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I loved "if meat eaters acted like vegans" (I'm a vegetarian, but not an evangelist. Although I did get up in somebody's face a little while ago and ask if she was a vegetarian when she went off about me killing the raccoons - she was not.)

The new issue of the magazine arrived yesterday and I recycled the old issue!

Hello everyone!

I did nothing to prepare for plumber/electrician today and I cannot believe how simply awful my house is. I'm going to put some time in on the kitchen, since that's where my washer is. I really hope he's able to fix it. It's on a five year limited warranty and it's under five years but as I read through it, it appears I'm responsible for labor. So I'll see if my guy can fix it before invoking the warranty.

Very embarrassing to look at kitchen and house with fresh eyes today.

Ok I can either fool around in the internet or do some cleaning. Not as simple as it sounds. Just swept kitchen. Going to chest the counters. Then sweep hallway. Then we shall see.

Today I'm inclined to fool around on the Internet. I'll get moving soon though. My mom called and derailed my morning - not that I put up any resistance, I enjoy talking with her.

If you arable to sweep, don't worry about the repairman. Your house is fine!

I would needs clean up for at least half an hour before I could sweep downstairs.

I hope he can fix everything!

Hello everyone! CM I am so pleased with your quilting project and your focus on it! SubC--you are doing just fine. It's not a straight path.

Tillie, I love this woman Rachel! I'm watching a bunch of her videos! I find the style of the video annoying (the stop/start/MTV video aspect of it/but I like her and her message!

Plumber coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed that he can fix it. I hope I've diagnosed it correctly. The part I ordered is in.

Take care!

Hello everyone! CM I am so pleased with your quilting project and your focus on it! SubC--you are doing just fine. It's not a straight path.

Tillie, I love this woman Rachel! I'm watching a bunch of her videos! I find the style of the video annoying (the stop/start/MTV video aspect of it/but I like her and her message!

Plumber coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed that he can fix it. I hope I've diagnosed it correctly. The part I ordered is in.

Take care!

Hi CriticalMass 🙂
WAY TO GO!!!
Doing GREAT with your sewing! 😀
So happy you tackled that annoying table top.
Sometimes clutter magnets need several sessions before they are totally conquered.
Fingers are crossed for the "Great Storage Move" in September.
Just keep in mind power steering fluid can be corrosive and damage paint & clothes, etc.
Good luck with the stop leak type.

Hi Subclinical 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
So happy you like her message! 😀
I have really enjoyed her videos and wanted to share. (((HUGS)))
Fingers are crossed that everything works out and it's smooth sailing fixing the washer.

Been a busy day today.
Since it was a little cooler I went into town.
Went to the bank then went to the county offices and paid the property taxes for the whole year.
My taxes are only 411.81 a year so that should give you an idea of how crappy my house is.
Filled two three gallon bottles of drinking water.
Dropped off a bag and a box of stuff at the charity thrift shop.
Resisted buying ice cream or getting a whopper and chocolate milk shake.
Bought some yarn. Been wanting some to crochet next Winter and the thrift shop just got in a bunch. Somebody died. 🙁
Large new skeins of "Red Heart" and I got 6.
Yarn is so expensive I thought I would never be able to have any. 4.50 total is all it cost.
Got home and did a bunch of cat chores after I had some lunch.
Scrambled eggs is probably healthier than burger king.

*it is hardly a tragedy not sharply a tragedy. It is nothing. A minor inconvenience.

Still swimming against the current, but not feeling swept away.

Everything is put away from fair but a few cooler/dish things and my Ceramics. My doll children are back in their places, and my grown human children are all safely returned to their homes.

Progress is being made on the new kitchen.

I think we are out of raccoons and I have 11 chickens left. Dh was very sweet and gave me permission to order new chickens. They will need safer housing. I suggested a shark cage.

I made $73 from fair. 🙂 but I don't think that will buy a shark cage.

Tatoulia, I am sorry about your washer.

And I am sorry Tillie's hoarder is still bringing home do many things.

But I am really worried about anony's house! Anony, you have very positive attitude, but you do need shelter! Is there anyone who could help you? Are there services available? I know habitat often has a long waiting list, but you might check on them! Is there any way you could afford a new to you replacement trailer?

Tomorrow is Monday. Usually Monday is my "day off" because dh and dd go to work and I don't work or have classes, but I am so behind on everything! I will still try to find my Monday rabbit time, and work on my pottery (I need to because I am not caught up for class!) but I also have to bake and launder and tidy and go to the store.

I kept a rosette and 11 tiny ribbons from the fair on purpose and one large one by accident. I returned all the other large ones for reuse. I guess I should just throw this one away, but maybe I can stick it in a file and remember to return it next year?

My son took a cd and a puzzle away with him, and I have broken two canning jars.

I also found a couple of other things to get rid of, but they are not actually gone yet.

Good to hear from you SubC! You are keeping it all together! Congrats on the fair money! Poor chickens!!!

Just keep breathing/swimming. We are all routing for you!

I am still changing my bed. Disappointed I can't do my laundry but who knows--I can go to laundromat tomorrow or check downstairs and see if anyone is using our common washer (I never use it). I'll talk to repairman on Wednesday and have him come over Thursday.

Meanwhile, I'm puttering and playing music and feeling like I can cope.

Wow, this has become a very active exchange! I was only gone for a week and there is a lot to catch up on!

I appreciated the support July 16 when I was having a hard time. Thanks Tat, Tillie, Anony, CM, and SubC. Being so isolated with the biting, being able to do so little, can be a lot to handle.

I went on a visit to a friend's house. He is a good cook, so he cooks real meals for me for a couple of days when I go. He and his wife and I got out to see small mountains and farms. He lives in a more rural area than I do, and it is a nice change for me.

Getting there and back took determination, so I am getting back on schedule now. I am trying different med routines to improve the biting. We made progress in June and July so far, but biting has not stopped.

Anony, you are very courageous to deal with a collapsing abode! I defer house projects as long as I can. It is just too hard for me to deal with people, especially if they have to come to my house. It is inspiring that you are tackling this. My beloved little house has needed outside painting for years, and it is at the top of my list when I have enough strength to see the project through.

Take care, everyone. Porter, glad you are doing well.

Great to hear from you, Joan! How absolutely wonderful that you were able to get some time away with good friends. Having home-cooked meals is good for the mind, body and soul. I have one friend who, whenever I visit her, asks me what I'd like for dinner, and I always respond with "food groups," and then she makes me nice, balanced meals.

Sending you much love--standing right by your side as you continue the fight--

Hey all?
Joan, im so glad you had a nice time visiting! And its great that youre trying new things that are helping! You sound like youre on a good path!
Im a bit panicked about my friend coming maybe tomorrow to help me get my trailer tarped up?! I feel like she is a great candidate for so much help i need, that i cant let my shame mess up this opportunity. I look around & there is no way to fix it real quick before she gets here...ha ha....tho im trying to make that area in the kitchen decent enough to sit in there if it starts raining. She is so together & stable that i cant imagine her understanding.....(sigh)

Hi Everyone 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Thank you (((HUGS))) ;D
So inconvenient not having the washer.
Hope it can be fixed very soon.

Hi Anonymoniker 🙂
Calm down. I am sure she will understand (((HUGS)))

Hi Subclinical 🙂
All those little things you are letting go of really do add up to a whole lot over time,
WAY TO GO!
Good luck securing a chicken coop.

Hi Joan 🙂
So happy you got out & away and had a nice visit 😀

Hi Porter 🙂

Yesterday it got up to 106 degrees.
Today mid 90s but lots of storm clouds brewing brought up the humidity.
Rained a little but not much about 3:00pm.
Haven't been doing much LOL
Hoping for more rain...

TTYS 🙂

Yesterday I collapsed. I did not "keep it together" I spent the day crying and watching videos.

Well, not entirely. I did my chores. I did two loads of wash. I ran the dishwasher. I sent an e-mail. I ate food, took my vitamins, and showered.

The project I was supposed to have finished for class today blew up in my kiln (I rushed it, but I had no more time) so I don't know what I will do in class today, I don't have what I need to continue.

We were not out of raccoons.

But my dd forgot to return my cc and accidentally took it to work with her yesterday, so I made her do the shopping on the way home and buy bread and cookies because I couldn't bake. Dh brought home dinner because he knew I was having a really bad day.

Today I will do better.

Tatoulia, I hope you found a way that worked for you to get done wash done. I know that is important to you.

Joan, it's great to hear that you are making progress. I'm glad you have friends who care for you and bring enjoyment into your life. Good for you for making the effort to go too - I know how overwhelming that can be sometime.

Anony, don't be afraid to have your friend over. If she is really a friend, she will care about you, not your house (except she will want to help you with your house for YOU.) I hope you have a fantastic experience today!

A drive by so no one worries that I died.

Been hyperfocused on my embroidery squares so I can finish that quilt. It feels amazing to be this goal oriented. I want to finish it to prove to the doubters who've heard me talk about it for way too long - including myself.

Letting other stuff wait, but I remember the order of what I want to do next, and next, and next. Yesterday I did have to deal with a tabletop that was piled too high and stuff started to fall off. It was annoying but I was kind of glad too because I'd been hating how it was. It still needs more work but I did some good there.

Heat wave weather has made for perfect times to sit in the comfy chair with my embroidery needle and Netflix!

I probably have half the month of July to go back through past posts here. I want to, because you are my friends and I want to know how your lives are going. So it will happen, it just may take a bit longer.

Hoping to get van driver's side window motor replaced after Aug. 3rd payday so window will roll down again. Then Sept. I'm really hoping to make the Great Storage Unit Move (keep your fingers crossed and have your furbabies cross their paws!). October, or whenever possible, I will attempt to have the power steering leak dealt with. More about that later. In the meantime, as my Dad pointed out years ago, power steering fluid isn't that expensive, and I can put in the stop leak kind to get me by.

Hugs and encouragement to all!

how to stop shopping

CM, I am really excited about your quilt! I don't suppose you can post apicture here? The rest of your plan sounds good too.

Tillie, I have to confess that I could not watch that video. It was too long, very repetitive, and I found the narrator annoying.

I also buy something almost every time I go in a store - but because I almost never go into a store unless I believe it has a specific thing I need to buy. Usually food.

My "in" list for the last ten days has two items that I bought that did not come with food (my fair cup was bought to contain the frozen lemonade, I would not have bought a cup) only one - a $5 item to jury rig an alternative to an $80 piece of pottery equipment - was bought in a store. I had a gift card for the store.

Anonymoniker
Where is "Habitat For Humanity"?
You are a human who is in desperate need of a habitat.
(((((HUGS)))))
So happy the movie was good and you had FUN! ;D

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Wonderful that you had a fun outing with your Mom 😀
At least some shops have those motorized chairs/carts for people who can't stand long.
If your Mom bought one she would also need a specialized van to get it to where ever she needs to go, so that's not practical.

Just taking it easy inside.
Need to wash dishes sometime today but I'm in no big hurry.
Enjoying my "CLUTTER FREE ZONES" and ignoring the hoarded areas.
What troubles me is if he dies before me and I am left to declutter all this heavy stuff all by myself.
Think I will just post flyers all over town that advertise "FREE" stuff and let other hoarders come here and take it all away. ;D
The snakes have been doing a GREAT job reducing the rodent population.
In fact, I have not seen any new mouse/rat droppings in the pump house all Summer. ;D

You all are so very important to me and will never know how much you help me ((((((HUGS))))))

Tillie if he dies before you I will come out and help you. That would be my pleasure to hire some dumpsters and help you get it out.

My washer just died. Just like that. Won't fill with water. Only one cycle is working, spin. I can get a guy out here on Thursday. In the meantime will either use he laundry in the building or go to the laundromat

So I jinxed myself by saying I could get my place clean in a day. Guess that is what I'll be doing. Fingers crossed I don't need to replace the washer/dryer combo. Very expensive. But it's not the worst thing that could happen to me or to anyone I know, for that matter. It I sharply a tragedy so I'm going to work on not worrying.

Fantastic ideas, Anony! I know you'll keep at it til you have a plan! Good to hear you happy!

~Thank you, Tatoulia!~
If youre working on the art for your home, it must be getting really nice?! Aesthetics is soooo important! Ive realized even more lately, how much the visuals of an area effect us! That is fantastic that youve given that the attention that it deserves! I also am in awe of how you trust your decorator friend's taste in doing your home?! Im hoping to be able to do that to a certain extent, with my friend, too...wow, you are really becoming a role model for relationships for me?! Im still planning on staying single unless i find a guy who is like your boyfriend about having lots of personal space! 😀

Hi, I am here. Listening, caring, cheering, but not able to articulate well right now.

Struggling with some stuff not related to the hoarding.

Overwhelming good things too.

Fair friends, lost a goat, raccoon problems, maybe a fox, bridal shower for ds fiancé, kitchen progress, visit from ds, time with my girls, my class, the eternal housework, food....

Just wanted to check in.

((((Cyber hug to SubC!))) ~♡~

If you can, SubC, carve out a few moments today just to sit with yourself. You could meditate, pray, or just day dream. Take a few deep breaths. We are here for you!

Anony thank you for the kind words. I am so much happier now that I keep my bedroom clean and clear. I like how it is decorated and it reminds me of years ago, before I let my possessions take over. It's a process. Friend overseas sent me a wallpaper sample which I really couldn't see living with, so I sent back a few different ideas and so we are working somewhat collaboratively. I told her I like my bedroom as it is and she understands--will only be working on adding wallpaper to one wall and choosing the color scheme for the other walls. Then she will choose and hang the art. The living room/dining room/den is all her domain.

I will be taking mom to fabric store with me today. She'll enjoy seeing the fabrics and I'll be able to get the lining for my drapes.

Doing a few loads of laundry and thinking of you all. Iced tea clinks.

Good Morning Everybody 🙂
Ice tea "CLINK!"

Hi Subclinical 🙂
Sounds like a LOT going on in your world all at once.
So glad that there are good things happening too.
(((HUGS)))

Hi Anonymoniker 🙂
So, how was the movie? 😀
Please don't let embarrassment of your place keep you from having your friend over.
I have always been a neat & tidy person and that is why people with housekeeping/hoarding/organizing issues have always asked me to come help them.
I already knew their homes were a mess and I never judged.
Fresh eyes can very often see easy solutions to problems you thought were practically impossible.
(((HUGS)))

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Fresh wallpaper and paint in your bedroom!
How lovely 😀
Wishing you & Mom a wonderful outing at the fabric store. (((HUGS)))

Allergies are making me miserable.
The smoke is much thinner but the residual effects are still making me tired and coughing.
Thursday he had been dumpster diving, again.
Drug home 3 big steel sinks that are all battered and nasty.
He already has several old sinks in the hoard.
We do NOT need them.
Yesterday he drove several towns over and bought a Fender electric guitar with case and amp.
He plays acoustic guitar and banjo.
He does not need an electric guitar.
Every week he brings home so much stuff that he has no use or need for.
Really wish he would talk to a hoarding expert/therapist about his need to constantly acquire more and more and more...
Anyways, I am so happy that I made my "NO CLUTTER ZONES" and defend them vigorously! 😀

WAY TO GO!!!! Everybody!
For everything you have done and are doing to make and keep your homes lovely sanctuaries where you can rest and play. (((((HUGS)))))

~♡~Hello, Happy Homers!~♡~
Tillie, im so glad you established your clutter-free-zones, too! Im so sorry you have to deal with all the other areas?! Im currently warning my friend about how bad my place is so by the time she sees it, she might even think its not as bad as shed expected? ;D
The Beatles movie was great! It was a documentary with fascinating stuff! Today were going to see WonderWoman!!! 😀 YEA!!! The timing of this is truly amazing cuz of my Wonderwoman dolls inspiring me so much recently PLUS, i read that the actress who plays Wonderwoman IS A REAL WARRIOR IN REAL LIFE!!! SHE FOUGHT ISIS!!! SHE IS AN ACTUAL REAL WONDERWOMAN!!! Were gonna go tarp shopping before the movie! And it rained so heavy yesterday, that new fallen chunks & holes & leaks & lumps have formed....it is no longer a question of if i should create a new home, but if ill have time to get it built before this trailer collapses...?!?
~♡~I hope you all have a wonderful day!~♡~

Tillie I simply cannot imagine how you must feel when he brings home junk like that. I cannot even begin to guess. Holy cow.

Anony! Your cheerfulness is wonderful! Glad you enjoyed the movie and you have another for today! I wish you weren't having problems with your home.

Tillie, I agree that we can't not let people see our homes. If I had to, I could clean it in a day got company. Why I don't is another conversation. That is something I need to ponder.

Fun time with mom today. Poor thing gets so tired. her walker has a seat so that helps.

Now I'm home, going to make dinner then strip the bed.

Tillie I hope you are feeling better. Maybe a cool washcloth over your eyes would help?

~☆~Greetings & coffee clinks!~☆~
Subclinical, i had no idea about the creosote thing till i just now read your post?!? Thank you! I can have the poles be on the outside...i guess...but the thing is, i do not know what im doing, or rather, what i want to do...or think i want to do?!!!? I want to take this on as something to create independence & growth, ect. I do not want to foster more dependence on others...it is too much to do on my own. I need to get this trailer Saran Wrapped...ha ha...while i figure out how i can get help in a way that will work...im trying to keep calm & be practical...
~♡~All of y'all's posts sound exciting & hopeful & good, like things are quite positive for everybody?!~♡~