hi SubC, I will look around and think about it that way. See if I can shift kid friendly things with not kid friendly things.

I did get the fridge cleaned out, omg it was a mess. I took everything out of every compartment except the fruit drawer (ran out of steam), threw away a bag of things that had gone bad, washed out the shelves, and reorganized. I put several items in the other downstairs fridge and now, my fridge is clean, pretty full still, but you can actually find things. And I know what is in there to use.

I also am doing some laundry for Teen, despite how unkind she is to me, because I love her and want her to be taken care of. I did explain to her that the way she speaks to me and detests me is hurtful, and pointed out that I am still doing things for her because I love her. I asked her to consider that, and try to think of me in a more positive light.

I am emotionally tired, and don't want to do anything, feel like I need more days off.

My house is so bad!!! I need an intervention.

Quick hi for now

SubC, I hope both Birdy and the new baby will be fine and healthy, and the rest stay healthy. That goes for all of us and our loved ones.

Lila, I'm glad the spiritual reflection resonated. My Lent has been a bit disjointed in some ways but I sure do like my Tuesday group.

Time itself gets disjointed, projects, planning, all of that. Sometimes I wonder if I'm just getting old and that's why, or if it will improve once I can get something rolling. It had a couple of months ago, then I lost momentum, recently picked up a little but wish it was a whole lot more so that I don't feel like it's so precarious.

We had our quilt bingo yesterday, my cousin ended up being called into one of her jobs so she could only get with me for lunch beforehand. I sat with some friendly people though, but was tired afterward, took a long nap, and had a migraine afterward. I need to be better about getting meals on time. There wasn't anything I could eat for a main course at the bingo, and I wonder if the nachos I did eat might've had MSG. Although not eating and overstimulation could just as easily explain the tiredness and migraine.

So today, I did do a load of laundry but otherwise am just trying to get my bearings. I am going to figure out something for a real meal here in a minute. I have difficulty stopping for meal breaks at the times most people do, because I'm just getting into the day's productivity around 11:00 a.m. That is due to my roommate getting up later, shared bathroom situation, misc. things that are logjams in the flow of mornings. Roommate and I have tried brainstorming but haven't come up with many solutions just yet. Maybe we will eventually.

It will all shift again anyway, as soon as spring gets her outside earlier in the mornings to do gardening stuff, so I may just have to wait until the shift happens and then figure out how to fit my tasks in around it. Those are times I would really like to be on my own, but I know I'm not financially or mentally ready at this time, so just have to make the best of whatever for now. In some ways even after a year and a half of her being retired after working from home during the pandemic, we're still feeling our way along.

I just went around and set the clocks forward! It seemed like a long time until this eagerly anticipated task, and yet it also flew by. And St Patrick's Day is a week from tomorrow, and Easter only three weeks from tomorrow - whoa.

We have a bunny event the 16th. Been starting preparations for that. I need to paint a large papier mache rabbit shaped planter for them and do a silk floral arrangement in the basket attached to the rabbit. And prepare for roommate and I to do a craft project with kids at the event.

Lila, I don't want to be a mother hen but if you have any concerns about Acorn getting carried away with the bookshelf it might be good to get some wall anchors for it just in case. And for the books themselves, perhaps some bins for the lower shelf books. Just some ideas. It's so good for a kid to grow up with books. I learned to read and write before kindergarten by my mom reading to me and she would take folded paper and staple it into mini books that I could write and draw in. Fun times! Sometimes I think I got more writing done then than I do now despite my stated intentions, lol. Life was simpler.

Happy Leap Day!

The cold and wind blew in here starting yesterday, CM. Great news on the baby's development, SubC

I need to get rid of stuff. It feels urgent. I have so much mom stuff still here. I hung her etching, finally, today. I have my bag of stuff to sell. I will have a car on Sunday so I need to make some bags to go to goodwill. Also, sister comes next week so the clutter needs to go.
Wish me luck and strength!!

I'll take another sip of the cola!!

Good luck and strength Tatoulia! Isn't the cola flat by now?

I lost momentum around lunch time and gave two and a half hours over to eating and reading and watching videos, but I pulled it back together. I have not done all of the things I wanted to do today, but I have done a lot. And I got the calendar stuff together so that I feel less out of control.

Dishes are caught up, laundry is much better, the toys are put away, and I reclaimed the previously cleared section of counter plus another inch. That doesn't sound like much, but the counter is 2.5 feet wide, so that is 30 square inches of clear space. I am going to get there - one inch at a time.

Birdy went to the doctor for his 2 month check up today. He has moved up to 20th%ile for weight and 28th for height, and his motor skills are "advanced". (Brag, brag)

I never made a fire because it had gotten warm and I had moved outside by the time I got that far, but I brought in new fire wood.

I think I am going to go out to the studio, make some quick little pig blanks to work on in the house, shower, get in my Jammie's and start the fire. I've got about an hour and a half before Dh gets home.

I like your plan for tonight. I think the cola is okay. It's a 20 oz so not very big and I'm only drinking it for the pick me up.

I cannot overemphasize how much it's bothering me to have this much stuff.

I'm thinking of trying to wash a few mom dresses. I am doing a lot of laundry tonight

I made the blanks, and then right before I got in the shower I got a text from ddil with some additional information from birdy's appointment. It is scary because it is either basically ok - easy to treat, or very bad. She has to schedule testing tomorrow.

I just want all the people I love to be ok and to not have to worry.

Anyway, I did shower. But I didn't build a fire.. and I don't have energy for this clay.

I am praying and sending positive thoughts to your family, SubC. We are here for you.

I just put in a load of my mother's vintage dresses from Peck and Peck. Let's see how they clean up using water and mild soap on the gentle cycle. Then I can see what is worth trying to sell. Two dresses and a crazy pantsuit. Time will tell if dry cleaning was the way to go.

Now I'm going to do a little work and sort through papers.

Sending much love to our little birdie.

Got through a bag of stuff here but nothing for donation yet. Mom's stuff came out a little smelly. One dress is so perfect. Silk, peck and peck, brightly colored, with a bubble skirt. So lovely. I think bubble skirt is the right term. Very elegant. Don't know what's next. Everything is hung to dry. I sprayed febreeze to help.

I don't know how to sell these because they are not in pristine condition. So hard to know what to do.

Oh dear Tatoulia, smelly is a problem.

For me, Febreeze is also a problem. Can you try washing them again? Baking soda maybe?

If you try to sell them online, just be sure to be honest about condition and include clear pictures of any concerns. Do you have any kind of vintage shop you might be able to take them to?

I teach today. I hope it will be a good distraction. I am feeling sick to my stomach with worry for Birdy and his parents. His poor mama was in tears yesterday just over the initial blood draw. She is smarter than I am and has not done the stupid thing I did and googled the bad possibilities.

I also have a ticket to a "local" play tonight that one of my much loved students is performing in. I will get home late, but the little girl asked me to come and our drama teacher told me that it should be quite a good show (it is not children's theatre). My own daughter was in a play with this troupe once - the auditions are fairly competitive. (It's on my way home, so I will plan things to do between work and home to fill the four hour gap. (The first hour of that is usually used up with after school tasks, and there is half an hour of driving)

Hi SubC yes googling the possibilities brings terror. Sending you peace and many, many good thoughts. We love your family!

The chemical smell is gone now that they have dried and I febreezed them. I just don't know what to do. The pretty silk dress would be nice for a friend and I may ask her. The crazy pantsuit and the other dress may go to goodwill. It is a lot of work to describe the outfits and post on Etsy. Then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained. The one brand of dress, Suzy Perrette, goes for a lot but again, I'd rather sell in person than do a deep dive into condition.

I know an area of my closet that I will clean out. There are two big bins that Emiko filled and they are on a shelf in my clothes closet. Whatever is in them, I haven't seen in a few years. So unless there's something magic, should be able to clear those out this weekend.

Anything for less stuff.

Good luck with your bins!

Ddil texted - they got him right in today. diagnosis, breast milk jaundice - the only easy option (special formula for a week)

Much relief!

Just got home from the play - 7 of the ten in the children's chorus are in or have passed through my classes! I'm a little hurt no one else invited me. (Not really) they were amazing!

Need to do chores and get to bed before I turn into a pumpkin.

Fantastic news on the little one! Thank goodness!

Sounds like your night was fun and a success!

I'll let you know my progress. Haven't done a thing all night but I have a car on Sunday so time to get things donated.

I ran some errands and took out recycling. Will lounge and then get to work on donations.

Slower lazier day than I intended. Read a little, did some word puzzles, did chores, watched a short video, wrote a friend, made two flying pigs, put away the laundry, cut Dh hair, found the grow lights and set up one, potted up about half the ridiculous number of willow tree starts. Am now showered and thinking about what to wear to go out to dinner and a concert with Dh tonight.

Things I am proud of:
Did some clay work, if only a little
I am using the potting soil and saved pots that I had stored
I am not behind on starting seeds

Congratulations on fixing the fan, cm. I love that. Like the old days before everything was disposable. Love it!

I got my recycling etc out and changed the kitty's box. About to do the dishes.

Speaking of soda, SubC, I never drink it myself (I drink unflavored seltzer) but I had a coupon for a free raspberry spiced coke and a I a few sips this afternoon and my focus is incredible. As to my review of the taste, it doesn't mean a thing to me and I wouldn't order it on purpose. Did not turn me into a soda drinker.

I made a list of things to do and I'm going to work on them now.

Hello everyone!

That's a good list to be proud of, SubC!

I did not make even one goodwill bag. I saw my friend and her mother for lunch and since I had a car, I stocked up on seltzer. Sister arrives Thursday. I have a car Thursday so I'll go close out mom's bank account and will go to goodwill. But I need to make a bag, right?

I got in touch with the guy about selling my art. Only the extra stuff. Am getting an appt for April or May.

Tatoulia, I've heard caffeine can do that for people who aren't habituated I've never actually experienced it because I started drinking coffee when I was 8.

Bean went to the grocery store with me, and he tried to convince me to put the soda back, which was kind of a hard moment, but I bought it anyway, because there will be a time when Bean is not here, and I will have a soda instead of something that's worse for me. And that is all the willpower I have right now. He picked grapefruit for our snack and corn and spaghetti for dinner.

CM, yay for fixing the fan and the bunny! I'm so happy to see you getting stuff done!

Bean and I cleared a lot more garden space today. I cut brambles and he cleared weeds with his bulldozer. We also put the grape arbor posts in (well, I did, he "held the ladder" - it's a folding ladder, I was two feet off the ground.) and laid down cardboard. Then we filled the wheelbarrow with loads of mulch and I dumped it and he spread it out with his hoe all by himself. He did a beautiful job. He needs a new hoe. The handle is getting short for him. (Or maybe he's growing?)

House is a mess. Likely to get worse the next couple of days, but I'm fine with that.

Yes Tatoulia, there is not much point in going to goodwill without a bag. I don't think you want to shop right now.

I have let the counter of doom build up a bit over the weekend. Mostly recycling and donate items found/generated by Dh as he worked on various things and snacked.

He is still rearranging furniture in the house. The disruption makes it hard for me to get into any decluttering or organizing project because I am already unsettled.

I started all my tomatoes and did some pottery yesterday. Also caught up on laundry and dishes.

Today is a Bean day - it will be sunny and in the 70s (wow!) so we will work outside. This evening I will take him home and go to my pottery class.

I'm happy I'm starting to get stuff done too. 🙂 Long may it continue. Hoping too that the pace picks up. I think it will. We had a crazy cold front come through yesterday. Windy, and about a 60 degree drop as we'd been having record highs. But it has passed through and things are calm now. Bunny girl is doing well; I'm being a helicopter bunny mom to make sure she keeps on doing okay. I was glad that she was doing better enough that I felt safe leaving her to go to most of quilting yesterday morning and then Bible study in the afternoon. Also glad Monday's laundry was easy to put away.

My cousin is planning to go with me to the quilt Bingo on Sunday. I'm so glad to be getting together with her. She has such a demanding schedule. We are kind of different - a dutiful hardworking Hufflepuff, while I'm a Ravenclaw (and a dreamy Luna Lovegood one at that). But it's amazing how much family bond and common outlook remains strong between us even though we haven't gotten to see much of each other since our teens. I'm not close with her husband so basically I only see her when she has time free to meet with me, a lot less than I had hoped when she moved here. But I treasure what time we can get, and perhaps in a few years she will retire and we can have more.

Tomorrow will be swimming day, and Friday will be my payday with its attendant errands, then getting ready for the weekend, baking or buying goodies to take to church. I think - I hope - next week will be more free. I want to do some more things like I've been doing plus start on some more ambitious things.

Good morning!

Happy February 29.

I have big plans for today as far as getting cleaned up and organized, although I have already slept in a bit because I am tired.

My excellent news for the week is that dd1 had an ultrasound and the baby is growing and developing normally with a strong heartbeat. Her chance of miscarriage has been downgraded to the statistical norm for her age and race, and we are looking forward to a third grandchild in September!

Also last night Birdy rolled over for the first time while I was watching him on a video call!

One of the things I need to do today is some calendar planning, as March is starting to feel overwhelming. I have promised to milk the farm sitter's cow for a few days, We will be making a long visit to Birdy, my new pottery class is starting, Dh and I have three evening commitments, I need to do the lion's share of work for my spring sale, I need to get most of the garden started, I have two grape vines to move, my new fence should arrive at the end of the month, I need to make a decision on this buckling and possibly arrange pick up, and my in-laws have announced that they will be visiting us the first weekend in April - arrival and departure dates unclear.

But I am going to start this morning with picking up, dishes, yoga, chores, and the new additions to the counter of doom from the week. And building a fire, because after a few days of borrowed spring/summer it is winter again.

CM, I think $40,000 can be "poor" and $40,000 can be "rich". It depends on your needs and your cost of living - for example, if you have significant uninsured medical needs, or live in parts of CA, you can end up homeless and hungry on $40,000.

And it can be easy to say move to somewhere cheaper, but you might be telling that person to leave everyone they love. And in theory there are government safety nets, but i'm sure you know how tangled and full of holes they can be.

I have been broke (Being broke is a temporary situation. Being poor is a state of mind. - variously attributed) and I have been "rich" (able to meet all my needs and have enough wants to make me feel spoiled) (I have been "rich" making less than minimum wage with two babies and a husband with no job) Barring disaster, I am always going to be "comfortable" because Dh job takes care of my needs. My wants are another thing. But also I am realistic about what is a want. I think that is where the people you are talking about come in. They don't realize how many wants they get.

I remember when Dd was in brownies, my coleader told me "I wish *I* could stay home with my (only) kid." There was a time in my life when I would have jumped in and started explaining to her how she could do that, but by then I was old enough and jaded enough to realize that she didn't really mean that. What she meant was "I wish I could get my hair done every six weeks and my nails done every month and go out to high end restaurants frequently with my husband and live in our four bedroom two car garage high end subdivision house with the pool and still belong to the health club, and buy expensive new clothes and shoes every season for me and my child, and own lots of expensive jewelry and accessories, and drive my leased luxury suv, and drink with my friends on weekends, and have my purebred dog groomed regularly, and my house cleaned by somebody else and my yard work done by somebody else like I do now, And ALSO not have to have a job."

Those are all wants.

You don't get to have all of your wants. It isn't good for you anyway. Even Elon Musk doesn't get all of his wants, but I think he gets more than is good for him.

I love that Tatoulia has a good job and that she can afford house cleaning and that it makes her happy. And she appreciates it. I'm happy that Lila got a new phone. I was excited about your computer. We all make choices. We all have different resources to make them with, but they are still choices. People without choices don't have time to post on here.

I am currently trying to decide if I can add another $150 in expenses to my spring because I found a buck I want (he checks all the boxes I have been looking for for two years and that is a good price, so of course I find him literally the day after I order the fence) I also want a guard goose because of the Fox eating my ducks, but that is going to have to wait. I may lose all the ducks, but the goose has to grow up before it is useful and I could lose the ducks during that time anyway. I will try to keep them safe.

Anyway, I built a fire and then I went down a rabbit hole looking at my spending choices and income sources (I'm really glad I got that June camp job now) and made a lot of bad eating choices because I was feeling stressed. And after writing all this out, I'm realizing how ridiculous it is for me to be stressed over these things. I didn't get anything done or much decided (no more new plants or seeds this year, no more new pottery tools for a while, and I'm skipping the school talent show tomorrow night)

But I'm going to take a shower and go out with our friends and start again tomorrow.

SubC, I probably stuck my foot in my mouth without intending to. I hope you didn't think I meant you re the dollar amount I mentioned; it was someone else I was thinking about and the someone is actually a very good friend and probably didn't realize how certain remarks sounded. Plus this person is very generous and has helped me out some, and sends help to overseas family probably more than I know. Finally, I was generalizing and didn't think of high cost of living places, just Kansas. This stuff is hard to talk about. So I probably should refrain from doing so. My apologies if I offended in any way. I think sometimes it's awkward trying to talk about some things when we all can't talk in person and we don't have tone of voice or interactive conversation to facilitate expression of ideas.

Came here actually to report that I got the bunny cages cleaned and because I did it sooner it was less hassle. 🙂

And earlier I got the outdoor lightbulb changed. I'd gone to the hardware store to get a bug bulb and on the way back I stopped by my storage unit. Got a few more thoughts about what I'm going to do there, and soon I shall be starting on that project.

Re decluttering, I realize there are things I dread so much, such as:

1. When the stuff "fluffs."

2. When I'm going along pretty well and suddenly my energy bottoms out.

3. When something gets knocked over creating a bigger mess than before.

4. When I'm just not sure what to do with something that I do want to keep, whether short term or long term, but it does not have a "home" and I can't figure out how to find or create one in the available space.

What are everyone's Dreads? I remember awhile back I posted a little motto "BANISH DREAD" and Tatoulia thought it said "DANISH BREAD" lol.

Just got home and it's late and I'll come back tomorrow, but i wanted to say that I didn't think you put your foot in your mouth and I felt you were very kindly understanding of my situation and did not make me feel like I was being inconsiderate of yours by agonizing over my totally optional big splurge (privilege might have been a bad word choice - it has been overused). - so thank you for that support.

And I knew that was someone else.

Also I am glad we can "talk" about a lot of things here and I do better in type because I miss tone of voice and expression frequently in real life and also sometimes project them inaccurately and both of those can cause a lot more misunderstandings than unfortunate word choice in typing. People usually give you more slack to explain yourself in writing.

Yay bunny cages!

Back tomorrow

Good morning!

I can't believe how late I slept!

We had a really good time with our friends last night and I am feeling rested and human. (And also fat - there was much food)

CM, I am also proud of you for getting the lightbulb taken care of. I was struck by the fact that you were able to go to the store, get what you needed, set up the ladder, and take care of the thing. There was a time when there would have been too many obstacles in your way - objects, van, cash flow, time, even the challenge of finding the correct light bulb. You have come a long way!

In response to your "dreads"

1. When the stuff "fluffs."

I also hate this. You feel like you have made so much progress, and then you go to put the things back and sometimes not only do you not have leftover space, the remaining items don't even fit! It is discouraging.

2. When I'm going along pretty well and suddenly my energy bottoms out.

I think this happens to everyone, but some of us (me included) are more likely to be surprised by it and have it be really dramatic. I know Dh will realize he has had enough of a project and stop and clean it up. I will keep going until I literally just can't, and then I walk away from everything exactly as it is and it sits there overwhelming me for weeks.

3. When something gets knocked over creating a bigger mess than before.

Makes me want to just scream, or cry. Especially if something gets destroyed that I had been meaning to get to. I want to beat myself up for not taking care of it in time.

4. When I'm just not sure what to do with something that I do want to keep, whether short term or long term, but it does not have a "home" and I can't figure out how to find or create one in the available space.

This is also really frustrating. Every time I see anything by Dana k. White about the "container concept" it makes me angry. "If it doesn't fit, you can't have it." well, that is lovely if you have reasonable options, but when you are limited in space or negotiating with other people, it can be a bit like telling someone they can't have their medical treatment because it's "elective" and they can't afford it - yes, I can live without this, but it is going to have an effect on my quality of life.

I watched a video by another organizer who says there are only three kinds of items in any space - trash, things with a home, and things without a home. She was talking about cleaning up when you have limited time and energy and said that most things were going to be the first two, so just focus there. So it turns out that I am an excellent housekeeper, because aside from my counter of doom, almost none of my mess is the first two!

So, I have energy, it is sunny, there is nothing specific on my calendar today, and it will be warm later - off to conquer the world!

DANISH BREAD! I'd forgotten but now I'm chuckling all over again.

The cleaners are money well spent for me. They perform a service that I will never, ever do. Yes I'll change my sheets and vacuum but honestly at this point it is the best money I can spend. And I'm thoughtful about it, meaning that if I'm sick and have to cancel, I still pay them. It's budgeted and therefore I pay them. And I've told them that if they are sick, I'll still pay them.

I got a bag out of the house and another bag and a bin to goodwill. The person who is getting the car took me. Actually his daughter is getting the car. I told him today that if the cost is XXX I'll pay it. He's really happy about that. I've known his daughter since she was a little girl and I am getting ready to get her set up!

I am going to run a few errands and then I have an etching of my mother's I need to hang up. Also I have a few things for my sister (who comes in about two weeks) so I want to make sure I have her things ready. Have a lot I'll bring to her in the spring but some smaller stuff her that she should take on the bus with her.

Yes Tatoulia, I was agreeing with and supporting all that about your cleaners!

I love hearing about all the people in your extended "family of choice."

Dh is rearranging my house for acoustics again. He wants to put some sound panels in the corners of the den. Currently those corners are just unused open space ne t to the bookshelf. I am negotiating for small built in corner cabinets with sound panels as the fronts. He could totally build that himself. We will see where this goes...

I got some work done outside today, but now I am tired from the wind. Big plans for more outdoor work with Bean tomorrow.

Okay, SubC, I'm relieved to hear I didn't put my foot in my mouth! 😉 And I do think the fence is such a very useful thing, it will add value to your property, and of course it's not frivolous in the least. It's a wise investment, and making wise investments in upkeep is part of being a property owner.

You do have a point that sometimes writing is better - and in many ways I prefer it - the tricky part with this particular website is that once a comment is made, it can't be deleted or revised at all. (I learned that on Reddit there's even something called a "ninja edit" where if you edit a comment within three minutes of posting it doesn't show it has been edited, which I don't know if applies to what I'm thinking about or not, but sometimes it would at least be convenient for catching typos I make, like hoping no one would see a really goofy typo and I could fix it.) And in some life circumstances, like phone calls, I can really get in a snarl because I can't think on my feet verbally. So I guess there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Liked your responses re "The Dreads." The struggle is real! And I don't consume a lot of decluttering media these days because so much of it is geared toward those with homes or at least apartments, and speaks of one's various rooms - well, all I have is the bedroom and parts of other rooms. So some of the info is just not applicable, and some of it gets me feeling discontent about not having a place of my own. Who needs that when they're trying to feel positive and energetic and ready to tackle decluttering. If I can pluck a handy tip here and there out of such materials, well and good, but otherwise... meh.

And yeah, those people who say you can't have something if you don't have the container - they make me angry, and I would get defensive some years back and that's why my hoarding remained entrenched for awhile. Now I am willing to be flexible, but I think it can still be a discernment process rather than just forcing oneself to ditch something because of some arbitrary decluttering influencer's rulebook. It's not one size fits all.

I also used to want to punch the computer screen when I'd read those ADHD decluttering articles that say to just hire someone to do the tasks you find hard. AS IF! Hellooo, not all of us have the money for that, Karen!

Tatoulia, I think it's great that you can afford the cleaners - and if I did win the lottery you have no idea how many employment opportunities I would gladly create for multiple people, haha! A personal assistant, accountant, secretary, cleaning crew, bunny nannies, management people to run the various companies and nonprofits I'd start - okay, Earth to CM...

Meanwhile... SubC, you are right, at least I don't have that awful decrepit van. I do want to keep my current one in good shape, and sometimes it's a challenge to find the $$$ for routine stuff. I hope that improves. I'm working on frugality in nonessential areas. And who knows, I will turn 62 in April, and I do want to talk to some people at the senior center and perhaps other places as to whether, if I got a very tiny part time job just to put a little back in the kitty here and there (because I don't want a big stressful job unless I feel like I could handle it), if I wouldn't have to worry anymore about getting kicked off disability. I know at 67 I will for sure convert to regular retirement and be home free, but it'd be good to be able to bring in a little these next few years.

Lila, I imagine you're busy and traveling and working a lot but we'll look forward to seeing you when we see you! Take care!

Yes I feel supported here! You all keep me honest even when it's hard.

Thr cleaners have been life changing for me, and they were on,y possible because of everything everyone here has helped me to accomplish! I cleaned out my storage, I cleaned out my house! I paid off my mortgage and I got out of debt. Once I took care of the hoard, it allowed me to take care of other things in my life. And it's been a group effort! We did this!

I'm glad you have the fencing decision made and ordered!

I used to belong to a parenting site where one of the women once said how much her husband appreciated being included because he didn't have many friends in real life "because real life doesn't have an edit button". It was funny, but I also get it.

Here, sometimes the typos drive me nuts and sometimes they are funny.

And sometimes I serial post when I would otherwise edit.

My dream of corner cabinets was short lived. Dh hung some insulation we had in the basement in the corners and it made very little difference, so he has dropped the idea. (And put the insulation away)

CM, the whole "disqualification" thing just makes me crazy. People talk about people not wanting to work, but it is not that black and white. Nobody wants to work when the work would put them worse off or effectively pay them a couple of dollars an hour!

My farm sitter has a really complicated family situation. She has two little sisters who were not legally adopted for years because her mom couldn't afford to stay home with them and give them the time and attention they needed if she gave up the foster care money. She has three kids who are legally fatherless because rights were terminated for abuse and so there is no child support - the state gives her benefits for them, but they can't garnish the wages of the biological father the way they would with a man who just abandoned his kids but wasn't dangerous, and on and on...

I wonder if you could barter some of your sewing or computer skills for some of the things you would like to pay for.