Oh Tillie how I worry about the fires! Hoping you are doing okay. Have you seen Jack at all?

I was able to enjoy a nice walk today and I bought mom a new coffee maker. Her old one had started to leak, and once that happens, it's time for a new one. It was just under 3 miles, round trip. I've already opened the box here, so when I take it to her I can merely life it out, sight unseen, and bring the box back home for recycling. I will also take her old coffee maker with me, as I think the city can recycle it. I'll check the website.

My dearest little one is asleep next to me. I hate to leave her but leave her I must.

I will chip away at my closet upon my return. I think I can find more books to donate and more papers to shred.

Good Morning Everyone
Cough, cough. cough...

Hi Subclinical
So sorry that your shoe was attacked.
Unfortunately domestic felines are never truly domesticated.

Happy you have been sleeping in and resting up.
Good idea to keep the desk set up since it won't be inconveniencing anyone.
Enjoy eating your simple "ingredients" and washing fewer dishes. ;)


Hi Tatoulia
WAY TO GO!!! with the challenge!!! :D
Wonderful that you are back to working on your mind and body.
Keep doing what makes you feel strong and happy.


Around 3:00am? Smoke rolled back in with a vengeance.
Woke me up.
The kind of day to stay inside with windows closed.
Hope it clears up soon.
Maybe I'll check the news and see where the fire is.
The smoke isn't just grass and brush, has a bit of pine wood smoke to it.

Oh I'm sorry about the smoke, Tillie. It must be so hard on your body. SubC I know you were feeling a bit anxious over the dinner party but it must have been a let-down when it was cancelled. I bring desserts when I go places. Most people like my brownies so I make brownies (which I frost with a chocolate buttercream) and I bring a quart of vanilla ice cream and sprinkles. Hey you could always bring some of your very own ice cream!

I've been sleeping well too. Nice fresh air here (wish I could send to Tillie) and cooler.

I'm working away on my September challenge. I'm counting the stuff I get rid of at mom's too. Yesterday I threw out her carafe of maple syrup, not much left, and it had molded. I told her I was throwing it out and she was good about it. She said she knew it needed to go. I know why she couldn't do it. We'd picked it up in VT together and it was super cute. So she wanted the memory of us even though the trip was terrible. So I just tossed it without saying anything more. Part of doing this means that I have to throw out my pattern of berating her.

I got the shoes thrown out so I won't be turning to sabotage....on shoes....but other things may turn up....broken.

Beautiful day here. Will sit peacefully and read. I'm back to doing to my relaxation/meditation tapes and my nutrition is getting better. I'm listening to the tapes from my nutritionist and already my food cravings and bad food habits have been shed once again. I'll do these for a month or so and then schedule an appt with her. I'm feeling strong and happy.

Debbie and CM how are you?? Cm what I would do to have one or your quilts! Please try to post some picture of them!! Tess how is it going!? Joanie I know you are working hard and I am cheering you on! Hello Anony!!!

Tillie, I am sorry about the smoke. I can't imagine living in a place where smoke was part of the weather.

I slept last night. Almost ten hours! I feel much better today. My new schedule is definitely going to need some mornings to sleep late and recover on the weekends.

Unfortunately, while I was asleep, mr. kitty started his day by killing my shoe. They are my every day school shoes and now there is a rip in the lining at the top of the heel. I am annoyed, because they are the ones I got brand new last year! I think I can still wear them, But now I need to look for school shoes again. If I need to I can wear my steal toed sneakers.

Dh has to leave today for work, so I will be on my own. I will miss him, but I will have a couple of mornings that are easier because he won't need me to make him breakfast or lunch. There will be fewer dishes because I will mostly eat "ingredients" as he puts it, and I think I will leave out my desk and make a big mess working on my lesson plans.

Relief
This evening some brisk winds blew in and moved the majority of the smoke.
The wind also brought storm clouds.
The thunder was exceptionally impressive but I didn't see any lightning.
I think about maybe 100 rain drops fell.

AAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH

I jinxed myself talking about the smoke.
It has gotten so thick you can't see down the road any more, let alone a sunset.

Coughing & hacking.
My throat and eyes burn.

There is no wind or even a slight breeze.
It's dark outside and it's still afternoon here, should still be bright.

Should be grateful because it has been much better overall compared to past years.
I am an ungrateful brat. :p

Hi Subclinical

Oh Well...

Helloooooo Tatoulia

So relieved that nasty storm passed you all by.
It did enough damage to satisfy it's voracious hunger in the Bahamas.

About your frustration and unposted rant
I get it.
((((HUG))))
Never bring any shoe boxes within her reach again.
Just toss the shoes into a bag.
Perhaps sabotage is in your future?
Place a few tiny pebbles into her old shoes so she no longer finds them comfortable.
Would work best if she has insert soles to tuck the pebbles under.
Yes, I am pure evil. ;p

Keep dreaming and I wish all your dreams to come true.

Hello, hello! No signs of Dorian here! Believe it or not I slept til almost 11AM today, til Mom called me. So if it rained, it ended before I got up. I am not caught up on everyone ?s news because I saw Tillie's post and needed to let you know that it's beautiful and sunny here.

Yesterday I developed a sick headache during the afternoon. I had coffee and a Tylenol and I just felt sicker as the day wore on. I stayed late at the office to work on my cover letter and I applied for the job. I'm surprised by how much I want it. I generally take a nothing ventured nothing gained approach. So this time I feel like I have something at stake. Time will tell. And it's good to dream. And I love my current position and company so it will all be fine.

I had written something of a rant Thursday night then my phone ran out of battery so it didn't post. I was frustrated with my mom. I'd bought her two new pair of shoes because her shoes look dirty and old. And then she wanted to keep the old ones for wearing around the house. And I was gentle and said that if that's the case, let's return the new ones. Oh she was going to wash the old ones with a toothbrush. So I was being fairly quiet but said, I bought the new ones for you to wear not to save and wear the old ones. I finally succeeded. I did not win the battle on the shoe boxes. I did throw out the innards so we will never know her plan for those little bent sticks they use to keep the shoes in shape.


So I was pretty frustrated.

Debbie, Tatoulia is a name I made up. I call my cat Tatoulia sometimes. My BF is French and when we first started dating he had these little cards and notes on his dresser. One was either addressed to someone who's name was something like Tatoulia or was from someone whose name was something like Tatoulia. The little cards were written in French and from what little I could understand, they seemed very loving and very sweet. I haven't looked for them in a while but I remember thinking how sweet they were. (we started dating in our early 40s so the fact there were women before me couldn't possibly come as a shock).

Ok I'll write more later. There's a jazz fest in town and I've been to it once, brought mom s plate of food and a sweet potato pie and now I'll head back.

Dinner postponed, hostess sick. :(

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical

My default dish is always fresh cut up veggies.
Celery, carrots, cucumber, cauliflower, etc...
And a bowl of ranch to dip them in.

Very glad you are doing your pottery!
You just did some major work getting ready for school and working at the house and you NEED this creative outlet to help balance things out.

Poor Mr. Kitty missing out on his regular daily pettings. ;)

WTG! emptying a clay bucket!


The thin wildfire smoke has thinned out a little more.
My nagging hacking cough is so much less now.
Hoping the smoke stays away but there are still fires and will probably be even more.
The smoky dusty air does make some beautiful sunsets.
Plan today to empty, scrub, scour and sanitize litter boxes and refill with fresh litter.

Hello, good morning!

I hope CM is having a good day with her lady.

CM, howwas the show and tell?

Tillie, i'm Glad you didn't run out of kitty crunchies! Mr. kitty has been enjoying having dh work on the couch this morning. He says there has been a shortage of pets this week.

Been working on pottery - trying to take a break from my teacher stuff to let my brain rest, and do something away from the mess in my house.

Getting nervous about the dinner party this evening. I asked ❤️Dd what I could bring, and she said "anything" (not "nothing.") And then when I tried again, she said "really, anything." It will be fun.

My default would be wine, but there are at least two non-drinkers, including the hostess, plus me, who wouldn't drink because I am driving myself home.

I emptied a clay bucket in my studio.

Hi CriticalMass
Hope the quilt meeting got out early and you will get a good night's sleep for tomorrow.
Hope the lady and you are both well and fine tomorrow.

I have suffered from migraines all my life.
One thing that helped reduce the number was finding out what foods trigger some of them.
Of course it was cow milk, cashews (which I love) and some "food" additives.
My stupid sister was triggered by chocolate too but I can eat all the chocolate I want.
Tested my son and he was triggered by cow milk, cashews and oranges.
He was angry with me when he found out I was experimenting on him without his knowledge but it was good to know what his triggers were.
He thought I was being nice when I gave him a whole can of cashews and told him to eat all he wants. ;)

Happy Friday

Getting ready to go to church for the quilt guild's "show and tell" where we look over the quilts to go in the bingo next March. They said 6:00-9:00 but that sounds awfully long. I hope we finish much earlier.

Especially because tomorrow I'm sitting with my 96-year-old lady from 8:00 till late evening. Longest day I've done this ever. Just hoping she is having a good mind day and steady blood sugars - and me no migraines thank you very much. I had a couple momentary scares where there'd be a spot in my vision but luckily nothing came of them, Makes me nervous though.

Tillie, I like SubC's suggestion to move Steven's stuff instead of demolishing yours - but I get it, you wanted and needed to make a statement and it did get some results.

Debbie, I love toads and frogs! I have a White's Tree Frog in a terrarium. I used to have 6 tanks of various species. I was a frog hoarder! LOL!

Went into town early this morning because I was getting close to running out of kitty cereal/crunchies/kibble.

Discovered they put up new speed limit signs along the little stretch of highway that travels right through the town.
Used to be 25mph and now it's a mind blowing 30mph!

Tatoulia
Please let us know how much Dorian is hitting you there.

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
Teaching them to put away things and clean the surface is a great way for them to learn habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Sorry that setting up the coffee pot is not easily made a part of your nightly routine, yet.

Busy, tired and happy...
YEA!!! :D

You make them clean up by telling them they can't leave for lunch until they do.

But honestly, they are good kids. I just told them that English meets in my room in the afternoon, so along with cleaning and putting away the tools they use, I expect them to leave the tables clean.

Very busy, tired, and happy.

Forgot to set up the coffee last night. House is a mess.

Hi Debbie

Doesn't matter what the box springs weighs.
It is large and awkward and you need it wrangled down the stairs.
That is the perfect storm for you to get hurt.
So, don't do that. ;)

You may still have toads at the new house.
You will discover all sorts of wildlife surviving the suburbs.

Dogs & cats are helping us by crawling through spooky places and dusting and getting down all the cobwebs.
They should all be rewarded for their service. LOL ;P

Thank you for donating your bits & bobs.
Somebody was very happy to find them.

I live in Nevada. This county doesn't care if people live in squalor, there are no agencies to contact, there would be no fines.
As long as businesses pay their taxes you can open a legal brothel or pig slaughter house.

Any more, my possessions don't matter at all to me.
Only thing that mattered were my two cats and they are both now dead and buried in my garden.

Hi all! I finally read and got caught up on your posts!

Tillie I am sorry that he is such a stinker, but hate that you wrecked your things. Even if it worked a little, got him to mow. Can't you call the county to make him clean and mow? Or would that be too drastic and maybe expensive if they fined him?

I thought of you while watering my tomatoes yesterday; there was a tiny toad there and he started to run away but when I sprinkled him he decided to stay! I love toads, they are so cute. I almost want to take one with me but don't want to split up families haha! There were lots of butterflies too, so pretty!
I have a butterfly bush and a spider keeps putting his web from there to the umbrella on the patio. So I knock it down whenever I see it. But I saw the butterfly bounce off it yesterday!

I too have had to haul drinking water for 35 years. That is going to be so nice to have good tap water and sewers!

My nephew's dog got all fuzzy and webby a few times by going under their deck. It was a riot! Luckily it cleaned up easy, even the mud. It is a husky shepherd mix and they have fur that kind of wipes off as if they were sprayed with scotch guard! Glad you rescued Jack from the webs!

Your beaded curtain sounds lovely! I always liked those, but never had one. I too donated a bunch of beads and earrings to Goodwill recently because of past posts where you mentioned beading. I almost threw them out but if someone can make something pretty, so much the better.

The box spring is very light. Actually just a box. And I am stubborn about asking for help. But I know I need to get better about that!

Tatoulia, first where did you get the name? Does it mean something? Congrats on the $100 for the quarter! I would love it if my insurance gave $$$ for healthy behaviors. Once I got $75 for doing the cologuard test by mail. But that is it. I just got my silver sneaker card from them though and am going to join as soon as my present membership runs out.

Your Mom's kitty is adorable! Once she warms up it will be so nice for your Mom.

Good job on the closet and the challenge! Nice of the cleaning ladies to help out by breaking the soap dish haha! I did one once where you threw out 1 thing, 2 things, 4, 8, 16, etc. By the end of the month it was thousands! I had to count each folder and book to get to the end. But that was the first challenge I did and it got me excited to give away, throw away, and use up!

I hope you take the trip. I am that way, I always want to cancel when it gets time to go. But I went on a trip in January and had the best time ever!

Hope the new job comes through and you like it. I would miss working from home occasionally, but since I retired, I miss the people. I actually might get a part time job after the move just to have more structure and to meet people.

Subc, wow you are a good swimmer to almost keep up with a 27 year old! This year I finally started wearing goggles to swim and what a difference. It keeps your hair out of the way and my eyes don't burn when I open them. But I am afraid to breathe all my air out so I tend to hyperventilate! I do love the water though. It's nice your DD is swimming with you. I think I will join my DB & DSIL gym so I can see them more often.

Glad your daughter has enough room to have a party! I am hoping to host card parties at my new house. I never had room for stuff here. I used to do it anyway but once the younger generation came along, I let them do holidays. We always bring stuff to make it easier on the host. I always bring ham and an appetizer, do dishes and put food away, but it is still a lot of work for the host.

So glad school went well! How do you get teenagers to clean up after themselves? Threaten their Ipads? Good to hear the non-talker talked!

How fun you got to see camels and zebras! You never know what the day has in store!

CM, glad you made an appointment. I have had lots of migraines the last couple months, but I think it is the stress, and allergies. Thank God for Excedrin migraine pills! They work for me when nothing but an RX used to. I feel for you not having your own space and having to always move stuff to get to stuff. I am soooo ready to unpack and just be comfy!

Hope you all have a great day! Cool and cloudy here, but that made me deep clean the bathroom! So glad it is done! Ttyl!

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
YEA! for working on the new routine!
Keep that up and soon the routine will become a habit. ;)


Have the hose on slowly watering the trees this morning.

Taught, fought traffic, ate, rested a bit, did chores and lesson plans. Today I go in a little later.

Still working on my new routine.

Tillie, I am glad he mowed the grass, but I don't like you tossing your things either. You don't have a bunch of extra unwanted things sitting around. Couldn't you maybe just move HIS stuff so that it is more in his way?

I'm proud of people for cleaning up and caring for their environments and taking care of their health!

Good Evening Everybody

Hi Debbie
You really shouldn't be trying to move things like box springs all by yourself anyways.
Glad you will have others there to move the big stuff out.

YEA! for the Roku!
Shouldn't be a problem at all when you move.
It uses your email account and internet service.
It is very "user" friendly.

WAY TO GO! with your continuing to get all set for the move!

Hi Subclinical
That was a very long work day today.
Hope you have been resting up all evening.

Hi CriticalMass
Hope your Dr. appointment isn't too far into the future.
Good luck that all your problems will be easily cured. :)

Hi Tatoulia
WOW! you did a LOT today, WTG!


I guess he's not so comfortable with the way things are here any more.
After all these weeks, today he mowed the grass and he did a proper job of it this time too, not at all like he had been doing it.
Leaving stretches unmowed, leaving huge piles of clippings all over, smothering the grass.

He may like his clutter laying all around but my clutter and rearranging a few things to make it even more difficult to walk about seems to be slightly uncomfortable.

Plus he doesn't like me to toss my things.
And I am making sure they are totally trashed so he can not pull them out of the trash and add them to his hoard like he always does/did.

My plan is to continue...

Debbie you are doing great and you sound upbeat! Keep up the good work! I am standing by your side, cheering you on!

CM I am glad you are going to see a dr. As you know, I'm a big proponent and a big consumer of medical care. I know I am fortunate to have the belief in the system, access to it, etc.

Hey SubC glad the school year has started out well! Hello Tillie. Sending you love.

I washed and packed up sheets for donations today. My cleaners were here and they broke my soap dish. One item gone!!! I shredded papers and I took mom's dishes over to her. I took my recycling out and I put my tea bags in a giant zip lock. I went through some papers and I went through my summer clothes. I count these actions as four things out, so that I'm keeping with my promise for the month.

I'll be working from home tomorrow in order to help BF with a maintenance issue at his house. Now, I'm going to do a little more work for tonight. I want to feel satisfied with my day.

Gosh, sorry I haven't posted. Shopping for a couch and cleaning my house and burning and shredding papers. Plus yard work and babysitting. Today I cleaned a filthy lawn chair and cushion to use as a couch till my new one comes. It takes 6 weeks, maybe less. I got my twin beds down from the attic. But I can't get the box springs down. They won't fit down the stairs? I know they fit up there! Took down the hand rail and still no luck. I think I just need a second person to tip it the right way. So will wait till moving day. My Dad is going to take the window A/C that is up there (I will deliver). Then it is empty!!!! I am not taking much furniture and found Restore will make a pickup of furniture so I can relax about the leftover stuff. Couch, chair, desk, buffet, lots of bookcases, etc. So will mostly just be cleaning and re boxing some stuff if I find better boxes. I haven't been keeping up with reading so will have to do that today! Oh I bought a ROKU and installed it. Boy did I feel stupid! I thought you used the HDMI OR the other USB thing. Couldn't get it turned on so reread the directions and realized you needed both! It works fine. I was way overtired when doing it. Should do that kinda thing early in day! I haven't had time to look around in it yet. And just realized I will have to re set it up when I move. Rats! Well it should be easier the 2nd time. Almost done eating all my available food. I bought soda and water on Labor Day sale for my moving helpers. Will plan on pizza or beef sandwiches or something for food. I am over-planning! Can't wait to be in the place so I can UNPACK! Hope to read posts while watching the boys. Take care! I hope no one is in the hurricane's path! My friend and stepdaughter are in Florida but checked and both are safe. We had storms even in IL but just lots of tree branches which I picked up and burned today. The tornado siren went off but it was just a test I guess. So am grateful to be safe and praying for the Bahamas. Those poor people!

This really will be short. I may be in & out. My stress over time, not having a place, my clutter, trying to juggle unexpecteds, all of it, is getting to me.

Yesterday I had my 3rd migraine in a month after months of having hardly any. I'm also wondering about my recent intermittent back and hip pain whether I have a compressed disk or whatev. So I made a doctor appointment.

If it's nothing, wonderful. If there are things I can do to help it, even better. The chances of it being anything big and scary seem slim, but I will be glad to rule out that. I have to fight my ingrained voice that tells me a) I'm being a silly hypochondriac, and b) I'd be better off not opening a can of worms.

So anyway, since the migraines get triggered visually, I'm rationing my screen time a bit.

Tillie, my stress pales in comparison to yours, so be assured I am sending you my strongest love and prayers... it may be time to cug your losses bug only you can make that call [{{{ HUGE BEAR HUGS }}}/b]

I'll get caught up on posts as I'm able. Tatoulia, Subclinical, Debbie, Tess, Joan, Anonymoniker, and any other friends who may drop by, hugs to you as well.

Tillie. It's time. There's a piece of masking tape on you that says Nate.

Oh Tillie,

I'm sorry. You've been coping so well for so long we just think you will be ok. We don't want you destroying your things! And adding to the mess doesn't help.

Is there truly no help at all? Do you have access to money? Is it time to pack up and move to Nate's?

The camels and zebras were in a big truck that had broken down by the highway. The sides were folded back to fencing so they didn't overheat. I think they were going somewhere from the zoo that is down that highway to the south. But who knows. Maybe they were just there to remind me that life is full of wondrous and amazing things.

Long day today - 5 classes. 9:30-4:30.

Hi Tatoulia
I would have considered it a wonderful thing to find that bag of random bits & bobbles.



According to Dr. Google I have gone over the deep edge of the abbess into now being certifiably "batshit" crazy.

I can't take it any more, I just can't.
He says he likes things this way, that it's comfortable.
That it now refuses to do anything around here, won't even mow the grass any longer.

I searched for any local help and came up empty.
I ran around outside pushing over and knocking down heaped crap.
I upended spoiled cans of paint.
I took my hammer and completely destroyed my toys and left them lay in the hoarded up driveway where he would have to walk around them.
Generally tossed random things out the back door.

I had to do something...

YEA!!! Subclinical
for such a fantastic 1st day of school!!! :D

WAY TO GO! for the fast mile!
Very impressive.

Camels & zebras???
Is the circus in town??? A traveling carnival???

"By the pricking of my thumbs
something wicked this way comes."

Tillie! The beaded curtain sounds beautiful! And I bet it will be soothing and satisfying to make!

I recently had some nice beads from different broken necklaces and I put them altogether in a ziplock before donating. Beautiful polished pink quartz, another necklace was murano glass beads, etc. just random bits and baubles and I kept thinking, someone will enjoy this little treasure bag.

I'm excited about the project!!!

Camels and zebras?? Could you send me a zebra? I love them so much! SubC congratulations on a terrific first day at school!!!!

Tillie the news on the job is that the one I wanted is too basic for me and she also said that they have someone in mind for it. My friend then had to leave for a standing weekly meeting and she called me when she got back and she said, position is filled. But she encouraged me to apply for a different job there and so I will. I'd been eyeing the other job and she said that I really would be terrific at it. So apply I will. I need to write my cover letter with a different bent and also change up the resume a bit. I focus on different skill sets. This would be a great finish to the last ten years of my career. So time will tell.

Tillie, mom reports she's seeing the cat more. I hope she is. Her eyesight is so poor but hey, if she thinks she is, then she is! Cat actually doesn't seem stressed, if that makes any sense. She seems tired but she seems like she's adjusting. She doesn't struggle when I pick her up and she's peaceful on me when I can get her. She just seems like she's adjusting.

Mom just gave me a pass from bringing her the dishes tonight. I am so grateful. I am too tired and a tad overwrought.

So, three things need to find their way out of my life tonight. Who is next? If I could even shred a bit tonight that would be a big help.

Not much time,

But a good day!

Taught, great kids, good classes, my boss stopped by and just hung out in my room for a while and said nice things later. My non-talker talked, my teenagers cleaned up after themselves, and my 27 y.o. Finished her mike only 4 laps ahead of me.

On my way home there were camels and zebras.

I forgot an in thing - my ❤️Dd gave me a cute shoulder bag yesterday.

Reading and thinking of everyone!

Good Morning Everybody

Very quiet here.
No shotgun blasts or bird calls/songs.
No people noises or jet planes.
No wind rustling leaves.
The cats are all being very quiet.
No sound of the far away freight train whistle.

No real plans for today.
Will do cat tasks.
Already refilled their cereal bowls.

Have absolutely no hope that he will do anything today or ever.

During the little storm
Jack was sitting on the front porch mat washing his left hind leg.
There is no overhead coverage on the front porch so he was sitting in the sprinkles.

WTG! for all the tasks you got done and for all the running around doing Mom errands!

WOOHOO! for two things for the challenge!

Keep up the good job with your eating and walking.
Seems that helps you with physical and mental wellbeing & happiness.

I'm glad you are chipping away at the closet.
Not feeling overwhelmed and yet able to see progress.

So you won't worry too much about kitty you could take her to the Vet and get her some kitty downers, Diazepam or Prozac or something if you think she's overly stressed.
But give her a little more time and hold her every chance you get first.



One of my projects is a beaded curtain.
Semi precious gemstones that I pick up here & there at the thrift shops.
Takes a long time to gather them and it's a grab bag as to what kinds I find.
At first the strands are not very long but as I find other beads that look good together, the strands get longer.
Then sometimes I can combine two strands together in a pleasing way to make a strand the perfect length.
Now I have enough beads that look so pretty together to make a strand and I also found some very cute stone bead fetishes of foxes, bears, birds and a cat that I am adding.

Tillie there is so much to be said for apprenticeships. I wish we could bring them back.

But instead our jobs are going to robots.

So mom called to find out where I put the graham crackers. I hadn't bought any for her. So when I took my garbage out I got her a small package of Vienna finger cookies and a small package of sugar wafers. She'd seen the kitty but not touched. Kitty was behind the piano.

I cleared out some more stuff at mom's and took her trash out again. I also picked up her dishes and I'm running my dishwasher now. I took the tray and dishes that belonged to the kitchen at her place back downstairs.

I came back here and dealt with just enough things to constitute two things for my minimum challenge. I'm looking forward to doing more tmr. .

I did get a bit more walk in and BF did part with me. We are having some rain tonight but nothing right now.

I was in very good control of my eating today. I'm back on track doing my relaxation tapes and that frees my mind to not eat. I have not been happy with my food intake lately but I'm happy today.

Closet not done but I'm good with the progress. My cleaners come on Wednesday.

Hope jack isn't afraid of the weather, Tillie.

Hello Peoples :)

Hi Subclinical
Hope you are all set and throttling down to get a good night's sleep.

YEA! for borrowed books returned & out!

Have a most wonderful 1st day! (((HUG)))

Nathan used to always go to Burning Man.
Went for quite a few years but now he lives in Washington so hasn't gone past two years.
Ask your DH's BF if he knows the guy who wears a wrap around skirt.
Nate always counted on me to provide him with a skirt. LOL
It was my idea he should go in the first place because he always asked me "what was it really like back during the Hippie Revolution days."
Burning man answered all his questions.
You had to be there.


Hi Tatoulia
Little kitty has been through a lot. We don't even know what.
In time she will trust.
Just keep making a point of holding and petting her whenever you can.
She may not have been handled as a kitten and it takes time to get accustomed to it.

Good that you want to talk to your friend about this job.


At 16 I also got my 1st real job as a dental assistant.
Before that it was mostly baby sitting and pet sitting.
One of my Friend's dad was a dentist and he taught me.

Big dark clouds blew in this evening.
They brought lightning, thunder and a little sprinkle of rain!
Just enough to mess up the windows.

Tillie I'm looking forward to hearing about your projects!!!

I'm back from feeding neighbor's cats and I did a wash while I was there, since his apt is on the laundry level. My things are now in the dryer.

I have to gather my trash and take out.

I just need to give the cat more room. Mom's cat. I'm so worried that she's not getting the companionship she wanted but she assured me she's fine with the new one and that she loves her. I need to let this go and I need to stop obsessing.

Thinking of you and your new school year, SubC!!!

Tillie, my mother also graduated from high school at 16. High school was very rough on me and I'm surprised I made it through. College & grad school I did very very well, I think in large part since I went at night and worked during the day.

Ok I have to get my garbage out. While out with BF we stopped for a sandwich and he bought me one for lunch tmr, so I'm pretty pumped.

Will write more in a bit. I do think my letter is good but I'll let it percolate til tmr. I want to ask someone questions about the job and see what she says. We generally try to figure out salaries together.

Tatoulia,

I would think working from home would be hard to give up.

Tillie,

My husband's bast friend was at burning man. He goes every year.

I had a good visit with ❤️Dd. I also returned a bunch of books she loaned me, so, something out.

Now I need to load my car, do my chores, set up the coffee, and put myself to bed.

Hi Tatoulia

At least you will be petting those two neighbor cats today.

WTG! for finding things to remove from your Mom's home. ;)

Good luck with the closet.
I'm sure the letter is everything it should be. :D

A perfectly balanced relationship.
Each giving and getting as needed.


Vacuumed the tiny cubby hole closet floor in my tiny room.
Then ran the vacuum around everywhere getting up miscellaneous bits of "?"

Did all cat related tasks including giving them canned food when they asked for it.

Did a tidy up in the bathroom and kitchen.

Did some thinking & planning on some enjoyable projects I want to do.
Assessed the components/supplies needed and located them.


He has done NOTHING.

Kitty was hiding when I went to mom's. We watched a tv show but no kitty. I could see where she was but I don't want to ruin all of her hiding places. I need to let her be peaceful.

I took a bag of clothes out of mom's house and I cleaned the cat litter. I also found a few things under her sink that I could surreptitiously dump.

I have my neighbor's cats to feed tonight and they haven't eaten today and where am I? Running errands with BF. I have to do this. He does so much for me. But I just want to go home and work on my closet and read my letter one more time before sending it off.

I will catch up soon.

Good Morning Everybody
"Clink!"

Hi Subclinical
Have a fabulous first day of school tomorrow.
So exciting about the classroom and your new schedule!!!

Make sure to stick rigidly to your bedtime schedule even though you may not feel like going to bed.

Happy you did some pottery on your "free" day.


I had asked Jack "what happened?" but he didn't want to talk about it.

Hi Tatoulia
WAY TO GO!!!
Great work on the closet!

I loved Summer school.
So fun and I learned more than in regular school.
Had enough credits to graduate by 16.

Oh, OK, check out the other job and see if it's right for you.
Remember working from home is a big perk.

Have a pleasant day and grab that cat and pet her.


It would be a peaceful quiet morning here except for the periodic shotgun blasts.
Hunting season...

Laundry takes longer to dry over night now especially if I have just recently watered the grass under the clothes line.
So I just leave it hang till 10:00am.

Burning man festival has ended and all the people have finished traveling through this area headed back to where ever they all came from.
The people are nice & friendly but it makes me uncomfortable with so many people in the town.
Will go shopping and get drinking water later this week, maybe.

Yes the reverse is a much better way. I can tell you I did get rid of 30 items yesterday. There is no doubt about that. Books, dvds, an odd towel or two, notebooks, etc. and I shredded a bunch. So today I do 29 things.

I'm excited for your school day too, SubC. How I loved September and getting excited about school. I also loved summer school. In college and grad school I always Tom summer classes. Quick way to earn a few credits.

You are so good to Jack and I can tell he enjoys your sense of humor, Tillie!

I have some personal "paperwork" (actually computer work) to do today. There's a job that caught my eye that I'd like to apply for. I don't generally look to leave my company but this particular job would be nice for me. On the other hand, there's no ability to work from home. But I'll throw my hat into the ring and see what happens. So I want to write my cover letter and get that sent over to the place. I know a lot of people there as I have helped out on a volunteer basis when they have had day needs for a professional to help out. So I've done a day here, a day there. Not doing anything other than seeing if it would be a good fit and whether I'd be willing to leave my company. Not sure of either of these things.

So that's the plan, together with visiting mom and hopefully getting to pet the cat.

Tillie, you ar so smart about that challenge! I agree that backwards would be easier.

I wonder what jack was up to to get that big spider web.

Tatoulia, amazing job on the closet and that fitness challenge!

I'm glad you are happy because "double your junk back" frightened me too!

I thought at first that that would have been a great motivator for me when I got started - I would have been more willing to try to get rid of things if someone had promised me double my junk back if I didn't like the results. Except then I remembered that when I first started, I did not feel happy about having things gone, so that would have backfired.

I absolutely agree that you should take your get-away trip. I am trying to warm up to the dinner party.

My relaxing day turned into dd2 deciding to come visit yesterday (she is still here - asleep) but I took time to work on some pottery.

Still a little school prep and some things around the house to do this morning, then off to visit ❤️Dd and home to prep for tomorrow (pack my swim bag, load my car, choose my clothes, remember to set up the coffee maker...) and early to bed.

I meant to sleep later this morning, but I was dreaming about one of my classes when my body woke me up on schedule, and I decided to get up and do some more organizing of class stuff instead of going back to sleep. Too excited to sleep when school starts tomorrow!

Good Evening Everyone

Hi Tatoulia
Great start on that closet!

WTG! for doing that challenge!
Seems it would be easier to do in reverse.
Day one find 30 things, day 30 find one item. ;p
But remember that every little thing counts, doesn't have to be a big or major item.

YEA! for earning your $100 reward!

Did some watering this evening then took a shower & washed my hair.
Now I am doing laundry and will hang it out over night.

My little hole digger out in the lawn sure was busy last night.
Still have not seen whatever it is.?
Hope Jack gives me another big laugh tomorrow like he did this morning with his cobweb veil. ;D

Hello, bedtime here. I didn't do more on the closet. I ran errands with BF, did mom's grocery shopping, and then came home after 10:30. I have earned my full $100 for the quarter and I'm thrilled.

I inky saw mom's Kitty today. Once behind the piano, second time under the bed. Mom claims she sees her and she runs against her leg. I hope that's true. My mother is known for her exaggerations. And that's fine with me.

My kitty and I are heading to bed.

Labor Dey. Looking forward to getting up and working on my closet. I've decided to do that minimalism challenge, where day 1 you get rid of one obj, day 2, 2, and so on. I did my one object got the day and then some. Two big bags. Very happy about that. Ready for more.

So aggravating, Tillie. I'm so sorry.

I took two bags to my car with donations. I also took mom for Sunday Dinner at Longfellow's Wayside Inn. Mom got the lamb and I had the turkey. I posted the menu on Instagram.

Kitty was behind the piano when I went to mom's. Such a pretty little thing. I wish she'd let me hold her again. I haven't held her since yesterday but it feels like forever.

I am tired from my turkey dinner. But I have more walking to do.

I am almost at my $100 for the quarter with almost a full month to spare! I will get a physical Visa card as I didn't like the electronic one they sent me last time. Too difficult to use.

I'm doing a load of dark delicates. Soon I'll have to put away my purely summer clothes.

I will get back to the closet tonight. I can't believe I was able to get rid of things. I shredded papers til the shredder overheated. When getting rid of certain books, I had to ask myself, what are you trying to prove by keeping?

Good Afternoon Everyone

Hi Tatoulia
YEA!!!
WAY TO GO!!!
Great start on that closet!

Double the junk back is scary :O


Been doing a little of this & that, the usual daily kinda stuff.

He has done NOTHING.

Nothing is ever going to change here.

Working on closet. Finding books and dvds to let go of. Shredding papers. Have showered, getting mom out now.

Thank you for the support!!! I can do this and I'm guaranteed to be happier once it's finished!!! Guaranteed happiness! Or double my junk back.

Good Morning Everyone

Hi Subclinical
Wishing you a good day of rest today.
You have done a fantastic amount of prep work at home and at school.
Wishing you smooth sailing for this busy week ahead. :)

Hi Tatoulia
Please do not back out of this get away trip you have planned.
It will be so good for you.

Running your Mom's dishes through your dishwasher is a brilliant idea.


Need any help with that closet badger?
Here is some moral support...
YOU CAN DO IT!!! YEA!!! WAY TO GO!!!!
GO GET EM!!!



Jack showed up this morning for breakfast.
He had a HUGE sticky thick cobweb stuck tight all over his head, face and ears.
Cobweb had leaves & crap stuck all over it.
Jack looked so sad and defeated.
He was very relieved when I rescued him.