmer back when the repair guy finishes and then I can use it when I need more power or to go more distance. I have so many things planted in the yard that a cord is a bit of a nuisance, but I already own the cord and I don't need to pay twice this to get batteries and a charger. Oh - tonight I talked to the friend who is now in an apartment. He said he would like to have a little spot to plant basil, because he uses it by the bucket. I told him he could come help me in the yard and take home his pay in basil. I think he'll jump on that offer. Buying basil is expensive, and home-grown (organic) is best when you can get it. Just like tomatoes! SRS |
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28 Mar 12 - 01:08 AM (#3329977) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Dishes finished, the sheet on the futon for the dog beds is washed, along with the towels for drying the dogs today. The lint filter will be jammed. I brushed them today - the pit bull has no shedding to speak of, but the other two - oy! The birds building nests are going to love the hair supply out there this spring! SRS |
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28 Mar 12 - 06:17 AM (#3330032) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Curtains now hung in my living room, so it looks a lot better, and I could shade the sun out towards sunset at last. Not downstairs though, because I omitted to spell out clearly that I was only hanging one curtain. The fitting has a draw cord, which has been assembled for pulling two curtains to the middle. I'm going to have to have someone back to change it, as I can't see how to do it myself. It will involve moving all the runners to the other side of the pulling bit, as well as adjusting the position of the the cord, and it's all enclosed. I did talk as though it was to be one curtain, but did not state it clearly. Or watch. No result from the roofer, as yet another government deadline rolls by. I've spent a lot of the morning discussing energy improvements to my home over the phone - I can't insulate the loft, as I have a flat roof, and I can't insulate the cavity walls, as they aren't cavity walls, but steel framed. If I don't get insulated properly, I can't get properly paid for electricity I produce on the roof and feed into the grid. I will be having a survey done to find just what I can do. So long on the phone, I've missed the village walk. And I needed that, as my weight has gone up again, and stuck for several days. I don't quite trust the scales over this. I suspect them of not working properly, and feeding me the previous reading from memory. Exactly the same decimal of a pound when input and output have varied? Unlikely. Penny Penny |
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28 Mar 12 - 06:44 AM (#3330041) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I've bought the polystyrene beads for the haybox, and found a Le Creuset iron casserole which will fit in the old cool box - a little close to two sides, but since the box itself is insulated, that should not be a problem. There is actually enough room for the casserole and a smaller version underneath, so I could do a whole meal. I have a book first published in 1939, presented to Elizabeth Gaskell College of Education in 1968 by a Mrs Birley, and then withdrawn from Manchester Polytechnic - somehow it then arrived in the south. Lovely statement in the opening para - "haybox cookery is ideal for the servantless house"! I was hoping it had ideas for complete meals, but not. I do doubt its suggestions for fish - boil gently 10 minutes and cook inb haybox 2 1/2 hours. That's perfectly cooked? Overdone before arriving in the haybox, I would have thought. Then there's "Minced Shape", & "Sheep's Head Mould". Penny |
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28 Mar 12 - 10:06 AM (#3330106) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: ranger1 Three boxes of perfectly good stuff to a nearby town's community center thrift shop, another in the process of being filled. I find that if I do one box at a time, filling it as I come across things, it's not so overwhelming. When the box is full, it goes in the car and gets dropped off after work. We also go the giant entertainment center emptied out (it was less an organizer and more of a clutter vortex) and out on the curb. J-boy called the Salvation Army and they came and picked it up. In its place is a small TV stand that looks so nice with just the TV and my two most modern gaming consoles on it that it has repelled clutter-gathering for eight days and counting. We also installed a nice eight-cube storage unit with fabric drawers that I have managed to organize the various piles of video games and DVDs that were stacked haphazardly all over the place. It, too, is looks nice and is repelling random clutter-gathering so far. I've also gone through the vast collection of VHS tapes this AM and pulled out and boxed up all the blank ones that we' used for various movies and TV shows. Didn't even look at 'em first! They're boxed up, but I wish I knew what else to do with them other than the dump. I don't think anyone local recycles them and I can't afford the other options of shipping them somewhere that does. Next project is going through the piles of books and magazines. Magazines will be easy - animal and bird mags to a friend who teaches pre-school for various art projects for the kids, gaming mags to my friend Micheal who reads them and then recycles them, and all others in the recycle bin. Books are harder, but I've made the decision that they have to fit on the bookshelves and most of the popular fiction that can be found at the library can go. |
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28 Mar 12 - 12:22 PM (#3330166) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Tami, a few weeks ago I moved a shelf full of VHS tapes to where I can see it, and I have started loading a tape into the computer to edit, but I haven't taken the time to learn to use the editing software yet. Once I do that I hope to knock off VHS to DVD conversions while I'm at work doing other things. I have recycling to take out - the truck stayed in the driveway last night so I don't have to juggle dogs to get it out. I mentioned earlier putting Zeke in the kennel - when I moved the kennel last fall I didn't realize that I'd dragged the door frame a bit crooked and it wouldn't shut properly (the opening was too large). So I took a mallet out and pounded it back into place. I'll leave the truck out today because I have a couple of runs to make. It's time to head to the thrift store for a couple of items on my short shopping list. I start there, and if I don't find what I need, then I go through a series of retail establishments. Penny, I have curtain rods on the walls with that meet-in-the-middle mechanism that I haven't used in 10 years in this house, but I'd like to one day. Trouble is, no one except the most high-end stores ($$) sells curtains with the pleats that use the hooks to go in the mechanism for moving the curtains. So I either have to modify less expensive curtains, or have to buy the high dollar ones on a good sale. For now I have blinds mini or vertical) over the openings with those rods. I'm feeling a lot better since I stopped following the Adkins routine, and because I'm finally over the sinus infection. I'm taking antihistamines religiously as the spring season blooms, and that also helps. Before I admitted that I had allergies I used to get awful congestion that led to sinus infections. Better living through science. Happy Birthday, Kat! Is Morgan going to celebrate, or is your daughter coming over as well? Or will they take you out to eat? SRS |
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28 Mar 12 - 09:15 PM (#3330407) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: LilyFestre My list for the day includes: * 2 loads of dishes done and put away * 6 loads of laundry, all folded. All baby clothes, sheets, blankets have been put away. *Floors swept *Carpet vacuumed *New end table in place *Dusted *Spent 1.5 hours on the phone with my health insurance company *Did some Relay For Life business things *Made contacts with upcoming speakers for our Coping With Cancer Group I'm calling it a day. Michelle |
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29 Mar 12 - 09:11 AM (#3330598) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. The living room curtains now fit without me having to cut and sew one of the others on to them. They had wire things to make triple pleats (similar to yours, SRS?) which I have adjusted so they are only single pleats - and lo, the curtains are wide enough to meet in the middle. The plumber has turned up, after weeks during which he forgot I wanted a shower. But fitting another one reminded him. Strange bangings from upstairs. I thought I would keep the wooden bath panel off to revarnish it, but looking at the state of the back, decided not to. It will get replaced as soon as I find a suitable replacement, and will become a revetment between the veggie bit and the flower bit of the garden. I was going to use a strip of little half logs from the builders' merchant, but this will do the job better. And join the two old bedhead balustrades. I clearly have English allotment genes - these patches are always full of adapted stuff, such as old windows becoming cold frames. Yesterday I had another go at the hole for the water tank. It is clear why water, which had hung about in a puddle on the surface, drained quite quickly once I had dug down a bit. There's a layer of interlocked flints - so gaps for drainage. But a major digging problem - flakes shoot all over the place when I mattock it. I have glasses, so my eyes are all right, but I'm going to get safety goggles as well. And have thick trousers and long sleeves. And I want to know how people used to dig wells - round here about 200 ft deep, and not much more than a yard across. Presumably with very short picks. Not mattocks and spades. Penny |
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29 Mar 12 - 01:47 PM (#3330716) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing meditation and qi gong this morning, plus ALL the dishes are done, laundry put away, and other small things done and put away, plus having a blast with the dogs! |
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29 Mar 12 - 01:57 PM (#3330721) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I thought I would keep the wooden bath panel off to revarnish it, but looking at the state of the back, decided not to. It will get replaced as soon as I find a suitable replacement, and will become a revetment between the veggie bit and the flower bit of the garden. I was going to use a strip of little half logs from the builders' merchant, but this will do the job better. And join the two old bedhead balustrades. I clearly have English allotment genes - these patches are always full of adapted stuff, such as old windows becoming cold frames. Penny, I know we both speak English, but I have no idea what you're describing in that paragraph! Do you have a dresser in your garden? You talked about drawers for potatoes - what is a "revetment" between gardens? And will the back of a dresser now not be used, but instead you're putting in logs? I can't imagine a place that takes either a plank or logs. I know this sounds silly - and I can figure some of it. I've used glass from out of my old pickup back window to put over the top of a raised area where I started plants, so I get the window to cold frame reference. But I guess I'm not picturing the bedroom furnishings in the garden. Do you have photos? SRS |
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29 Mar 12 - 11:27 PM (#3330939) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Too busy in the house today to list it all, but I focused on what I most needed and let the tears flow thruout at how hard and unfair it all seemed. Then I did a nice attic workout this evening with increased weights (FINALLY) on external shoulder rotations (5lb each side), and some much-needed and almost painful stretches. Then we planned some new equip to get me tomorrow. Faulkner is turning into a great workout dog. Also decluttered a work thingie somewhat, ora t least began de-goofing it. ~S~ |
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29 Mar 12 - 11:42 PM (#3330946) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage I had a nice evening- went to a posh event at school. The donation I made put me in the A-list for this year, and the event was a reception the night before the annual art glass sale. It is something to behold. I saw a piece I really loved but it was too high - of course, after I walked past it a guy picked it up. He was very nice "I waited, gave you a chance to pick it up!" I was right to pass on it, but I do regret. Maybe next year. Anyway, I did find a less expensive lovely piece that will be the tray that my mail sits on. Fused glass is pretty amazing. I took my friend who I helped move last fall - we were able to visit with quite a few Friends of the Library members we knew there, and some of the Deans and faculty. It was funny - at one point someone walked up to my friend and asked "what are you a Dean of?" He was quick - "me!" It's his name, not his title. :-D SRS |
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30 Mar 12 - 06:07 AM (#3331029) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Penny, I know we both speak English, but I have no idea what you're describing in that paragraph! Do you have a dresser in your garden? You talked about drawers for potatoes - what is a "revetment" between gardens? And will the back of a dresser now not be used, but instead you're putting in logs? I can't imagine a place that takes either a plank or logs. No dresser, if what you mean is something like a Welsh dresser with shelves above a sideboard. The bath panel is a bit of timber about 2 ft by 5 ft, which has been along the side of the bath, hiding the base and the legs, which will make a sort of fence. This fence will be between a lower and a higher part of the garden, holding back the earth on the upper side - being a revetment, which is usually a wall holding back a terrace. The builders' merchants sell strips of half logs about 2" wide, various heights, joined by wires, for making edges to beds in gardens. I was going to use these for the revetting, as that is what was originally there. They are now rotten, and going to feed the chiminea. You can see them in the photos here: Garden as was. The bedheads have 2" by 2" supports at each end, topped by balls on turned "stalks", with balustrades between them, about 2'6" long, and with a row of slender turned spindles. They look quite pretty either side of the steps up into the higher part of the garden. |
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30 Mar 12 - 06:08 AM (#3331030) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I will do some new photos when the light is right. At the moment, the sun/shadow line is across in a way that will make it difficult. Penny |
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30 Mar 12 - 09:39 AM (#3331104) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Here are the pictures today, with the ones of when I moved in. My garden, a work in progress. Penny |
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30 Mar 12 - 10:11 AM (#3331117) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage This is what we're talking about when we use the word dresser. Or this. My dresser is very old and has a mirror. Welsh dressers are more for the kitchen, aren't they? And I know now what you mean about the border stuff. I just wouldn't have thought to call those logs - the term implies a large item, the bole of a tree. And I see the bed parts. It's very pretty! SRS |
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30 Mar 12 - 10:41 AM (#3331131) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Ah, how words change meanings with needs. I would call those dressers, if in the bedroom, chests of drawers, though those tend to be taller. (Some ignoramuses, even in the business of selling the things, now write draws instead of drawers - drives me wild.) They aren't quite the same as dressing tables, which have mirrors, which I suspect is where the Venn diagram overlaps. In a dining room, sideboard. And when we use dresser, even without Welsh in front of it, we mean one of those, in a kitchen, with a set of shelves above it. Here's rather a nice dressing table, with the customary place for the legs to go while sitting brushing one's hair. Posh dressing table And a modern chest of drawers. (Or in the vernacular, chester draws.) I think, by comparing with my Grandad's tool chest, they got their name from putting drawers into a chest (as in pirate's treasure) to make it easier to get things out. His had handles to carry it with, as well as drawers. Modern designer chest of drawers Sideboards usually have cupboards under drawers, but when I was searching images, some of them looked exactly the same as the chests of drawers - indeed, were the same pictures. (Aside - two pigeons are playing lovey-dovey in the bird bath, sitting side by side, dipping beaks in the water, preening each others' necks and heads. Every now and then, they lift up one wing Can't photograph them through the window, and can't open it, as it would scare them off.een off a magpie which came for a drink. They've just s) |
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30 Mar 12 - 03:00 PM (#3331248) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. I don't know what happened to the last sentence. "They've just seen off..." Forgot to mention laying the easy carpet tiles that didn't need cutting to shape in the spare room. Then I decided I didn't like the way I would have to cut them to fit the doorway, which would leave a thin strip where maximum tread would occur, so relaid them in a slightly different position. Then I noticed that the pile lay so they looked darker than I wanted, so turned them all round, apart from the ones under the bed. Penny |
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30 Mar 12 - 10:19 PM (#3331389) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Lay, lay, lay the rug. . . you really did it three times? Yes, the dressing table you linked to is what I would think of - it has a knee hole for sitting on a chair or stool in front of it. A dresser in the bedroom may have a mirror, a lot of them don't. I have antique ones with mirrors. And I have an old interesting dressing table (knee hole) that I'm going to refinish and use in the dining room as a buffet (a sort of dresser). I may build in a door and shelves where the knee hole is. Took the dogs for a long walk up and down hills this evening, and paused to talk to a neighbor (a contractor) who I might ask to do the work to fill in my living room floor (with 6 inches of concrete) when I get to that point. I was going to go to the store, but as late as it has gotten, I think I'll wait till tomorrow and get a few other things done at the same time. One-item trips are a rarity with the price of gas. SRS |
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30 Mar 12 - 11:12 PM (#3331404) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: katlaughing We did a ton of walking today. Started off at coumadin clinic, then on to the health food store, then Kmart, home for a little bit, then to the grocery store. Someone has been a bad little girl about getting into the trash, so we blocked it. Came home and she'd chewed a small corner of the couch cushion and taken out the stuffing to play with. She knew she'd "done bad" and hung her head for awhile, while Luna looked all innocent, which she probably mostly was. We'll get our crate back from our dau. and put her in it when we leave the house, at least until she learns to chew only on her toys. She's still a good girl, just a bit of puppy left in her! By the time we got done with everything we were both dragging our feet and tired, but we got a lot done. Hope to work in the yard a bit tomorrow. |
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31 Mar 12 - 03:38 AM (#3331451) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Penny S. Ah, and the buffet would be what I call a sideboard. Mine is working more like the flat bit of a dresser, holding such things as vouchers, and papers for action. It looks a bit farmhouse, but without the farm related stuff such as rubber bands for lambs' tails and shotgun cartridges. Four times now, the tiles. I noticed that there was a very narrow strip along one wall, so I've slid every thing along a bit to make the edges larger - does that make sense? Penny |
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31 Mar 12 - 07:51 AM (#3331518) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg We picked up a pile of gear at the sporting goods store in yesterday's fitness department, and I found line art to remind me what to do with it for my Upper Hurt Locker wall. :~) ~S~ |
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31 Mar 12 - 02:16 PM (#3331669) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: wysiwyg Just finished a draft of a video montage of my PT story (thanks LF for that site). Pending facility approval of pix used. Can supply link to friends via PM. ~Susan |
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31 Mar 12 - 02:32 PM (#3331683) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Yard work, taxes, eBay. Same ol' same ol'. And maybe a visit down to see Susie. Kat, you're probably seeing a dog in search of reassurance and a pack leader. The crate may well be a good option, but do you put these dogs on leashes and walk them them way Cesar Millan shows (with the dog beside you, not out front?) Even if it is a short walk, and you do one dog at a time for them to each get the message, this is an excellent way to establish who is in charge. Also, at mealtime I put the food on the floor but the dogs sit and wait until I tell them they can eat. Then they know who's in charge - because I control the food. Building that routine and hierarchy is important with dogs. SRS |
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01 Apr 12 - 08:21 AM (#3331967) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: freda underhill I went for a long walk today with my neighbour and her daughter. Came home and made a huge pot of soup - which I put into the freezer in containers. Things are cooling a little here and I opened a box and took out some stored winter clothes and washed them, and put away some summer clothes. I'm going to our National folk fest over Easter, those warmer clothes will be useful. Enjoyed the garden pix, Penny! |
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01 Apr 12 - 11:48 AM (#3332052) Subject: RE: Exercise & Declutter March into Spring 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Here's the April 2012 thread SRS |