Tess, our posts crossed!

So great to hear from you and congratulations on sll that you are doing. If I understand the Indoor Challenge correctly, we are going to list out indoor accomplishments in order to encourage each of us to work on and celebrate our indoor accomplishments. Diane suggested it because she feels she's great at outdoor activities and needs some encouragement to work on indoor spaces (don't we all!). I don't have outdoor space but it's making me look at what I go each day and how can I do more, even small steps. For me, I'm hoping to say, yes, some of those things are routine for me, what can I do to stretch beyond the routine.

Any and all challenges welcome, and I bet there'll be more than one of us who join!!!! Sometimes it's as simple as, fo dishes every night for a week, other times harder: no shopping for non-essentials for a month. Just something to get us going!

Wishing you a wonderful day, dear Tess. I love the pampering of a haircut and my new guy is close to my house, quick, and very very good.

Indoor Challenge:
Changed sheets on bed
Did one load of laundry-towels
Changed out "cat sheet" on couch
Put away scissors from gift wrapping
Put the two gift boxes that I didn't use in recycle bag
Have dishwasher ready to start once I'm back from my day

Going to go see mom and get her out and then BF and I have some plans.

Supposed to be less humid today. I'm very warm and sweaty but a quick cold glass of water will cool me right down.

SO, what are you doing today!!??!!

Good morning everybody! Well, afternoon here.

Diane, I'm so sorry about the dog. How is he doing today?

Tatoulia - doesn't it feel good to get a fresh haircut? I have a hair appointment next weekend. I. Can. Not. Wait!!!!!!! What is the indoor challenge? Is it a formal challenge?

Tillie - I hope you are getting a break from the heat. It's not expected to hit 80 today. And I am pleased.

So far today, I ran errands, picked up groceries and some other stuff I needed for the house.

Still on my to do list...

Must complete:
-Dump the cat liter (and refill)
-Clean my entryway (I have some stuff stacked there AND a garbage bag broke in front of my door)
-Do a load of laundry
-Take out a couple bags of trash

Would like to complete:
-Change my toilet seat
-Change the sheets on my bed

I hope I can get all of that done quickly because I'd also like to go to church this evening. Busy day!

Indoor Challenge:
Last night I finally wrapped that second gift that's been in my house. Today I took to post office. I entire dishwasher and refilled. Took out garbage. Replaced garbage bag, put some things in recycle bag. Made bed this AM.

Glad to get that gift wrapped and posted. Has sat here way too long.

We got out of work early today so I got a haircut then spent some time with boyfriend.

Sorry about the dog situation, Diane. What a terrible worry. I know what a good nurse you are to all living creatures. God bless you for building that ramp.

Good to read your progress, Tess, and congratulations on taking the day off from work.

Dear Tillie, I worry about you in the heat. Glad you have the evaporative cooler.

I finally got some sleep last night. Felt so good.

Will write more tomorrow. Thinking of you all.

Yesterday and early this morning I filled garbage cart with stuff, was really full when the garbage truck came and picked up.
I took my old sick loaner dog out to pee last night and he fell off bottom step and hurt his hip, he cried out, could not walk on that leg. I carried him out to yard and back inside. He has problems with both hips. Thought it would be better today, still not weight bearing so carried him out to yard and inside. Spent two hours making a ramp down steps with a rough carpet on it. He slid down it even though it was not that steep and rough carpet, so sad, he cried. Took him out in yard and removed my 2 hour ramp off steps. Carried him back up. By then I was crying, seeing him in pain, knowing he is almost at the end of his life. His owners are at their sons wedding this weekend, so called their close friend, she said to text owners, which I did, to see if I should take him to vet. Owner said to let him rest, she will take him when she gets back. Said this has happened before and it was muscle strain/bruise, not broken hip. So my day was not very fun or productive. Still too hot for me.

Thanks for the tips, Tillie! I decided to listen to my body today and my body is saying I need a break. I took the day off work too. I'll get back at it tomorrow.

HAPPY 1st. OF JULY! 😀

Hi Diane 🙂
Hope you have plans to do some playing around your home this weekend.
Remember that all work and no play makes us cranky. (((hugs)))

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Hoping you got some good rest last night.
(((hugs)))

Hi Tess 🙂
WAY TO GO!!! You did a lot! 😀
I like to pick one task and set the timer for 5 minutes and work my butt off trying to complete the task before the timer goes off.
I am always amazed by how much I can accomplish in just 5 minutes.
Sometimes I just look at the time when starting a task and then again when I finish to see how long the task actually took.
A lot of times we think it will take a lot longer than it actually takes to do something.
A fun game for me is to set the timer for 10 minutes and see how full I can fill the big outside trash can in that time.
Hope these help. 🙂
Remember to periodically take breaks, drink water and eat regularly, including some snacks.
Not doing this will get you burned out fast.

Got up early and took all the cats outside with me while I watered the trees and bushes.
Back inside by 10:00 because it was already unpleasantly hot.
Tomorrow is predicted to be about 4 degrees cooler. Big Whoop-do-doo. ;P
Soon as I rest up a little I must clean the kitchen.
Already did the cat boxes, sweeping, bed-to-couch making and all trash out.
Late afternoon, early evening I will get back outside and water the grass and flower/herb gardens.
Tomorrow I plan a day of leisure for me including a pedicure.
I have a big heavy watermelon that I plan to eat this weekend. 😀

After my last post, I got off my butt and did a bit more. I washed my bedroom curtains and sorted through a big box. Happy to say that the majority of that box is going in the trash!

Feels good, BUT I'm still tired of cleaning. Do any of you have any tricks or games or anything to get over the hump?Unfortunately, taking a couple days off isn't an option right now.

Hi everybody! Well, it's official, I'm tired of cleaning. So so tired. But I can't stop now, because I found out that our landlord is doing more work. I really wish he would stop trying to make our place look good. Lol!

Tomorrow I'm going to put some hard time into my bedroom. Just get it done. As for today, all I did was pick up a little and throw in a load of laundry. Oh I did put my last load away too. I hope I'll have more motivation tomorrow. It just feels never ending right now.

Only skimmed the posts--very tired was at work past eight. Then went grocery shopping and dropped off some nice fresh dinners for my mom. I am IN for the Indoor Challenge. Talk yo everyone later.

You are right again Tillie, it would bug me to be on the road Monday with all of the traffic. I have done very little this afternoon. If I get up and clean kitchen counter I will feel better.

Hi Diane 🙂
Got what I wanted and was back home before 11:00am! 😀
NO! You can't go on Monday.
Too many people, drunk people and tired people from partying all weekend.
So there! 😛
YEA! for all you got done there! WTG! 😀
Happy you have your gloves and brushes now.

My challenge contribution...

Today I scooped litter boxes
put random pieces of kibble back into the cat's bowls
refreshed water bowls
swept the floor around litter boxes
took out the trash
Since I sleep on the sleeper sofa in the living room area, I folded up all my bedding, put it on it's shelf and reassembled the couch.
Did 2 loads of laundry and hung it out.
When it's dry I will fold it and put it away.
Not too many dishes dirty so I will wash them tomorrow when my back might feel better. 😀

oops, it didn't post, then reposted, then both posted

Hello everyone. How was your outing Tillie? Yes beating the crowds is important for us. So happy your car has air conditioning. Today I was out early and pulled weeds and trimmed, also moved the big tree branches I cut off so they are much neater now, and in the back so I don't have to look at them. I saw neighbor leave for a boating outing, so was out in back cleaning up weeds by mutual fence. Still have to figure out weed control, with such a big yard.
While trimming I finally figured out what I would like our summer challenge to be if others agree. Since I spend so much time outside, I would like challenge to be inside house. Would like us all to list daily what we did today to make our living area better for us. Can be one thing or many things. Will help me to hear what others come up with, since inside is rarely on my mind. What do you gals think?
Having gloves and toilet brushes was such a great investment. First thing this morning put gloves on to do dishes that were in sink, so much better than doing it with bare hands, since I always seem to have cuts on my hands. Paid all bills online, still have to write check for car renewal. Activated new credit card, cancelled old one. Just watched a woodworking show on PBS, want to figure out more about building stuff with wood. Supposed to be cooler M-Tu, so will figure out an outing route for my first overnight in pickup, dog goes home sometime Monday. Oh that will be holiday traffic, we will see.
Hope others will join me in challenge to improve living area, each day making any small change to make room better.

Hello everyone. How was your outing Tillie? Yes beating the crowds is important for us. So happy your car has air conditioning. Today I was out early and pulled weeds and trimmed, also moved the big tree branches I cut off so they are much neater now, and in the back so I don't have to look at them. I saw neighbor leave for a boating outing, so was out in back cleaning up weeds by mutual fence. Still have to figure out weed control, with such a big yard.
While trimming I finally figured out what I would like our summer challenge to be if others agree. Since I spend so much time outside, I would like challenge to be inside house. Would like us all to list daily what we did today to make our living area better for us. Can be one thing or many things. Will help me to hear what others come up with, since inside is rarely on my mind. What do you gals think?
Having gloves and toilet brushes was such a great investment. First thing this morning put gloves on to do dishes that were in sink, so much better than doing it with bare hands, since I always seem to have cuts on my hands. Paid all bills online, still have to write check for car renewal. Activated new credit card, cancelled old one. Just watched a woodworking show on PBS, want to figure out more about building stuff with wood. Supposed to be cooler M-Tu, so will figure out an outing route for my first overnight in pickup, dog goes home sometime Monday. Oh that will be holiday traffic, we will see.
Hope others will join me in challenge to improve living area, each day making any small change to make room better.

Good Morning Everyone 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Keep on complimenting yourself.
You deserve to be complimented for many things. (((HUGS)))
You are doing a fine job answering newbies.
Your personal experiences make you a pro at this.
Wishing you a pleasant day, not too uncomfortable.
WTG! for your clean toilet! 😉

Hi Diane 🙂
YES! Germs. I hate them too. Wash my hands so much they are always a dried out mess.
I wear gloves for doing all sorts of germy chores or I would never be able to do the chores at all.
WAY TO GO!!!! for your successful Costco trip! 😀
When someone stops by and I have a mess going on, I just shrug it off and casually state that I am in the midst of putting away or cleaning or whatever project I am in the midst of.
We live in our homes not a magazine layout.
There will be many times when we have things out and about.
No reason to ever apologize or be embarrassed. (((HUGS)))
This old loaner dog is very lucky to have you baby sitting him. 🙂

Quarter to 7:00am here.
Car has air conditioning so I'm going into town for a little this morning.
Want to make sure I have enough provisions to last me through this holiday weekend.
Thousands of people travel through the town on their way to Tahoe or Las Vegas and many other vacation destinations.
The traffic gets horrendous and the stores packed.
Busiest time is when The "Burning Man festival" is happening, that's in August.
People come from all over the world for that.

Anyways, off to get dressed & out the door while it is still cool.

TTYS 🙂

Tillie I don't sweat either, so overheat easily. So fun to belong to the clean toilet club finally!!! Triple T and D have clean toilets.
I finally went to Costco today, and as planned I spent lots of money, loved the cold air conditioning in there.
While cleaning toilet, I realized the two reasons I hate cleaning bathroom, both related to germs. So I bought a box of gloves today to use once while cleaning and throwing away. I also bought toilet brushes for both bathrooms, and think it was worth the money to make cleaning easier for me and solve the germ problem. Bought lots of frozen fruit for smoothies, and almond milk. My big treat was a Road and Recreation map book of Oregon. It has landscape maps, detailed road maps, and all public lands, published this year. My car was full of goodies, which are all put away now. This morning I vacuumed all rooms, did dishes etc. Then decided to clean out refrig so there would be room for my purchases. Well, sink was full of dishes I pulled out of refrig, first time I left dishes in sink in awhile. I wandered the aisle for a long time and got home and hauled all the food in. The people brought their dog a little early this afternoon and they saw my mess, I was terribly embarrassed, just like before I had clean living area. Shopping bags were on washer dryer in kitchen, food on counters, dishes in sink. Bummer. This dog is old, enlarged heart, fluid in lungs, now on antibiotics, so I can nurse him this week and make this a nice week for the old guy. Writing this makes me think my temporary mess, seen by neat freaks, is minor compared to having congestive heart failure. So nice reading your posts to help me feel connected, by knowing you better. Hugs to all

Feel free to use thermally distressed, Tille--my mother liked it because it described my complete intolerance for heat as well cold. Over the years my body has made a choice, and cold is for me. I do glisten profusely, so for that I should be grateful! I also drink so much water it's amazing. I have the skin of a 30 year old due to all the water I drink. Wow. I never compliment myself. That felt good!

I finally feel capable to answer some of the newbies. Some are very heartbreaking, to be sure, and you've been shouldering that for a long time. Please feel free to let me know if you think I'm saying the right thing. I just remember how you'd frequently suggest garbage. And I know from working on other people's homes that just getting the garbage up makes a difference in the room and the person's mind.

Well I only cleaned toilet bowl today. But that's fine. I barely slept a wink last night and napping tonight was fantastic. Now going to get up, feed the kitty, double check that the dishes are done and go to bed properly.

Goodnight, all!

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Please don't feel guilty complaining about how hot and miserable you are.
Hot is hot. 😉
Yes, I also was thinking how that all related to most everything else too. Clothes, jewelry, dishes, etc...
I like "thermally distressed" LOL 😀
My son used to call mine "heat frustration".
My biggest problem with the heat is that I was born with too few sweat glands, never can work up a single bead of sweat.
The best I can ever do is glisten, which can be a deadly situation for me so I spend hot summer days living like a vampire, only venturing out at night.
I moved to this area from Tucson because here it is cooler 10 months out of the year and very little humidity.
I feel sorry for you having to deal with all the humidity along with the heat. (((HUGS)))

Thank you for answering some of the new-bie's posts.
Sometimes I read their stories and am at a total loss as to what to say. (((hugs)))

Very wise advice, Tillie, re the frenzy a new hobby can spark! That advice is useful when confronting unused items--can also be used in clothing trends, jewelry, etc. thank you!

I feel guilty complaining about the heat when it is nothing compared to yours. Forgive me, I am just not suited to any temperature above 60F. My mother used to describe me as "thermally distressed;" can you tell she was a scientist?

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

YEA!!! Tatoulia! 😀
How wonderful it is to have conquered that toilet! 😀
Once you get to maintenance it will be a quick and easier task to keep the bathroom tidy.
Hope the heat doesn't get too bad for you. (((HUGS)))

Hi Tess 🙂
WAY TO GO! for doing your bare minimum! 😀
Every little positive thing we do is just one part of the whole overall picture and it all counts! 😀
Good luck with your plans for today.

Hi Diane 🙂
I love reading about all your fixing up projects! 😀
Yes, lapidary work involves using a lot of water to keep our tools from burning from the friction. LOL 😀
It is very common when people find a new interest/hobby for them to collect a lot of different related items/supplies.
Then as they perfect their skills they now know what items best suit their needs and what they can now get rid of because it's no longer what they need for their specific artwork.
Learning any new skill takes practice and perseverance, trial and error, before we master it. (((HUGS)))

Yesterday's heat really wore me out. Today will be just as hot.
The evaporative cooler keeps it 20 degrees cooler inside than it is outside but 86 degrees all day long inside is very tiring.
Mornings are cool so I managed to sleep till 9:00am. YEA! 😀
Almost filled a plastic grocery bag with clothing items to toss yesterday.
So my wardrobe is back to being under control.
My drawers are all tidied and it's easy to get things out or put away again.
Without any closet space for hanging clothes, I have to be very selective about what clothes I keep in those 6 dresser drawers.

TTYS 🙂

OK, toilet bowl and seat are now clean. Need to do top of tank and outside. Baby steps. How nice to have bowl clean.

Hello everyone! Coffee clinks!

Tess, I didn't do anything home related yesterday. I loafed around after I got home from work. The humidity is starting to creep in. I had another terrible nights sleep, even with the AC on.

Diane, I think you'll do great on transferring your thrift shop skills to rock hunting! Your day yesterday was productive! I enjoy reading about all the repairs you do. Always amazed.

Tillie, wishing you a wonderful day! Since I am going to be working from home today, I've decided that I will clean my bathroom during my lunch break. The toilet and sink are first. I will be so happy to get this done and then put on s maintenance schedule the way I'm trying to establish with vacuuming. With the humidity and hear on their way, the filth will really get to me AND it will be significantly harder to clean if I'm too hot.

Good morning!!!!!

Yesterday was a super busy work day. That turned into a bare minimum day at home. I mean minimum, but I did wash a load of laundry, take some trash to the curb (I need to get back out there right now!!!), and I vacuumed around the cat bowls and box.

Today I plan to clean the bathroom (seriously this time!!!!), finish taking out the garbage, and clean the fridge.

Have a good day everyone!

HELLO ALL----So happy to read your posts. Keeps me going. Today I started two small tumblers, was so happy I finally started tumbling. Then put painters tape on plexi glass cut lines. Tried rotary tool, then used Multi function dremel, which worked. Cut a panel to fit in dog door, My first time cutting plexi glass, so was not perfect, rough on edge, tried sanding it, still rough, but it fits and is so sturdy, should keep the little mutts in here when I want to leave for a few hours. I felt so happy I figured it out. Then decided to try to figure out how to put flex shaft on dremel rotary tool. It took a full 2 hours to figure it out, but I stuck with it until it was fixed. With flex shaft I can drill or cut rocks under water, which prevents from overheating. I still have to put all the stuff away and vacuum up my mess. Will be fun to try it on rocks soon.
At thrift stores I used to buy a bunch of stuff because it was a bargain, same with rocks, so need to change and only bring home rocks that are special, I have to change my habit to pick only rocks I love, I changed thrift store buying so now have to practice this with rocks. Thanks Tillie for the advice

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

Hi Diane 🙂
WOW! WTG! for everything you have been up to there! 😀
July will probably be hot so I vote that you go to the woods or camp next to the ocean.
I always found the beach to be cooler than inland.
About amassing too much, gathering up too many of one type of things.
Start being picky, don't settle for anything less than what you really truly want.
Leave inferior rocks behind. Use them for landfill or fence reinforcing if they don't polish up right.
Keep a journal of where you find rock and if it's worth getting more of, go back on another outing for it.
But keep on finding these rocks because you really truly love lapidary. (((HUGS)))

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
You are doing FANTASTIC! on the regular maintenance in your clean areas! (((hugs)))
I will never understand why schools quit having home ec.
That's where I learned most all my house keeping and the rest from my Granma.
Hope you are staying cool enough through these hot days.

Hi Tess 🙂
Having a box or a bag for donations right there all ready to fill is a good way to help sorting.
If throwing away something seems too hard, donating it can be an easier option.
Just make sure to regularly schedule dropping it off at the thrift shop.
Prettying up areas as we clear and clean them is a great motivator to help keeping them clear and clean.
WAY TO GO! for making that dent in your bedroom! 😀

Today will be hotter than yesterday and by 9:00am it was already getting there. 🙁
Just need to scoop litter boxes, refill water and kibble bowls, sweep floor near litter boxes.
Just 10:00am here now and I still haven't decided what to do today inside hiding from the heat.
Sorta thinking about looking through my clothes and tossing the most worn out sad looking items since I recently made fresh new things to wear.
One in, one out.
But sometimes it's hard to let go of old favorites even when the fabric is shot.
😉

Stay cool, eat watermelon and drink lemonade. 😀

Hi everybody! Sounds like all you busy bees had a good day!

Tillie - I would literally DIE if I grabbed a snake! Literally!!! I'm glad you lived to tell about it. 🙂

Tatoulia - I love the idea of donating. Good for you!!! So far I have been just throwing stuff in the trash. I would love to start donating. Maybe I'll get a box ready to drop off this weekend.

Anon, definitely paint those cabinets. I thought I would wait until everything was done and then decorate, paint, etc. but I'm finding that making updates as I go feels good and looks pretty. Good luck!

It was also super hot here, so I didn't get up to clean until around 9 pm. I attacked my bedroom since it has been the cause of stress lately. I spent about an hour in here. I'm pleased with the progress. I'm not done, but I made a huge dent. It's downgraded from mortifying to embarrassing. Haha!! I also did a load of laundry. That's pretty much it. Tomorrow I plan to clean the bathroom. My least favorite chore in the whole world.

*sewing a button on. Not volition. Thanks, autocorrect.

Hello! Good to read your posts! They don't teach home ec anymore--they were still teaching it when I was in grammar school but they didn't start with sewing a volition or hemming clothes--the type of stuff I have to "outsource" now. I learned cooking a little from my mother and a little on my own.

Good getting the bathroom clean, Diane. I can report no progress on that front. That's a good idea to see how well the jasper tumbled before getting more. Isn't that a tough lesson to learn? Me too, the more is better is always nipping at my heels.

I vacuumed tonight. Same space I vacuumed last week. I swept same area to and expanded my horizons by sweeping another space in same room. Took garbage out. Now ready to do nightly dishes and hop in shower.

Made my day reading all of your posts, struggles and joys, really care about each of you gals, and so happy you share your lives with us, thanks.
I am happy to report both toilets are clean, and the sinks, and part of the bathroom floors, ran out of energy. It did only take a short time, and because I procrastinated, the minerals are starting to build up, so scrubbed and hopefully will do it again soon. Dishes done. washed dog dishes ready for next dog on Wednesday, more relaxing now that the wild child dog is gone, had to give him a bath, he was filthy, and put up with bath well, good boy. This body needs a shower. Got up at 5am, could not go back to sleep, so went out and watered. I spent a few hours hammering rocks to make them small enough to tumble, and mostly to get rid of anxiety. I sat in the shade and really enjoyed hammering with no dog to worry about. It is about 90 degrees here, 100 is too darn hot, for me 90 is too hot. Hot all week, still need to go to Costco to replenish my smoothie stash. I did find a bag of strawberries in outside freezer, so have enough stuff for awhile. Today I wondered what I should do next month, have several days without a dog in July. I have very little interest in being around people, being the loner I am. Would like to go for a road trip if not too hot, or go to coast if too hot. Trick will be to enjoy a place with out adding to my rock hoard. Rock hounding seems to be my only interest. I am confused if this is healthy, and why it is the only thing I like doing. I was looking at all the beautiful polished rocks I now have, and would like to make some art with it, if I can focus, without messing stuff up. Also want to start tumbler, but don't want heat tumblers produce. Can do in garage, but don't want tumblers to over heat, guess I can use my oldest tumbler then won't matter if wreck it. I found a new place where I found green jasper, have to tumble to see if it is dense enough to take a shine, that is what I hammered today. My hoarder just want to go get more, love the hunt, truth is, have to tumble some to see if it works or is too porous, and I already have enough. A hoarder has the false notion that more is good, we know where that gets us. I am thinking of each of you and so happy to read your progress.