CM, I understand your goal, and it sounds nice, and you may succeed at it.

But my experience is that I often run out of energy or life intervenes, and my staging areas become too permanent.

My biggest concern is - where will things go when you are ready to get rid of them? Are places near you accepting donations? Is there a accessible dumpster you can use? I think that until you have a plan to get rid of excess immediately - "I will stop and drop at x or y location after working every day even if I just drop off one item" you are putting yourself in danger.

Is everything in your room a keeper? Sometimes you can start with a very small staging area. If you choose the smallest area or set that you can reduce and have a surface to sort it on, it will be smaller when it goes back. Even if you sort out one sheet of paper, the remainder can go back at the end of the day better organized and you have started a good habit and marginally increased your space and organization.

I know the boost of a big change feels good, but I feel like establishing the habit and refining the process small scale to see how much time and energy you really have to invest would be a good idea before you invest money in the process.

You might want to keep a daily journal for a month of how much time you spend and factors that would have kept you from going to the storage unit that day. Once you know "I can work on this for x hours a day and there were only x days that would have kept me home" you can make a more informed decision about the value of a second unit.

Today I say goodbye to the second class that I am losing. :(

Howdy Ya'll

Love all your long posts telling about your days. (((HUG)))

Hi Tatoulia
A Broadway dance class sounds like it will be a lot of fun.

YEA! for finding TP on the store shelf.
So rare these days. ;)

Sorry about the laundry pig.

You have been doing so well saving money and paying off the loan and other expenses like the water heater.
So proud of and happy for you. (((HUG)))


Hi Subclinical
YEA! for the golf course opening so you can finally make ice cream! :D

Wishing Magnolia and her babies all the best.
People will still be buying critters, especially the fancy ones.
But winning ribbons might be cancelled.

I am happy the video classroom is evolving nicely.
Forced to sit all the time would be frustrating since you enjoy moving all around the classroom.

The new cat seems to be moving in nicely. ;)


Hi CriticalMass
OK...
If you do get the unit then you must treat this like a job.
No days off, no sick leave, no excuses, no outside interruptions.
Nothing but sorting, decluttering and straightening.
No matter what the weather, too cold, too hot, too windy, too rainy, too sunny, too cloudy, you must work.
You are allowed to eat, sleep, bathroom breaks and showers.
Any questions?

For now you have your genealogy project. :)


I am doing laundry.
All the clothes I dirtied today.
Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer and I really hope the winds stay away.
The wind blew over my poor Hyacinth flower stalks and by late afternoon I had finally managed to get them to stand up straight again.

Hey all.

Funeral was quiet and we were just over and back by noon. Didn't stay to talk with cousins after. I can put my photos up on Facebook for them later.

I promise, Scout's Honor, that if I get a staging area storage unit that is ALL it will be, one month only. I can't afford more. Set up a table or two in the staging one, put books and small boxes of stuff on them. Roll nice new shelves on casters over, put books in tubs on them (likely eliminating books in the process).

In original unit, get rickety shelves gone. Clear a path. Roll new, neat shelves back into their designated places. Focus heavily on eliminating "goat path" and "things shoved in all wonky and stacked precariously" issues.

Continue to evaluate items as to whether to keep or not. Put like with like. Find any straggler items that no longer are part of my life; get rid of those. Set up for continued progress with details after the big picture is revamped.

You see, it was going well when I first moved to this unit. I had some decent organization going on. It was the hurrying, and whatever fires to put out in my life, that got me behind again. Right now it's pretty much gridlock in there. Very discouraging and demotivating. That's all I'm after - a means to bust the gridlock, and not let it get to where stuff is falling and things are stacked crushing other things. Yuck.

Don't know if I ever shared how I did the staging storage unit thing once before, when I had to get stuff out of my former roommate's place. I was able to sort, and get the "keepers" all into the main unit then. That was in 2015 before I moved over here. And I had quite a bit of crap in that main unit, but I was able to get a lot of it gone over time, and quite a bunch when I switched to this place closer to where I reside now.

As for the stimulus money, the remainder would just sit in my savings most likely. And I won't even allow myself to dream that it's for a place of my own this time around. Because in all likelihood it will end up being needed for a car repair or something. Also, who wants to move until the coronavirus is good and gone. We are all having to accept that it's hard times, and sit tight and be thankful for what we do have. If I don't get my hopes up I won't feel crushed.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! :D

Tomorrow is payday, and the weather's turned cold, possible freezing drizzle to come. I will figure out what errands I really need to run, do some things by phone. Looks like temps will be high enough later that roads won't be dangerous, it will have turned to rain. I only need a few groceries etc. I've postponed for lack of money. Then hope to be able to hunker down awhile.

Hello all!

Online school is still evolving. Not bad today. I miss being able to look them in the eye, and I hate sitting at a table for hours. In the classroom I pace around, sit on the tables, sit on the floor, even stand and walk on the tables. With the computer, I am stuck in my chair.

Dh ordered something groceries online today for Sunday pick up.

They have decided to reopen the golf course - but not the club house, and no food or drink, and they raised up all the cups in the holes, so instead of going in, your ball will bounce off and that counts - so people aren't reaching in the cups. So Dh is going to go play on Saturday and maybe I will make ice cream.

Magnolia had twins today. They are by my new buck and very pretty. Of course, the boy is prettier than the girl, but Maggie is a fancy goat with papers, and so is their dad, so hopefully the little buckling won't be too hard to sell. Who knows the WSU things are now though...

New cat slept in the sun on the driveway today, but ran away when I came outside.

Tillie, hurrah for a beautiful not windy day!

Tatoulia, you sound like you are doing really well. I'm glad, and proud of you.

CM, thinking of you and hoping you found some peace and comfort today.

I love your supportive students! Great job, SubC!!!! Great job!!!!

Cm I misread or didn't read all of your entries. I am pleased you went to church. I love Gregorian chants. I am in favor of scanning your photographs and papers as a goal. I am wary of having you rent another storage space. Please pray on it. Please pray to determine if it is truly the lack of a staging space that is stopping you from making progress. I will support your decision.

Both my mother and brother will be eligible for the stimulus, thank goodness. And my sister and her BF. So they will all be really happy. I was grateful that the IRS reversed its position on tax returns. I was going to have to help my mom and my brother in that regard.

My mother has asked that I hold her money for her, as she doesn't want to fritter it away. She also offered to "repay" me and BF for all we've done for her. So silly. I wish she could still travel but if we come out of this thing, maybe we could eat out a few times. Something to make her happy.

I am saving money every day. And I split it between my emergency fund which I pledged to start and my small loan. So much fun to do this! I am so pleased with the amount I've already saved this year.

Our office will be doing a zoom happy hour. They split it up alphabetically. My group will be next Friday. It's with senior management and then your letter grouping. Let see how that goes! The first one is tomorrow at 3 PM. but it's not my group.

I'm taking a Broadway dance class tomorrow. I forget what time. Maybe 12 or 12:30.

I've done some laundry but not all. I couldn't do any today because someone had loaded it up and it's the piggy person who leaves it there all day, expecting other people to put in dryer, etc. maybe tomorrow I'll have a shot. I did do a few yesterday. I am doing my towels much more frequently. It's comforting to me.

I went to CVS tonight and they were just loading toilet paper on the shelves. I bought one four pack and one six pack. I use a lot of toilet paper and plus I like to make packages for people of TP, water and soap. I made a package for my cleaning fairies yesterday. And I think I'll make up a few to distribute to some neighbors. I know one neighbor is going to want ginger ale. So I'll get her a ginger ale.


Okay my dear hearts, I shall see you tomorrow. I didn't mail mom a postcard yesterday. Or I don't think I did. So I sent two today.

Good Afternoon Everyone

WTG! Tatoulia for a flawless presentation! :D

Kind of easy to not spend much money with the stores closed.
GREAT plan to use this "interruption" in "normal" life to pay down your loan! :D

Yes, I dare you to tackle those papers.
They have been on your someday To-Do list far too long.

So sweet they sent you pics of your Happy Mom. ;)

Hi Subclinical
What a wonderful school day that was.
And the students were so understanding and helpful.

I too worry about CriticalMass getting another storage unit.
That always seems to backfire.

Hi CriticalMass
Your church experience sounds very nice and hopefully no virus were shared.

Today you went to your Aunt's funeral and I hope it was same as last time.
Chatting from a safe distance, no hugging or cheek kissing. (((((HUG)))))

If you do get a stipend I would rather you put it away for a rainy day.
Too often vehicle issues or some other problems arise and you get tapped out.
This way you would have a nice little nest egg to help see you through the next catastrophe.


BEAUTIFUL NOT WINDY DAY TODAY HERE!!!
Bit chilly but that was alright and even felt good as I worked outdoors.
The cats joined me.
Scooter is now sleeping next to me on the couch but Twinkles is still out enjoying himself.
The hairball treatments I have been giving him are working and he feels better now.
Poor extra long haired cats especially in the Spring/early Summer when they have extreme shedding. ;p

Have plans for more outside work for tomorrow. :)

Good Morning Everyone

Wonderful to read all your postings. :D

WTG! everybody for having such a positive successful and safe day yesterday.

The wind is NOT blowing but it's frigid out there.
No matter, going out anyway.

BBL ;)

Tatoulia,
I'm glad you had a good day yesterday.
Today was better.

I had a table and all my materials right at hand and my computer didn't crash, and didn't freeze very much. The worst freezing was during a teen class and one if the kids said "the audio is fine. Just keep talking and we'll ask you to describe better if we don't understand.

I do have a flip phone. I am working on a school issued chrome book. Usually if I have to use a chrome book for something I hand it to one of the kids.

I'm glad your mom is doing well.

CM,

I had two weeks warning. I had to rewrite a lot of classes along with learning new skills though. I am still rewriting classes.

I don't know about the second storage space. Is there a danger of filling both?

Tillie, I hope you get a day with no wind!

Cm I love your goal! Great idea!

I wear a cloth mask that I bought on Etsy. It's fantastic. I use it for cat chores and other smelly chores and now I wear it outside, too. I am so envious of your sewing skills!

Yay for a nice chat with Nate! I am very grateful that I can work from home and collect a full paycheck. Very few people are in this position. Bf remains working at reduced hours.

I haven't been spending money on anything. So I can double up on the small loan that I have. It's for four more years but I'm thinking two. Two more years. The interest is low enough that I'm not going to try to refinance it. I just want to get it paid down and paid off.

For March I wanted to change my water heater and do a few more plumbing type things to put my mind at ease. I thank God each and every day that I changed the water heater. I didn't get the handyman out for my punch list but that was due to COVID19. I'd made my list and BF had the guy. But then everything collapsed.

April. Does anyone dare me to tackle papers? I don't ever finish but I'm game if you are game.

Someone at mom's took her pictures and sent them to me last night. She is happy and cheerful.

I second Tatoulia's advice, SubC - go easy on yourself. After all, did you (or any of us) have any advance warning and time to prepare for all of this? Heck no! Everybody's learning on the fly. And I think people - hopefully even teenagers - are humbled by this and willing to make allowances.

We got to roommate's appointment this morning and I just sat in the car. Neither of us were real bright eyed and bushy tailed as neither of us are morning people, LOL. I worked on my novel that I'm doing for April "Camp NaNoWriMo," sketching another of the characters.

Back home and I ate and then I went to my church to go to Confession - Father had it all worked out for people with what entrance of the church to use, then he was in the "cry room" where people can take their babies during church.

There was Gregorian chant recorded music playing throughout the church so no one would overhear anyone's Confession. And even the pews near that room were roped off so no one would sit close to it. It all worked great. The music, and the experience of seeing the church yet knowing we won't get to have church for some time yet, was heart tugging and comforting at the same time.

Then I came back home, did the laundry load I'd planned, and took quite the nap. Still feel like I could sleep more, as sort of a mental reset. Must be aware now that my body WILL try to fight sleep and must be strict about a decent bedtime.

In other news... my roommate had mentioned that I am probably eligible for that economic stimulus - I had thought being on disability I might not be. And a lightbulb went on in my head. All this frustration about the storage unit being in disarray and no staging area to deal with it -

SO....

Perhaps I could use some of that money to rent another unit for one month like I did before, use it for staging, buy any tubs I still need, and put the donations near the front if need be (so they don't have to live in my van till there are places to donate them), also the "papers to go through" boxes near the front so I can get to them and deal with them. Maybe that could even happen in the evenings while I'm doing this and the papers would be gone, but if not they wouldn't be in bundles in random places.

So I'm going to think and pray about this idea - it could be the answer to prayers already and to much anguish and ongoing despair. Because back in 2017 or whenever I changed to this storage unit near to home, I was so optimistic at first! I thought I was going to be able to finish everything up rapidly and be able to move to my own place.

Of course, there was 2018, when my old wreck of a van crapped out and I got too addicted to buying Barbies as a way of comforting myself. But whatever I may need to do to deal with aftermath of that time I could do so much more easily if the truly junky and disordered space didn't hinder my efforts.

Well, it's certainly something to think about.

Oh SubC, I would've been in tears too! That is so frustrating and upsetting. I hope it helps to know that you are not alone, this is hard on teachers everywhere. And your efforts are appreciated by all-parents, students, school administrators, and of course, us.

There is a whiteboard feature on webex. I have not had success using it but it's out there and getting student help will be key! Tell me, what are you using for a camera? Would using your smart phone (if you have one-I can't remember if you are one of the flip phone users whom I do admire and feel a twinge of jealousy). You might be able to pair your iPhone with your screen. But I'm not sure if that helps with projection out tonight others or just with what you see.

Is it possible to hardwire the computer rather than using wireless? Would that offer better stability?

Fun to see the doggie during class!

One of my favorite teachers online is Mrs Murphy. She's on twitter and she's a hoot. She lets her students make memes of her for a final project each year. If you use Twitter, I highly recommend looking up Angelina Murphy or the magical Mrs Murphy. You can also google her. I'm sure you have enough to do but she's an inspiration. Fearless. So be fearless and know that your students don't love you for your IT skills.

Please know this will get easier. And a lot of this technology is out of your hands. The glitches, etc are happening to everyone.

Hello everyone. I am not up to date?I do not know how SubC'a day went yesterday. I'll finish reading in a bit.

The wind is scary, Tillie. CM yes make masks! My masks are cloth ones I bought on Etsy! They are wonderful!

My presentation yesterday went very well! The woman in charge of the presentation did a a very good job. You would e never guessed that the person doing the introduction and the person making the presentation weren't in the same room. It went without a hitch!

I'm going to take advantage of the sunshine and get out for a few minutes. Cleaners came today. The house is so nice.

Good Morning Everybody

Hi Subclinical
(((HUG)))
I am sure it went well for the very first time of video school.
You had to have this to learn what was working and what wasn't.
Always need the test run.
Next time it will be better and you will see ways to still "tweak" things around and it will get even better still.

Nobody is a pro the first time doing something complicated/technical for the very first time. ;)

Happy there were good things about teaching online too.
Focus on having seen their faces and that good dog too. (((HUG)))

July is a long ways away so your Brother's plans will probably change.
Or things could be better and a visit in July might be fine. "?"

Yesterday was very hard.

So many technical difficulties. The wireless kept crashing in my "classroom" and I ended up sitting on the living room floor improvising. And having to say "hang on a second" every time I had to go back to get other supplies. I can't read them stories with pictures because the resolution goes out on the camera. The teens couldn't read my "white board" (one of them demoed a digital alternative and my homework is to learn how to use it.) Dh said it went well and my expectations are too high and everybody has technical glitches.

All my kids logged in but one, although one logged in sick, said hi, and then logged out and went back to bed. I'm pretty sure just regular kid sick.

At the end of the day I was exhausted and disappointed and I cried.

Last night we moved the project table into the living room where the WiFi is better. today I try again.

I was good to see them. There were funny things and happy things, and it was interesting to see how being online changes the dynamic with some of the kids. K brought her dog to class. It was very well behaved.

My brother must be very worried. He emailed me to see how we are doing. We generally communicate through our Mom. He is still planning to go see Mom and Dad in July. I told him he was crazy.

Good Evening Everyone

Hope both Subclinical and Tatoulia had very good days at work today :)

Hi CriticalMass
YEA! that you found those pictures! :D
And things were not falling on you is a BIG plus.

Your April goal sounds perfect, spot on.
That along with fresh air exercise and taking care of fur babies.


I called Nate this evening.
We had a wonderful conversation.
They are doing well and both their jobs are deemed to be essential so no money worries.

When I went to the store several people were wearing masks. I will make myself and roommate ours asap. She has a doctor consultation in the morning but I can just wait in the car, and I think weather will be nice enough we can put the windows down and ventilate on the return trip.

Had success finding some family pictures at the storage unit today because the sun was out and I used my flashlight to look in the tubs in the back. So much easier. Also nothing fell over, yay.

Seeing the pictures again has really lifted me out of the dumps. And I found some of my aunts to take to the funeral.

I want to dedicate myself and my time to things like scanning family pictures and genealogy that have meaning, and cast a cold eye on cluttery possessions. Does that count as a goal? ;) Must pursue making the scanning software work if at all possible.

Tomorrow I'll do that laundry and prep what I need for the road on Thursday.

Hi Again

Wind is still going strong out there. :P

Maybe tomorrow won't be windy.

Thinking that maybe next week I should go grocery shopping for fresh veggies & fruit???
Rural areas are supposed to be hit harder later, after the bigger cities & towns.
So far so good in this county.

Plus maybe the store will be better stocked by then and have more of what I want.
Would also be nice to see a friendly face or two.
Besides with him going out all the time I'm not really quarantined anyway, unless I start locking him out in the yard. ;)

Good Afternoon Everybody

Wind is terrible again today.
The dry dusty wind day after day has given me a sinus infection with a sick headache. :P

So I need to stay out of the wind and use the neti-pot.

Cut my fingernails again.
It is important to keep our nails short, scraped underneath and scrubbed often with a nail brush.

Really hoping that soon the wind will settle down and I can go play outside.

Hi CriticalMass

Yes, it's all about Steven's behavior that is stressing me out.

Making those face mask would help.
This virus delivers a large viral load just through people's mouths.
If everybody covered their mouths and noses it would reduce the spread.
And having your mouth and nose covered would reduce the chance of inhaling someone's virus.
People working in the medical field need more protection but the general public would benefit from wearing a homemade mask. :)

My previous post about us making plans, setting goals is to address the new "normal" we all are facing.

We need to be gentle and forgiving of ourselves and others but we must also keep ourselves busy and optimistic.
(((((HUG)))))

Good Morning Everybody
"Clink!"

Did get back to sleep. :)

We need to set our goals for April.
As difficult as March was, April will be even more trying for everyone.

Adjusting to this new "normal" we need to have plans and routines to help us just with the daily stuff of living.

So we could work on eating better, less salt, sugar, fats, etc. daily.
We could try to keep up with an exercise routine.
We could catch up on watching or reading/listening to stories.
Maybe getting into a night time routine where we are ready to sleep by a certain time.

Maybe a decluttering/cleaning plan?
Nothing too stressful, we all have enough stress right now.

When the weather is nice we should all try to get some daily exercise outdoors.
I look forward to my little garden oasis and Subclinical has her outdoor activities too.
Tatoulia has her walks. :)

My home needs some Spring cleaning.
No need to try to do everything at once, can space out those tasks over the weeks.

We should all do something creative.
A creative outlet is good for the brain and Spirit.

So sorry about the panic attacks, Tillie. Wish Steven would stay home and be willing to wash. That would alleviate some of it, no? Also hope for relief of Tatoulia's anxiety and SubC's concerns and those of her family.

I'm wondering if the "novelty," the initial adrenaline rush, of quarantine is fading and we're now left with our worries against a background of "the new normal." Maybe that extra adrenaline is giving us aftershocks as it were. Whatever it is, I pray it fades too and we are able to adjust.

I have to go pick up meds at Walgreens (drive thru) and 1 or 2 grocery items. When I sew those masks, I'm going to make one for myself. I know they aren't a perfect protection, but can't hurt to try.

I first need to wash fabric, and since I had put my black shirt and pants in the laundry after the first funeral, I must at least do a load of darks today or tomorrow.

Mornin Everyone
3:30am here

Hi CriticalMass
When ever I have a computer or tablet or electronic device problem
I go to Youtube.
In the search I put in key words to find what I am looking for.
Once my Roku was having this terrible droning voice doing descriptions of the videos.
I needed it to stop doing that, it was so annoying.
After several failed search attempts I put in
"shut up Roku" and it immediately brought up the video I needed.
Youtube also saved my android tablet from being thrown out the door and smashed to bits.
So many tech savvy people have made videos to help us with our technical problems and posted them on Youtube.


Well I am awake.
Every time I drift off to sleep I wake up with a panic attack.
Too many things on my mind so I got up.
Maybe in a little while I'll be so tired my sleep will be less fitful. ;p

Thanks Tillie.

I'll check in the box in my room and see if photos are there.

My newer laptop with Linux doesn't work to scan. I've been meaning to find the magic trick. I can use my roommate's Windows computer for a few items though I want to be able to do many more. So I'll have to figure out how to make my laptop and the printer play nicely. But not now.

The funeral is exactly a week after the first one. Thursday at 10:00.

Oh CriticalMass
Take some slow deep breaths.

Total frustration there.
Trying to do something while everything else is either falling on you or eluding you.

It's ok/alright (((HUG)))
With everything going on in your life right now you just reached the end of your rope.

Here! I am tossing you another rope a little longer than your last one. ;)

Be kind and forgiving to yourself.
Now is not the time to be beating yourself up for what you wanted to do in days gone by.

You have so much on your plate right now.
When is the funeral?
I know you want to go.
Meantime, take it slow & easy.
Breathe.
Slow down.
Pamper yourself, indulge in whatever activities are most relaxing for you.

(((((HUGS)))))

Having a rough day today. Maybe tomorrow will improve.

I got the idea to look for a photograph or two of my aunt to take to the funeral and share on Facebook. I was thinking it'd be in the storage unit. Also I knew there I'd find some cotton fabric to make masks for healthcare workers.

I went over to the storage unit, total social distance, no one in sight. Started sorting fabric more than I intended to but that was okay; helped refresh my memory of what's there for future quilt use. Still thinking of that idea to make blocks that I won't attempt to join into quilts until I can once again go to my sewing club or church and use big tables. First, though, I will sew masks.

So that was okay, as far as it went. Then I moved to the back depths of the unit. There reside big tubs I had deliberately put there at the very beginning - my tubs of family stuff that I figured would be more protected rather than being close to the front door and subject to more temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Trouble is, the getting out of my old unit 3 years ago or whenever it was, got to be quite the hurry-up job, so some things got in front of those tubs, some books got put wherever "momentarily," also larger items... Then a year or so later when I had to clean out my old junker van, car stuff and tools crowded in further. And so on. It just all has gotten shuffled around, propped up - a hoarded freaking nightmare all over again.

So that was depressing, and I didn't find the photos I wanted. (They may be with a batch I'd brought here to the house, buried in my room - I'll look.) Finally, the last straw - stuff started falling over right as I was leaving. I was screaming in frustration.

Don't know how/when I'm going to get the dumb unit sorted. I may have to go back to that local clutter group to see if I could get a person or two to help. But can't do it now because of the quarantine.

Then a little while ago my laptop was disconnected to the internet and I about went mad trying to figure out what was wrong. Luckily, after I Googled a Linux forum only to be met with techie stuff way over my head, I added "Dell laptop" into my search terms, and long story short found out that there's a stupid little button on the side that shuts off the wifi card! Pushed it back to normal position, et voila' - online again. Whew!

However, before that I was screaming at the router and waking up my roommate, who, bless her, did not murder me for it. Her stuff was falling on me from the shelves, including a big old mirror which almost clonked me on the head. It really shouldn't have been stored up there, yet I can't judge her for that, because I'm 10x worse.

I'm just frazzled out, relieved about the wifi button (I put hot pink duct tape over that blasted button so it won't move), still a little angry, ashamed of yelling, sad about my junky life... all against the backdrop of the pandemic. I hope I can feel better by bedtime, which approacheth rapidly, way too rapidly.

One good thing today, though: My two bunnies are finally completely bonded and can share the playpen thus doubling the amount of playtime for each.

Hi Subclinical

Have a wonderful first day of video teaching tomorrow.

Very smart idea to make your white board.

Make sure to get to bed early (((HUG)))

Tatoulia, we are both going to gave great days tomorrow!

I haven't seen my new kitty today, but I planted spinach and kale and set up a "white board" for tomorrow. (White paper behind a plexiglass poster frame)

Good Afternoon Everyone

Hi Tatoulia
Good luck tomorrow!
You'll rock it (((HUG)))

So nice since you couldn't sleep that Mom misdialed and you two got to chat. :D

Chicken pot pie and cranberry sauce sounds very good.

Last time I was at the store the only pasta left on the shelf was lasagna noodles.
I wanted some angel hair spaghetti, oh well.

Make sure you get the trash and recycling out before sundown. ;)

I feel the same way about my everyday jacket that I have to wear constantly during cold seasons.
But I just wash it and stow it away and I am always glad to see it again when it turns cold.
An Eddie Bower, down filled that I bought for 75 cents is hard to replace with something better.


Been puttering around doing random tasks.
Figured out what I will be eating next few days...
Flour tortillas, frijoles, queso, salsa.

Twinkles & Scooter asked to go out so I opened the door for them.
Half an hour later Scooter came back in to nap, Twinks is still out.
The wind keeps increasing as the day wears on.
Maybe tomorrow I will be able to get outside and play.

What's his face has left the property AGAIN.
Two days in a row! >:(
If he went to the grocery store without asking me if he could look for anything for me, well that's just so rude.

Now the wind is raging. :(
Making up a list of ALL the things I will do when there is a nice day. :)

SubC, congratulations on the new kitty!!! I am so excited!!!

I just had a dry run for my presentation tomorrow and it went very well. I'm pretty excited. It's a technical topic and the presenter did very, very well. So that's a big relief. Now to get ready for the next one.

I have garbage and recycling ready to go. I've had a good day at work so far. I'm washing my jacket and gloves right now. Always this time of year I want to donate my winter weekend jacket. I'll see if I can't convince myself to just wash it and put it away this time. Wait to see what next winter looks like. I don't get tired of my wool coats but the weekend wear becomes so tired for me.

I realize that how tomorrow goes is out of my hands and I'm grateful for that.

I had trouble getting to sleep last night, even with a sleeping pill. Mom called me sometimes after 11, by mistake, but we caught up and talked anyway.

I do need to make something for dinner tonight. I have a second chicken pot pie that might hit the spot. And I did buy a small can of cranberry sauce.

I should've frozen some of my lasagne. next time. If I can find meat, I'll make a meat lasagne later in the week.

Good Morning Everybody
"Clink!"

Brought a smile to my face picturing you sneaking the peas and your Dad being so baffled. :D
But honestly that is the best way to eat peas.

So maybe Mr. Kitty has taken on a companion rat exterminator apprentice.
Seems like two cats could give them a run for the money. ;)

Good luck with all your last minute school preparations (((HUG)))


No rain predicted for today.
Hoping the winds stay calm.
So far only the cats have made plans for today.

CM, I'm very sorry to hear about the things that are happening to your family.

It sounds like your aunt was ready to go, but it is always hard to lose someone.

Tillie, that is how I usually eat the peas. - while I'm working in the garden. I started when I was little. My dad grew peas and I would go out and pick the pods and eat them while they were still small. It drove Dad crazy because he couldn't figure out what was happening to the peas. All the animals he could think of would have done more damage to the vines, there weren't a bunch of dropped pods on the ground... he started watching for birds. Then, the vines got tall and he realized the peas on the top were being spared. Now he was really confused. He suspected our dog. Then one day he caught me.

I'm glad you and the kitties are safe and supplied.

I may have a new kitty. It's all black. It still runs away when I come too close (like 50 feet) but I saw it sitting at the edge of the woods only a few feet way from Mr. kitty. They were just sitting calmly and looking at each other. I hope it is eating the rats.

Tatoulia, you sound in better spirits. I'm glad.

I'm also very glad you freed yourself of responsibility for your brother before all this started!

Last day to get ready before online school!

Good Late Afternoon/Early Evening.

Kitchen is all clean, YEA!

Been watching Youtube videos and some other Roku/Netflix movies.

Looking forward to a not windy day so I can go out and play. :D

Good Afternoon Everyone

I am just heart sick to hear what's happening to your Aunt and Uncle CriticalMass. :(

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your other Aunt.
So soon too. I always say when they go so fast they passed of a broken heart.
Now they are together again. ((((HUGS))))

Glad you were successful in getting shopping done.

You stay safe and be gentle with yourself and Roommate.


Hi Subclinical
Your garden/yard sound beautiful!
Plant the peas. I love standing out in a garden eating peas straight off the vines.

No fair that your Dad's step sister would fudge his eye exam.
She may think it's a kindness but it is putting him in danger.

Sorry Dh is feeling the stress so acutely right now.
There will be times when we all fall down that hole.
Only thing we can do is be kind, gentle and understanding with each other.
Accepting this new "normal" really sucks. (((HUG)))

After you finish mucking around outside, getting all gussied up could be good for both your spirits.
Also set a nice table even if the food is only beans. ;)

Hi Tatoulia
I am extremely grateful that you no longer have to deal with crazy.

You have enough on your plate already (((HUG)))

Even just putting on the music videos and dancing around does wonders for the mood and body.

Carry on with all your precautions for you and your loved ones.
You're doing very good. ;)


It sprinkled a little, very little.
There are more spots on a Dalmatian than spots of rain drops.


Day 12 of my quarantine...
Need to clean the kitchen.
Need to plan what I will make to eat next.
The sloppy joes will give me one more meal for tomorrow so I got 4 meals out of them.
Pealed and cut up my cucumber to eat.
Then only fresh I have is some tiny tangerines.
But I still have plenty of frozen and canned.
Cats are sitting pretty with all their canned food, cereal and snax.
Even enough for Jack & Cowgirl Kitty.

CM I am so sorry. What a terrible loss. I am so sorry.

I'm upset about the situation with the girls and their friends stealing and doing drugs. That is absolutely terrifying. I am so sorry.

I've been making a list of things I am grateful for and I am grateful that I don't have the stress of my brother anymore. This situation would have escalated and put me in harm's way, either by being in a situation where I'm being drained of money and resources, having my health compromised by stress and physical presence, etc. I am grateful he is standing on his own two feet.

Tillie i am very upset that there are things being carried into your home by pure ignorance and stubbornness. I am so upset by that.

SubC I am really excited about your new clothes!

There are plenty of PE things on line. I'm especially enjoying the dance classes that Debbie Allen is doing on Instagram. I signed up for another three weeks of on-line yoga.

I have to dry my hair and take mom her freshly scrubbed groceries.

Sorry I've been out of the loop. We did go to Walmart yesterday for a few more groceries, roommate's allergy mitigating supplements, and I got flannel for mask making.

I think it was Friday evening that there was a situation on my mom's side of the family that I learned about on Facebook. Mom's surviving brother, 91, and wife, 84, have had their oldest son staying with them. It sounded like a good deal, like he was helping them out.

Probably so - BUT - he has two daughters who have some mental problems and substance abuse in their friends and I don't know, maybe the daughters as well. Police were called but couldn't do anything, legal technicalities.

Found out from another cousin that there has been stealing of my aunt and uncle's money and sketchy dopehead friends of those young ladies coming and going. Then yesterday morning on FB a selfie of the younger daughter in hospital with pneumonia and awaiting covid test results.

All I could do was pray and covertly support the sensible cousins trying to rectify the mess.

Then this morning, a short while after watching the livestream Mass from my church, I got a call from my cousin who lives here (Dad's side) saying my youngest aunt had passed last night. She is the one who had been in the nursing home with the one whose funeral was Thursday. She had been not eating and her body shutting down. So I guess I will be going over again this coming Thursday or so to her funeral.

I'll post more later. Everybody take care. I'm OK. This aunt I suspected would go quickly after her sister, though this was more quickly than I would've guessed. She's in a better place.

The redbuds and apple trees are blooming and Dh is mowing the grass.

I finished the first clearing of my primary garden area. My wrist says I may have worked a little too long, but I will be ready to start planting tomorrow.

First my greens, then beets, carrots, kohlrabi, leeks, parsnips, radishes, turnips, and maybe peas. Dh doesn't like peas, but I do. All that will take me at least two weeks.

Had a nice long video chat with mom today. They had their groceries bagged and delivered into their trunk yesterday. But then after they go home, dad went to the gas station and the hardware store. He shouldn't even be driving in town. He can't see. I wish they would take his license, but I think his step sister cheats for him at the dmv (she does the eye test)

I will dress up for Dh. Right now we're pretty much business as usual, but he is going to get tired of this soon. He's also depressed about having to make decisions about layoffs at his work. He doesn't think he is in danger, but he really cares about his team. I can tell because I had to make dinner the last two nights.

Hello CriticalMass

Worried about the nasty predicted storms that may be too close to you.

Stay safe, stay well (((HUG)))

Good Morning Everyone

Hi Subclinical

My desire is that all teachers keep teaching online and all the students sign up to take Summer school lessons.
This way teachers stay employed and students further their education rather than vegetate while locked down at home.
Even physical education teachers can online get the students moving.

Between 7th & 8th grade I took math in Summer school and it was fun and fast learning.
I was at 10th grade level math in just a few months.

Great you are scheduling in outdoor activities every day it doesn't rain there!
You should dress up nicely any chance you get.
Wear the pretty go to town dresses while you stay at home. :)

Yes any vaccine will be rationed.
I'm sure medical personnel will be at the top of the list.
They may even do a lottery as to who/when in the general population receives it.
But with drug manufacturers all over the globe making vaccine it won't take long before we all have our jabs.

My stupid English professor brother thought "how hard could it be to have chickens?"
So he got some Rhode Island Reds and was mortified by everything about them.
He soon gave them away.


Hi Tatoulia
Good luck getting all your numbers looking good.

I suppose there are a lot of strange dreams right now.
Everybody wearing gloves I think is a hopeful dream of everyone being careful and considerate toward each other.


Supposed to rain today, yeah right :P
Steven has left the property, again.
He still has NOT washed his hands, not even once.
I never get to relax my guard and that is wearing on my nerves.

Good morning, ladies! Coffee clinks!

Funny that you say that about chickens, SubC. We had a guy in the neighborhood with a super large pig. I just didn't understand it and yes he loved his pig, but I think that we can't have pets for a vanity project. My cat is my cat. I'm her mom, obv, but she's not my daughter, if that makes sense. I love hearing about your farm and your animals even though I have to scan over the sad stuff. I

I'm so glad you and your daughter and son in law had a visit, such as it were. Bf has a bag for mom today. He's washed down everything, the milk carton, scrubbed the oranges, etc. our stores are not accepting reusable bags right now and although I am upset on an environmental level, I do think it's safer right now.

Tillie I forget now what you said but as always, I enjoy visiting with you!

I'm going to do a bit of work today. It is the end of the quarter and it's important that my numbers look good.

In my dream last night, people were wearing gloves.

Lol Tillie,

We only have eight more weeks of school - who knows when my clothes will come! But the skirts are teaching skirts. The sundress is for if I ever go anywhere again, but maybe I'll just dress up for Dh.

That thing about the sizes is crazy. I just figured it was a country of origin issue. Dh gets t-shirts sometimes from work projects. He is an American small/med. when they did a joint thing with a Japanese company, he was an XL.

It's not supposed to rain again until saturday! I am tasking myself to work in the yard at least an hour every day. I will have time on school days because I will be here for lunch and no commute. Even when I work 9:30-4:30 on Wednesday, I can go right out to the garden after class.

Some of my classes are going to be cancelled after this week. I'm a little sad, but they are too hard to do online and not profitable for my school (parents pay tuition by the class) one I was keeping because another teacher needed it for her son while she taught and she had enough students to make the combination ok, and the other I think was being floated by other classes because of one of the students who wanted it (we are a non-profit, and unfortunately, donating money will get you perks. - I suppose we could look at it as a parent voluntarily paying extra to support my class....)

There is a third one I think I'm going to lose because my enrollment dropped when we went to online. Normally we would keep the class so that kids didn't have a hole in their schedule and drop the class after it and go home early, but since they are at home anyway....

So, after the first week I will, finish at 2:15 on a Friday, and have a break on Wednesday - either from 2-3:30, or the whole afternoon from 12:15 when lunch starts to 3:30. My Wednesday 3:30 class will stay though.

I suppose there is a possibility that we will return to school, but I am doubtful.

I was reading that when they do develop a vaccine it will probably be rationed at first. I hope they start with medical personnel and first responders, then grocery store employees, then teachers and child care providers. Then kids and old people.

I was planning to buy a few more chicks this spring, but apparently people are also stress buying all the chickens. I will ask my boss if I can take the school incubator home and hatch my own. I wanted to add some more variety, but it is what it is. In the fall there will probably be a lot of chickens free to a good home. Unfortunately before that there will probably be a lot of dead chickens.

Tatoulia, thank you for not buying chickens. (Seriously, people think they can raise chickens in their apartments!)

Hello Subclinical

So wonderful you had a visit today! :D
That's great that you live where they can walk their dog out in nature, not to mention they themselves got out in the fresh air and sunshine without anybody else around.

Very glad you bought some new clothes.
Fingers crossed everything fits perfectly XXX
You need to look sharp as you video teach your classes.


Maybe that's the reason I find new items in the thrift shop.
People would rather donate to save it from the dump.

Always wondered why they didn't return them.
The sizes have always been way off from what the tag states.
Many L tags are on small clothes and even larger sizes XL are on medium clothes.

The reason for the size issue is manufacturers make up a large batch of same size clothes.
The company orders the clothes and specifies the size they want.
So the manufacturers then sew in the labels accordingly irrespective of the actual size of the items.

Today I got to talk to Dd and dsil from a large distance and watch them walk in my woods with their dog. They took the bags of baby clothes and baking pan and tomato plants that I left on the porch and left us some homemade cookies.

Today I also did some shopping. I got a "new arrivals" email from an online store I like and after talking with dh bought a dress and two skirts. That much new clothes is a very big shop for me! I picked "ship them for free they can get here whenever" they are 97-100% cotton and all have pockets. I hope I picked the right sizes. Last time I ordered from them, I ordered two sizes and returned the one that didn't fit, but I gave been reading about places just throwing returns away, and after my experience with Menards throwing the returned Christmas lights into the trash, I couldn't do that.

Hi Tatoulia :)

So happy you are feeling all better! (((((HUG)))))

Thank you BF for taking such good care of our Tatoulia and Mom (((((HUG)))))

You and Kitty have a good nap. ;)

Good Afternoon :)

Still cloudy, windy and cold.
Still not a single rain drop here, but the mountain is getting slammed, again. ;p

Did some online researching about things around my county.
So far very few cases.
But the article did not go into detail if the people had traveled to Reno recently or not.
For many people driving to Reno for shopping in malls and larger stores is a very common thing.
Plus most all doctor, lab, clinics are there and the large hospital.

So relieved Steven had his heart attack before this all started up.
I told him if he's sent there again I will not come pick him up at that hospital.


The small county hospital has set up triage tents for Justin Case.

Not traveling around the area, I had no idea if the majority of people were obeying the stay home order but looks like most everyone is. :)

The cats are being big nags.
Staring at me.
Meowing at me.
Wanting all my attention from the moment my eyes opened this morning.

SubC I can picture your new classroom! Great job!! So we now have three concerts to the laundry sheets! Yay! I love them so much.

I am feeling absolutely fine. I took a walk today with mask and gloves on. Very few people out and there was solid compliance with social distancing

Bf had to drop off tummy meds for mom last night. She is much better today.

I'm having a late lunch which will be followed by a nap.

Kitty is well and happy.

Good Morning Everyone
"Clink!"

Hi Subclinical
Good idea as ways to repurpose the plastic jugs we currently own.
I do like the spout feature on mine.

YEA!!! that the feed store is still in operation!
It is an important business.

The little baby must be getting enough milk.
Wishing him all the best.

Sounds like your online classroom is coming along nicely.
So glad you are able to teach from home and the kids are able to attend school from home.

Have a wonderful visit today! :D


Today is cold, windy, cloudy with a chance of rain.
Will continue to putter mindlessly indoors.
;D

Tillie, I hope the laundry sheets do catch on.

I have decided to save my last two plastic laundry jugs for Justin. They would be very good for carrying hand washing water in the car, and if this ever ends, they will make good weights to secure the corners of my show tent.

I found more baby clothes yesterday. I showed Dd on FaceTime and she and dsil are coming out to get them. They are going to come today but stay out of the house and just walk the dog in the woods. Walking the dog in their neighborhood is stressful for Dd. Too many people. I will put the two bags of clothes on the porch. Also the bread pan I am giving dsil. He has been baking all of their bread and needs a second pan.

I am also rearranging my house for remote teaching. I took the leaves out of the dining table and moved it to the side of the porch. That will be a staging area for my classes. I am going to move the old formica topped kitchen table out there as my project demo table. The little side table I use for serving dishes will become a stand for my "white board" - an old poster frame with plain paper inside.

I called the feed store yesterday. The manager will get my order on the truck on Monday night and I will pick it up at 4:00 Tuesday.

The little white buckling is doing ok so far.

Good Evening
10:00pm I should go to sleep.

We each bought a different brand of laundry sheets and we are all satisfied with them.

Used to be powder detergent packaged in cardboard boxes.
That stuff was harsh and contained trisodium phosphate (aka TSP).
It wrecked havoc on the environment.

After the water was polluted and the frogs all became deformed and the fish started to change their sex, they changed the formula.

Then they started making liquid laundry detergent that comes in large plastic jugs.
For a while they made concentrated refills so we could refill the plastic jugs.
The refill concentrate came in a waxed carton.
It was a good idea but unfortunately did not catch on.

I would like the future to be responsibly sourced ecologically responsible laundry sheets that come in recyclable cardboard boxes.

We vote with our pocketbooks.

Stay well everyone