2023 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[debthaven]

Yay moneysquirrel ! So happy to hear it went well!

[finnime]

Glad all went well, moneysquirrel. Take care.

[debthaven]

I've been waiting for a hefty reimbursement for the dentist from my complementary health insurance. I wrote to them, they say they never got the necessary paperwork from the main health insurance, because of course. So I downloaded it and sent it to them. 

I go through this every semester. Once I retired, work cuts off my health insurance after every semester/short-term contract. DH and I were going to pay for it ourselves, but it would be 335 euros/month instead of 100 euros/month through work (for both of us). So I'll live with the inconvenience while I'm still working, but it's a PITA.

PS This 3-week chunk is over!  

[Iggy aka IG]

Good to see you, moneysquirrel!

Luck to you regarding the insurance, debthaven.  Congratulations on the final shutter!

A storm is headed this way.  DH has today off and is at home waiting for the boiler maintenance person.  This winter, my plan is to have a few 3-gallon water bottles on hand here at the office so I'm not schlepping them around on the eventual ice.  At home, the food stockpile looks good, cold and flu meds were restocked a few months ago, and I'm refilling all of my prescriptions.

[debthaven]

Good luck with the storm Iggy aka IG . You sound well-prepared.

[seriousthistime]

Rats.

The kitchen project is delayed due to the contractor's schedule on other jobs.  I get that things can change when homeowners decide to tweak their projects.  It isn't maddening, but it is disappointing.  On the other hand, it gives me more time to eat my way through the freezer and pantry. 

There's good possibility that the job will have to be completed when I am scheduled to be gone for three months. 

I'm trying to see if I can at least get the new floors installed on the half of the house that is not the kitchen, living/dining room, or entry. 

[debthaven]

Sorry to hear that seriousthistime. What a pain.

[Sharon]

I wish we could have a few more days or weather like today.  The highs were upper 40's, maybe hit 50 degrees.  I got quite a bit of stuff done in the yard.  It was nice and cool but I was warm in just my jeans and sweatshirt.  Today I was pulling back vines and trimmed the car eating bush that is next to the driveway. 

DSIL had several things he wanted me to do with the pasture irrigation system to try and prevent freezing before he can get over and blow the system out.  I got all those done and I checked that the chicken light in the pump house still works so hopefully my water won't freeze.

Then I undid all my good Mother-in-law points I had earned for taking care of those things when I broke off a sprinkler head.  It is by a gate and I was trying to shove a heaping wheelbarrow full of brush through the gate to in the pasture.  I just snapped it right off.

[TheOtherMe]

 Constructions delays are maddening.  I used a general contractor on the bathroom and it was his problem to coordinate everything.  He did a good job and we had short delays once things got started.

[seriousthistime]

I'm having the contractor remove the flooring that will be in the way of the remodel, but removal of existing flooring in the rest of house, as well as installation of the new flooring throughout, will be done by the flooring people. They know each other and each say I've got good people working on it.  The kitchen contractor will handle subbing out the minor electrical and plumbing stuff in the remodel.  Glad I didn't have to coordinate that. 

[TheOtherMe]

DN3 came out and unstuck the bathroom sink stocker and showed me how to fix it and I don't have to crawl on the floor.  I couldn't do that because I can't get up without help.  But, it's done and it's an easy fix.  

Now to move the toothbrush, etc. back to the bathroom and not have to go to the kitchen to wash my hands.

[seriousthistime]

I'm continuing on my efforts to eat more veggies.  I made Rachael Ray's veggie stew.  It's pretty delicious.  I added half a pound of mild Italian sausage.  I'll eat as much as I can stand and then start freezing it in individual bowls for future use. So much for decluttering the freezer.

I did remove one pumpkin bread loaf from the freezer, so I look forward to decluttering that this week.  

Can it technically be called decluttering if I remove something from the freezer and it happens to settle on my hips and waist?

[Sharon]

This was a busy weekend, but then aren't they all.  Friday I got a jump start on the weekend laundry.  Saturday morning DD called and said they would be over in the morning to blow out the pasture irrigation, we have had very cold overnight temps that past several nights.  DSIL took care of the pasture, turned off the yard irrigation system, and put the new hasp on the pump house. 

Then he and DD left the two youngest grandkids with me and they took the two older ones and went to pick up this complete camping set they bought.  They got a huge amount of stuff for a very reasonable price.  While the kids were napping I got the bathrooms cleaned, the pillow cases ironed and finished the laundry.

Today after church I started trimming hibiscus plants in the front yard and got 23 of them done.  There are still a few more to do but I was tired and it was starting to get cold.  The house sure looks better to have them trimmed back.  The kids came back today to finish sorting through their camping stuff that is being stored in my shop.  They did there thing and I did mine.

[moneysquirrel]

I am getting little things done.  Still have orders of no bending until Wednesday so laundry won't be done until then.  I usually have tp bend to take things out of the dryer.  I have enough things clean that it is not a problem. I am keeping up with the dishes as I am hand washing them.  

I decided that this was the perfect time to work on those projects that don't require me to use my eyes to do detail work.  So I am beginning the process of getting some of my other craft supplies destashed.  I will continue with the current projects for at least another week or so. Currently they are covering most of the kitchen table and counter since I moved everything up so I wouldn't have to bend over to get things out. 

Upcoming

This Week:
*Classes -- Thursday 
*Outing with friends -- Thursday
*Medical Test -- Friday
*Pack car -- Friday
*Craft Show -- Saturday
*Laundry and other things I haven't been able to do this week
*Put away small appliances that were moved so that I would have to bend over.  (Get them off the counters)

Next Week as of now :
*Medical Appointment -- Tuesday
*Hair Appointment -- Wednesday
*Classes -- Thursday
*Pack Car -- Friday
*Craft Show -- Saturday
*D's birthday -- Saturday

[Iggy aka IG]

moneysquirrel good to see you up and in action.  

seriousthistime sorry about the delay.  Thank you for the Rachel Ray recipe idea!  I'm going to make it this Wednesday.

TheOtherMe I am glad DN3 was there to help.

Sharon sorry about the sprinkler head.  Nice work on the hibiscus.  I'm sure it looks lovely.

Freezing temps here.  DH winterized the camper.  He also started moving things for our dedicated exercise room project.  I am very proud of him, as he repurposed the queen size mattress and frame for a different project.  I washed most of the bedding to use in the camper and will ask the animal shelter if they accept pillow donations.  A tabletop lamp and one side table were relocated into different rooms.  I was going to give away the coffee maker, but DH said he can use it in the basement when he's working on projects during the chilly winter.  Also, I:

-Hosted 7 trick-or-treaters, their older siblings and parents Saturday night (they went around our neighborhood Saturday since tomorrow is a school night)
-Did an additional 4 loads of laundry
-Emptied and refilled the dishwasher twice
-Handwashed a bunch of items including Halloween drinkware and bowls
-Swept the kitchen floor, boiled eggs, planned this week's supper menus
-Brought in the deck decor due to the weather change

[seriousthistime]

Jun 7, 2023 9:13:12 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

Apparently, photobucket works here. 

Geez, talk about a brain fart.

The above is the fireplace renovation that was completed in May of this year.

It hasn't been cold enough to use the fireplace since then.  Until last evening.  The stone product I used can withstand extreme temperature, but if it gets too hot the adhesive can be damaged, and the lighter colors of stone can discolor.  It's been in the back of my mind since then.  I was pretty sure it would be okay because it's a gas fireplace so it doesn't get as hot as a wood burning fireplace.

So last night I started a fire, and sat back to enjoy it.  The first thing I noticed was a slight aroma of heated new-ness. I checked the sides of the fireplace where the box meets the stone, and it was just slightly warm.  But the top of the fire box got hot ridiculously quickly.  I kept checking to see if it was getting worse, and it was. The stone above the fireplace was downright hot, and the underside of the mantel was the same, I started to worry about a fire and after a total of about half an hour I turned it off. I actually got a small burn when I touched the handle on the fireplace screen. That had never happened before. (That should have tipped me off.)

When I went to bed I was trying to think about what I could do to be able to use the fireplace without burning down the house or redoing the whole fireplace.  Just before I fell asleep, I had an AHA! moment.  I had forgotten to open the damper!  All the heat was pouring out the front of the fireplace and up the stone, instead of going up the chimney.  With a wood-burning fireplace this would have been apparent within a minute because smoke would have escaped into the room.  With gas, there is no smoke, just heat. (And carbon monoxide.) 

I tried it again today, and it was burning for about an hour without any significant heat.  Just a bit of warmth on the stone above the firebox, and the underside of the mantel wasn't even warm. 

All's well that ends well, I guess. 

[debthaven]

That was a close call seriousthistime !!! The fireplace looks beautiful! 

[TheOtherMe]

It's beautiful and I am happy you figured it out.

[Sharon]

seriousthistime I'm glad you figured out the issue with your fireplace and that it was a simple fix.

I was reminded again this afternoon why I need to get my house in order.  DGS1 has a hole in the blanket I knit for him.  I know there was yarn leftover but I can't for the life of me find it. 

[seriousthistime]

Ha! Yes, thank goodness I figured it out.

I was telling a friend of mine about this, and she said that once before a large winter gathering she asked a friend to light the gas fireplace.  When she went to shut it off some hours later, the garland above the fireplace was melting. Then she noticed the damper had not been opened.  

So I guess this particular mistake has been made before. 

[debthaven]

seriousthistime I did that once too, but as you said, you find out very quickly with a wood-burning fireplace! 

I'm now off for the rest of the week.  Tomorrow is a holiday here so I washed our bedding and towels today, since the cleaner is off tomorrow.

We had three trick-or-treaters tonight! 

[TheOtherMe]

Kids here did trick or treating on Sunday.  As usual, nobody came.

[debthaven]

I bought candy I loathe so I wouldn't be tempted LOL. I'll bring the rest to work next week.

[NastyWoman]

After a two week lull (birthday, mini heatwave, and just not wanting to) today I started on decluttering some of my Xmas decorations. I selected ~50 tree and other ornaments that needed to go. I took photos right away, before I could change my mind, and put them on the buy nothing group on FB. They will be picked up tomorrow around noon. The one of the persons who wanted them picked up my Xmas stuff last year as well. She was willing to come tonight but preferred tomorrow. Since I know she has little kids and wants to go ToTing we settled on tomorrow.

Getting rid of Xmas items is really hard for me but I have never done so and, at one time lived in 4000sqf house - which I fully decorated  . My place now is 1300sqf and I assume the next one will be smaller yet, so downsize I must but still...

[Sharon]

My 4 trick or treaters came after school today.

I finally found the leftover yarn so the blanket has been repaired, washed, and returned to its rightful owner.  DGS1 was pleased to get his blanket back.  DGD1 also had a blanket that needed fixing.  It was also repaired, washed, and returned this afternoon.  DD left DGD2's blanket here when they were trick or treating for some repair work.  Then I should just have the hard one left, DGS2.  He doesn't let go of his "me" willingly.  I don't know he calls knit blankets "me" but he does.  He is the destroyer of blankets, he puts his fingers through them and then pretty soon there are these long snags.

He won't accept anything but a knitted blanket.  One time his blanket got left at home and he found a knitted barbie dress at my place and was carrying that around.

I also think DD has the kids convinced that only Grandma knows how to fix blankets, and stuffies, that have holes in them.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I cleaned up my closet this afternoon. I purged 18 articles of clothing. That might be a record high for me. I try to keep clothes until they are actually falling apart. Some of the pieces were worn, some I don't like anymore (or never did but they were on sale), and several just don't fit me. 

[NastyWoman]

Oct 31, 2023 21:48:04 GMT -5 Sharon said:

My 4 trick or treaters came after school today.

I finally found the leftover yarn so the blanket has been repaired, washed, and returned to its rightful owner.  DGS1 was pleased to get his blanket back.  DGD1 also had a blanket that needed fixing.  It was also repaired, washed, and returned this afternoon.  DD left DGD2's blanket here when they were trick or treating for some repair work.  Then I should just have the hard one left, DGS2.  He doesn't let go of his "me" willingly.  I don't know he calls knit blankets "me" but he does.  He is the destroyer of blankets, he puts his fingers through them and then pretty soon there are these long snags.

He won't accept anything but a knitted blanket.  One time his blanket got left at home and he found a knitted barbie dress at my place and was carrying that around.

I also think DD has the kids convinced that only Grandma knows how to fix blankets, and stuffies, that have holes in them.

Lol. That is true for me too. Whenever I get to Munich there is a pile of stuff waiting to be repaired. DDIL tells the kids they have to give me at least a day to get over my trip but the littles are watching each other carefully to make sure they get in first 
As of last year DS2 has joined the queue. His favorite sweater needed repairs so I fixed it for him. Then DS1 visiting from Singapore joined the fun. I don't mind and fix it all. This year I will take some repair tools that are lacking in their home - I never was a girl scout but I do believe in being prepared

Oh, and I am taking stuff I already have so I totally count that as decluttering!

[TheOtherMe]

My great niece had a favorite doll that she carried everywhere so it fell apart.  Only grandma could fix it.  Grandma was afraid it would become unfixable before little girl gave up the doll.  It was close.

[Iggy aka IG]

I love the knitting/repairing stories, ladies!

NastyWoman good job decluttering decorations.

Nice work on the closet Knee Deep in Water Chloe!

Monday I "decluttered" a ton of junk food by sending it to work with DH, picked up the remaining prescriptions and restocked fresh produce.  It feels good to get back to "clean eating."

The neighbor twins came over last night, so I got to hear about their in town T.o.T. adventures.  Their mom said they are definitely country boys.  

Mid-week spruce up today.  I took out the garbage and put fresh towels out in the kitchen and master bath.  Most of the Halloween decorations are now downstairs waiting to be put back into storage totes.

[startsmart]

Small declutter win today! I tested all of my journaling pens and tossed all the ones that were drying up. I’ve just set up my journal for 2024 (super early I know!) and now I’m organizing all of my supplies and using what I already have including pens, stickers, washi tape and stencils.

I also decided to rearrange a bit of furniture in my room so my bike would fit better. I don’t have a tv in my bedroom right now so I have the bike positioned to see my computer so I can watch news while I cycle.

I’ve done over 1,500 miles this year and my goal is 2,023. If I can get 300 this month I’ll be really pleased.