Malarky
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Post by Malarky on Aug 15, 2020 10:22:45 GMT -5
derecho I had to look this up, it's a term I'd never heard before. I've learned something new today. And I sent the link for the baker's rack to DD. They need storage in their kitchen and I think that would be perfect for them! I didn't get as much accomplished this week as I was hoping. I have tossed a few more random things and added a dozen to the donation boxes which I still haven't dropped off. I started scraping the ceiling in DD's old room in anticipation of painting. And came to the realization that it was a patchwork of poor repairs over the past hundred years and ended up taking it down to the original horsehair plaster. That took the better part of two whole days. Now I need to hire someone to come in and repair and skim coat it. I've seen DH's work and if I wanted it done badly I would have just slapped paint on it and called it a day. The new plan is to scrape all the ceilings upstairs and have them redone at once. And I'm going to remove the useless closet in DD's room which isn't even coat hanger deep. (When I had ductwork added so there would be heat and AC in all the rooms upstairs the yahoos ran the duct right in the middle of the door!) Instead there will be built in drawers and shelves. The space that's usable is awkward because of a slanted wall. That needs to be done before the plasterers so they can pretty up the new wall where the door was. Then the floors come up. Then the ceiling and walls get painted. Then I get my new floors. Still waiting for the estimate from the painter for the trim. I'm pretty sure that I'll still be posting about this a year from now. Other than that I've been working on my weight and general health. I'll be working a normal schedule for the first time in my adult life and I need to establish a sleep pattern that doesn't involve 3 hours of sleep a night with occasional naps. I'm getting a veggie box delivered every week so not wanting to go to the grocery store is off the list of excuses of why I don't eat well. And I'm walking for half an hour to 45 minutes nearly every morning which I'll be able to maintain once I go back to work next week. I'll have plenty of time to walk, shower and get to work by 8. My commute is back down to 5 miles. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend, I'm off to find more items that I can live without.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Aug 15, 2020 11:03:27 GMT -5
I need help. I was doing relatively well with life until covid hit. It's like my motivation is gone, gone. The house is disorganized and dirty, I am always tired to the point that I sleep, work, sleep. Went to the doctor in July and got good numbers on everything except cholesterol a little high. I have another appointment in October and all I've done lately is sit on my butt and eat junk. I'm sure if I don't take action right now my numbers will be horrible in October. I don't want to have to go to the doctor more often, I don't want to start taking a ton of medication.
After Isaias hit, I lost power, lost my food and bought junk food for every meal for two days until power came back. And here we are, caught in that pattern. Junk food, not exercising. I was doing a workout video every morning but stopped when I lost power.
I know I'm free-falling into a depression and feeling very, very lonely. I do good being by myself for relatively long periods of time, but I need social interaction and more structure in my life. Which I had with a couple of Meetup groups, a few personal friends, my mom visiting every summer, and traveling home for the holidays. None of that is happening right now and I am extremely isolated. Currently working from home full time until next year. And I love working from home because my commute is horrendous. But I would like a combination of work from home two or three days, go to the office two or three days. That would be the perfect balance for me.
I need help to pull out of this pattern and go back to living, not merely existing like I've done for the last few months. i can't let COVID push me down like this, because there's no end in sight for this pandemic.
Things I need to accomplish: - Clean the house first. Start organizing it little by little. I'm an anti-hoarder but I'm disorganized. - Go back to eating healthy - Go back to exercising - Finish the meditation course I started in MAY and never finished. My cat got sick and would cry and interrupt all the time, including meditation time. Now her illness is controlled but I never went back to finish the course =Do my CPE credits. I have until June 30, 2021 to do this. But each time I even think of starting, I feel like I'll die of boredom and log onto Netflix, argh. -I want to write a mystery novel. Never even started. -Take better care of myself. Use moisturizing creams, continue grooming even if I don't go anywhere.
I know it's a lot. I understand small steps will take me far. But I can't find the strength to even start. Any advice and encouragement welcome.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Aug 15, 2020 11:16:45 GMT -5
I think this pandemic has put everyone in a funk. When I realize I'm in a funk, it helps me to do a few small things. Maybe I didn't do a class but I went for a long walk. The house isn't perfect but I cleaned in one room. I get overwhelmed and shut down if I try to do it all to catch up. Chunks tend to be better for me.
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Aug 15, 2020 11:31:46 GMT -5
I have not done any decluttering, but I have started going for a walk at least for 30 minutes. We have always eaten a lot of veggies, but now we have added more fruits into the mix. I have lost 5 pounds so far in the past 4 months.
I dont do anything except work a lot, cook and minimal cleaning, but I decided that I would at least take a break when I can during the day to walk.
It is horribly hot here and will be like this for the foreseeable future. We are usually not home in August all the time- so it feels like an oven even with the AC running constantly. Hang in there everyone.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Aug 15, 2020 14:24:48 GMT -5
Ava, I am also feeling isolated.
When I was doing major decluttering (which is not finished), I had to break it down in to small pieces. That way I got the feeling of accomplishment and could move on feeling I had done something.
I took a break this year after my dad died. I was in such a funk that I couldn't bring myself to do much of anything.
I have put most of Lucy's things in the garage. After the windows are installed, I am going to give the unopened food, litter and toys away on Freecycle. People on there are always asking for pet items. I want them gone, so they will have to pick up from the porch. A lot of people on that site want delivery but I am not going to do it.
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Aug 15, 2020 15:23:03 GMT -5
I still hear and see Lucy. I will have to get the cat trees out of the bedroom to get the windows installed. For now, I will put her toys in a bag and later decide which ones to keep. She had some favorites and I will keep those. I have at least one toy saved for every cat who has owned me. I have my favorite cat still using his bed. I put his box of ashes and collar in it. He loved that bed. The girls sleep in weird places so they don't miss it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2020 15:44:05 GMT -5
I did a 30 minute cardio workout video Friday and was amazed how much less angry about life in general I felt afterwards. No, I couldn't do as much as I wanted to but they kept stressing to do what you can and focus on form, not number of reps. I'm not an exercise fan, but it really helped my mood and I slept well too. So, even though I HATE sweating, I'm going to try to get in 30 minutes a couple of times a week.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 15, 2020 18:31:19 GMT -5
Ava, I'm sorry you're feeling so lonely. I don't have good answers for that portion. On the structure portion though, do you have morning and evening routines? Mine include chores. That way they're engrained into my day to ensure their completion.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 15, 2020 18:32:29 GMT -5
I did a 30 minute cardio workout video Friday and was amazed how much less angry about life in general I felt afterwards. No, I couldn't do as much as I wanted to but they kept stressing to do what you can and focus on form, not number of reps. I'm not an exercise fan, but it really helped my mood and I slept well too. So, even though I HATE sweating, I'm going to try to get in 30 minutes a couple of times a week. But you did something, even if it wasn't as much as you wanted to. Anything is better than nothing!
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 15, 2020 18:36:06 GMT -5
DH and I have purchased a lot of stuff to organize our new fifth wheel. We're actually still using all of the stuff from our previous two trailers. So far we're at one more pantry turn table, canisters for kitchen utensils, tubs, tool chest, weird organize drawers for a huge pantry cupboard that doesn't have shelves, and bathroom organizers. We're getting there. I always forget how much money it costs after purchasing something new to make that something actually function.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 15, 2020 18:49:28 GMT -5
Well the fence just went to the top of my to do list 🙄
My dog got under the chain link fence next door, caught up in weeds and broken glass and my neighbor has to help by sliding under the fence to retrieve him. Thankfully the dog seems fine but overheated but. I cannot turn my back for a minute and they’re in trouble.
That said, I met the town police and they were totally useless.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Aug 15, 2020 21:42:49 GMT -5
I got a few things done today but also got some me time, which was really needed. This week we had a major re-org at work and I got moved to another whole division and got stuck back into the IS department. I purposely had avoided taking an IS job because I don't like the hours that can come with it. Although my boss has said that our company has a better work/life balance for IS. My direct manager was also moved with me and will continue to be my manager and for that I am grateful. I cried most of the week from the stress of all this. Today I got a the bed changed and a couple loads of laundry done. I also went to a couple of farm stands and got some fresh corn on the cob, peaches, and cauliflower. I also went through the freezer some and got rid of some old things and did a little bit of reorganization in there. The freezer really needs to be defrosted but that was just too much work for today.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Aug 15, 2020 22:45:40 GMT -5
I moved the wobbly cabinet out yesterday and put it in the cat domain. Today, the baker's rack got put in its place. The microwave used to be on the counter to the left of the sink. The spices and olive oil were to the right of the sink, along with a basket that held potatoes. Now the potatoes are in the "drawer" of the rack. The coffee pot used to sit on the wobby cabinet but all the bags of coffee and filters and such were in the upper cabinet to the far left of the sink. Now, it's all at/near Point of Use. And my countertops are far less cluttered. See pics here and here.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Aug 16, 2020 0:48:23 GMT -5
I am way to upset over trump. Need to get off facebook more and realize I can't make him stop destroying the post office and everything else he touches. And that I can't make people stop being stupid where I live and that the 99 cases of covid added in our county this month is beyond my control.
I need to go back to ordering groceries and as hubs said get out even less. I think with school starting its going to go nuts here. Will we reach herd immunity? Is there such a thing?
So that is a goal for me. We are coming along well on the house. Hubs got the outside all painted, he was sure happy to finish that. He also did some small things, like tape some furnace ductwork that had come loose, turn the water heater up a bit, and reset the panel. Also put up the carbon monoxide detector and other things. I will get busy again. Want to paint the foundation, I did a couple years ago. Everything I have to do is finishing touches. He is going to spray paint the ends of the garage, he was going to add metal in the peaks, I said just stop spending money there, enough. Would have been another $400 at least, not worth it. We won't sell it for anymore. I said if we rent it finish it then, just to reduce maintenance. And he needs to clear out the garage and scrape and paint in it.
I said we sell it, or if it doesn't we will rent it, and if you want to do another you will have the money but I am not helping. He said I'm not doing anymore. GOOD!!! I think this one is beating him down. Hope he sticks to that. I used to help a ton, but no can do.
Once we are done there, going to declutter here. Have tons of it to do, its time to get rid of stuff. Maybe a yard sale even though I hate to do those. I told him sell the boats, he hates fishing, and I can't get them out alone anymore. Makes me sad, but pointless to keep them. I did not get to use them like I wanted, sigh.
Maybe I can finally sew later. DD and I are starting to need basics like PJ's. Ours are wearing out.
I too am going to start trying the treadmill, I need more activity, though it wears me out pretty quickly. But going to try just walking on it. I have 2 nice bikes, not cheap, need to clean them up, but not sure if I can bikeride or not anymore.
Been working on books, DD caught up, Mil, mostly, missing one bank statement and locked myself out. Got 2 months matched and entered on Quickbooks for the LL and reconciled. Part of July done also and got tired and quit. So I will get it done tomorrow, have a couple of charges I don't know what they are, hubs likely does.
So if we sell the house and the property in Texas, then we look forward to paying increased medicare premiums for a year or so, oh joy. Hard to keep money from sales like that anymore.
So for now, to bed, I'm pooped. I hope to change things enough to let go with this hatred I am developing, its not good for me.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Aug 16, 2020 7:40:46 GMT -5
Ladies, let's remember that the declutter etc. forum is not our personal "hate" category, politics belong in politics, and let's keep the encouragement for others here where it belong.
BG = admin
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 16, 2020 8:15:12 GMT -5
Ladies, let's remember that the declutter etc. forum is not our personal "hate" category, politics belong in politics, and let's keep the encouragement for others here where it belong. BG = admin What is this about? What am I being chastised for? Be specific.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Aug 16, 2020 8:24:34 GMT -5
Oh for goodness sakes.....this is simply a reminder that it is so easy to fall off the rails. There are forums for everything, not every post belongs in every category.
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Aug 16, 2020 8:53:17 GMT -5
I think country girl meant to post in Off Topic. Anyhoo, do liquor stores still have boxes for the taking? A parent group for a special needs program here in town is doing a yard sale at the end of next month so I'm going to sort through my boxes and bins o' crap to separate yard sale decent and Savers decent. I need boxes because I'm keeping the plastic bins for me.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Aug 16, 2020 9:20:34 GMT -5
My neighbor is coming home Wednesday and I told her we need to make a trip to one of thrift stores Discovered 1 of my outdoor chair has the wicker coming apart so both chairs need to go, and the table in-between. I think 3 bar stools in the kitchen will go too, I'm tired of them. Neighbor has a very large Yukon or similar, so she's my ticket to clutter free house for now.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Aug 16, 2020 10:19:34 GMT -5
I ended up with 30 tasks on the list for this week we are finishing up, and I finished 11 of them. Here’s the current irregular tasks for the upcoming week. I’m going to need a better completion percentage this week.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Aug 16, 2020 10:28:17 GMT -5
At least you made a great list, I usually can't even do that. I wander around uselessly not caring about anything. My across the street neighbor has decided her favorite saying is " I don't know" and I've decided mine is "i Don't Care " and why should I? There is no one around that cares one iota about what I do or don't do.
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nidena
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Post by nidena on Aug 16, 2020 11:12:43 GMT -5
I discovered, yesterday, that the "bar" in the basement is not permanently attached and, being that it has a footprint of 33" x 128", it's on my list of things to do. I much prefer to open that space up, to include the additional 3' x 8' space between it and the wall. I'm not doing any more improvements or renovations until 2021 except, maybe, paint walls. Everything else is going to take money that I don't yet have.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Aug 16, 2020 11:16:39 GMT -5
I got the bathrooms deep cleaned this morning and all the outdoor pots watered. It is going to be a hot one today so I will just finish up the load of towels and empty waste baskets.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Aug 16, 2020 14:05:35 GMT -5
Windows are arriving tomorrow and being installed Tuesday and Wednesday.
I've been moving furniture so installers can easily get to the windows.
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Malarky
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Post by Malarky on Aug 16, 2020 14:54:51 GMT -5
I think country girl meant to post in Off Topic. Anyhoo, do liquor stores still have boxes for the taking? A parent group for a special needs program here in town is doing a yard sale at the end of next month so I'm going to sort through my boxes and bins o' crap to separate yard sale decent and Savers decent. I need boxes because I'm keeping the plastic bins for me.
The liquor stores I frequent aren't giving out boxes because of the volume of bottles they're selling these days. I got the boxes for the girls to move at the bakery. Do you have a local food establishment you could ask? They get deliveries at least once a week if not more often.
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Malarky
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Post by Malarky on Aug 16, 2020 15:07:37 GMT -5
I think that we are all having off days weeks and months due to covid. On the days when I can't seem to get any motivation I pick a room and set a 15 minute timer and do as much as I can in those few minutes. It's often enough time to clean the kitchen counters or start a load of laundry. Some days I'll do that multiple times, some days that 15 minutes is my sole obvious accomplishment for the day. I refuse to beat myself up for not being on top of everything in the present circumstances. Try some baby steps and don't be too harsh on yourself if it takes longer than you think it should.
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hitenney
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Post by hitenney on Aug 17, 2020 1:10:14 GMT -5
Blonde Granny - I care! Sometimes I feel a little silly, saying I have to see what my internet friends are up to. But then again, we are a community, if not actually "regular" friends. I wanted to offer my condolences to you, The Other Me. Lucy was a wonderful companion. I had posted before, but the ethernet monster ate my post. I hope when the time is right, you find another great companion. This time in our world is full of stress and negativity. I am trying to turn my back on it, and watch old TV, and take on small organizing tasks. I have also set the bar pretty low. If I work on a small stack of filing, or 1 load of laundry, it's good. Ava CPA - hope you are able to find some nugget of advice from this thread that speaks to you, and motivates you. There are so many smart people on here doing well in their battles on clutter. Startsmart - my dog did something similar, but evidently got stuck. She managed to get herself back and because she's black, we didn't even see the wounds until my son came home from work, was petting her, and said look at this. She had several puncture wounds, vet trip - you know the drill. We had to go all around the back yard and put extra layers of fence - actually I bought a lot of those plastic dividers that separate flower beds from yards. (she's pretty short, so that much double layer was enough, thank goodness) Then I found that temporary plastic fencing and covered more stretches of chain link with that. Debt - hope your trip is great! Empress - we have been cutting up boxes, just because of shopping with Amazon. But I am saving some for the garage clean-out. I really need to get rid of the car in there, un-registered and un-safety-checked since 2016. I was supposed to go to the satellite city hall and take care of the paperwork, but they are only doing appointments now, and I made the appointment at the same time as getting my tooth pulled. Is there an emoticon for a forehead slap? I will try to re-schedule.
Take care everybody! Like I said - I feel like you are my friends, so stay healthy and fight the negativity! Aloha.
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on Aug 17, 2020 7:20:47 GMT -5
My business had it's "grand opening" on friday, and I am already bombarded with custom tee orders! I am so excited! Before I went to sleep last night, I grabbed the planner I bought specifically for this business, and ORGANIZED my week, so that I can accomplish everything without being chained to my crafting corner. A lot of my boutique items sold as well, so I have packaged those up (including the ones shipping) and arranged meets with the buyers.
As far as this week's home to do list: Clean the driveway area Making grooming appt for Winnie Repack the yard sale items I have left from selling on FB and put the totes back in the garage Mow/Weedeat Tidy up garage Balance checkbook & pay bills
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Aug 17, 2020 8:49:49 GMT -5
Windows have arrived!
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Aug 17, 2020 11:54:21 GMT -5
Friday evening the wildfire smoke cleared off so DH and I sat outside with a neighbor while her twin boys ran amuck. We enjoyed the deck space I've been working on. Saturday I added the 3 small artificial bonsai, the area rug and my yoga dog statue. DH said yesterday it looks cute out there. I'll see if I can slip out there next weekend if the smoke cooperates to finally enjoy the finished product. Other than the above, I did the usual laundry and dishes. Laundry included the blanket from my truck's emergency kit. I also ran a dishwasher cycle with just a cup of vinegar in it. It made a difference, but we definitely need to replace the 10 year old dishwasher. It's just a matter of remembering to order one online for delivery at this point. From the procrastination list, I moved the 2 boxes and several bags of taxes from the holiday storage closet up to my home office closet, which makes more sense. I put the bags of documents into a box, and tossed 2012 documents into the burn box. I also found a meaningful object of my grandfather's I'd been worried about for several months (it was in an incorrect envelope in the safe), and poked through and organized my other documents while the safe was open. Still cooking, baking things in the slow cooker, and planning suppers in an effort to keep busy. Saturday DH "baked" sourdough bread in the slow cooker. It was delicious.
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