View Full Version : Spring Challenge
Looks like we all did a lot with winter challenge. Spring starts Sunday.
On my list:
1. Go skydiving
2. Clean up the yard mainly of leaves
3. Plant herbs
4. Clean the windows
5. Celebrate my parents' 60th wedding anniversary
6. Hike at least once a month
7. Lose another 5 pounds (I am down 5 from my peak)
8. Check out the library in a town in New Hampshire I might want to move to someday
9. Engage in civic activities - possibly volunteering for a congressional candidate, possibly getting involved with a group opposing vaccine mandates
Teacher Terry
3-19-22, 2:49pm
Congrats on the weight loss!
Pick up anything I want to keep from my parent's house
Sort through sewing patterns and inventory them
Clear bed in guest bedroom
Work on more quilt blocks
Finish sewing commission
Put away duvet for the winter
Put away winter stuff
Learn how to darn
3 boxes out of the storage unit
Continue the book cull
A bit ambitious and two of the items have hard deadlines, I'm sure I can do it. Already started on the bed and have some books on mending on hold at the library.
Did my March hike.
Ruled out the anti-vax group as there is no place to park where they meet and it is too far for me to walk.
Got another, better idea for parents' anniversary from DB. He also said he can be on call if I can't get the tilt in windows back up when I clean them, since I know DS won't do it.
It is too cold for me to do most things on my list and family is coming in from out of state to visit so I will be spending my leisure time with them. On the civic front I am continuing to advocate for good government and recently uncovered some cronyism in hiring at the library that I am trying to get accountability on. I also continue to do follow ups on Board of Health complaints.
rosarugosa
3-27-22, 7:27am
Jeppy: I think Skydiving is a very cool goal. I used to want to do it when I was younger, although apparently not enough to make it happen. Then I reached a point where I am no f*ing way!
Hana: Learning to darn is also a great goal - frugal, sustainable and all that good stuff!
rosarugosa
3-27-22, 7:34am
Here is my spring list:
Declutter Mom's second floor
Wash windows, screens, & curtains
Build rolling pantry (small carpentry project)
Clean dryer vent
Start seeds
Small seasonal miscellany: hang hammock, put out hoses, swap storm door panels for screens
Repair picture (this is a small task that will take less than 30 mins but I've somehow been putting off for at least 2 years).
Yard cleanup, finish shredding and spreading leaves
Sell raincoat on eBay
Seasonal closet cleanout
Seasonal bedding changeover
Get out & set up fans and air conditioners
Divide and repot a few houseplants
Assess trim paint and decide whether to ask crappy house painting company to make good on their warranty and come back for touchups
early morning
3-27-22, 11:22am
You all are ambitious! Jeppy, enjoy your family visit!
My spring list:
*wash kitchen windows w/concurrent cleaning of areas that are not accessible when I don't have to get to the windows. (My old farmhouse is full of windows and doors. I have to block easy access or I would have almost no wall space)
*empty shed ne summer kitchen
*remove plants /yank out ivy/ amend the soil/replace wanted plants in a tiny strip bed by the east shed wall
*add compost to as many places as it will last for!
*re-mulch around day lilies
*divide and rehome some of my early spring native plants to newly cleared shade by old dog kennel
*remove fence, posts, debris from said kennel area
But if it doesn't stop snowing, I'm not going to get to any of it, lol!
Teacher Terry
3-27-22, 2:26pm
My house used to take much longer to spring clean. The yard could take days. Now my yard is my balcony so that took 30 minutes:)).
rosarugosa
3-27-22, 6:11pm
Oh no Early, sorry to hear you have snow. We don't have any on the ground or on the horizon just now, but it's still early enough in the season that it could happen.
Sister and I completed the first bedroom on the second floor at Mom's house today, and even got started on a second bedroom (Mom's being the second). There are 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a hall on the second floor. We culled out at least a half, and maybe even closer to 2/3 of her socks, leaving her with a mere 98 pairs remaining, lol. No wonder Sis and I have issues with too many socks; we come by it honestly. We carried away 2 bags for fabric recycling, and 2 boxes and 1 bag of stuff to be donated, then a small pile of paper clutter to go in my recycling bin. We also filled her recycling bin and put out a bag of trash for her pickup tomorrow. We kept Mom busy shredding documents, which makes her feel productive and happy, and also kept her away from what we were doing so she wouldn't see how much we were getting rid of! It was a good productive day.
Teacher Terry
3-27-22, 6:20pm
Rosa, you guys are making great progress. I used to give my friend with dementia jobs like sweeping, hanging up clothes from the dryer and brushing Noki.
rosarugosa
3-27-22, 6:38pm
Thanks, Terry! It's a real challenge because she has such issues with feeling dizzy and lightheaded, so we try for something simple and sedentary so we don't have to worry about her falling.
Teacher Terry
3-28-22, 1:04am
My friend was much younger in her early 60’s. I think you found the perfect job for your mom.
Decided I will spend at least 10 minutes a day clearing off the bed in the spare room. So far I put all the non sewing project fabric in it's space on the fabric shelf and the scraps are in the scrap bin. I basted the zipper for the commission and will sew it after work. Waiting on the email from the library that the books on mending are ready for pick up. Figure it's too early to deal with putting away the winter stuff, I"ll evaluate that in early May.
Phase two of the sewing commission requires using the downstairs laundry facilities, I can go over a box of stuff in the storage unit while it's washing and drying.
Hana: Your bed challenge reminds me of something. My dad was in the Merchant Marines, and he would go to sea for 6 - 9 months at a time. Mom had clutter issues even then, and his side of the bed would end up with a bunch of stuff on it while he was at sea. When Dad was coming home, Mom would have to clear off his side of the bed so he could get in it.
I planted a bunch of seeds today: a few kinds of sunflowers, and a couple of varieties of sweet peas and zinnias. I'll wait at least a couple more weeks to plant my cosmos. I'm using DH's tent and light setup in the cellar from when he was growing weed a couple of years ago. I don't quite understand why he lost enthusiasm for doing that, but although it looks like we're growing weed in the cellar, nope, it's zinnias, sunflowers and sweet peas!
I spent time at Mom's today and decluttered her bedroom desk - lots of shredding for Mom to do. We also cleaned out her night table drawer. She was surprised that the table had a drawer, and even more surprised that there was a bunch of stuff in it! "What is that?" "Where did it come from?" I took away a bag of stuff to donate/recycle/trash, and put a bag of shredded papers on the curb for her pickup tomorrow. I feel like it's going to take 1 or 2 more sessions to finish with her bedroom, but there has already been a first pass with much of it, so it should go more easily. My sister was working today, so unfortunately was unable to join in the fun.
Rosarugosa: the bed has become the 'I'll deal with it later' staging area and it stays that way until we have an overnight guest or we get tired of it. Based on social media posts around this time of the year I decide to clear it off and it will stay this way. This time I mean it. I am so happy that my parents are getting rid of a lot of stuff now. Mom says she doesn't want to us (sisters and I) to deal with the mess she and Dad had to deal with when our grandparents passed.
Almost finished the trousers part of the sewing commission and texted the client to schedule a fitting. Need to the client to wear it so I can finish the hem. Tonight's project after the 10 minute bed cleaning is pull out everything I'll need for the top and jacket. Hoping I can wash the fabric on my lunch break tomorrow and tackle a box or partial box.
Filled one of six yard waste barrels and aim to do the rest this weekend.
Have not heard back from the skydiving place on my mask inquiry so that may be a no go.
Filled another yard waste barrel.
Found out from family that DS plans to finish his final year of college at the school in town before his credits expire so I am putting off checking out the library in the other town for now.
I am going out every nice day and filling another barrel with yard waste.
Mom saw the items we planned to get as an anniversary gift on sale and plans to buy them. Now we have to come up with another idea.
This weekend will probably be my April hike.
Went on my April hike.
Am attending City Council meetings and speaking out against gentrification.
new update:
Pick up anything I want to keep from my parent's house taking a personal day Tuesday
Sort through sewing patterns and inventory them have spreadsheet and inventoried two patterns
Clear bed in guest bedroom ongoing
Work on more quilt blocks ongoing
Finish sewing commission trousers done working on top
Put away duvet for the winter on hold
Put away winter stuff husband's stuff done, I'm waiting for May
Learn how to darn darning my first sock tonight
3 boxes out of the storage unit 1 of 3
Continue the book cull ongoing
Husband decided it's time to put away his winter stuff, so that's done. April has a habit of throwing curve balls weather wise so I will wait until the first weekend in May to evaluate. Started the pattern inventory and have listed two patterns so far. Going to parent's house on Tuesday to start clearing out my stuff.
Clearing the bed hit a snag since I put a bunch of books that students of teacher friend might like on it. Need to find a staging area for the books since it's a six month wait until we can deliver them.
Still keeping at it.
rosarugosa
4-17-22, 5:57am
You are doing well, Hana.
I feel like a slouch this go round, but as Hana points out, some items do need to wait until the weather gets a bit warmer.
I have repotted some of the plants that needed it, and I have planted many of my seeds, but it was too soon for the cosmos; will do them in another week or so. DH put out the hoses and I hung the hammock.
I've kind of stalled out with Mom's house only because I had some other things on the agenda last weekend, and DH and I are going over to share a meal with her today. Would I rather clean out drawers - yes, but is it more important to socialize and have dinner with her - also yes.
Rosa: Sometimes things happen and you're dependent on the weather or other event beyond your control. Sunday night we had a frost advisory and this morning husband had to grab his hat and gloves before leaving for the bus stop since it was in the low 30s at 5am this morning. By the end of the week I will have to put the rest of my challenges on hold and focus on the commission only since it has a delivery date of May 15.
Slight change of plan, not going to Parent's house today since Mom emailed me yesterday to cancel since she's sick. Operation pick up stuff is on hold until she's feeling better.
Darned a sock heel last night, it's not pretty but it works. It's a case of getting better with practice.
No response from the skydiving place and despite the aviation mask mandate being lifted they still require it per their website so that's out.
The yard is in pretty good shape - more weeds than leaves at this point.
early morning
4-21-22, 5:31pm
After nearly a month on my spring list:
*wash kitchen windows w/concurrent cleaning of areas that are not accessible when I don't have to get to the windows. (My old farmhouse is full of windows and doors. I have to block easy access or I would have almost no wall space) too cold to have windows open, except on days it rains...
*empty shed ne summer kitchen ditto
*remove plants /yank out ivy/ amend the soil/replace wanted plants in a tiny strip bed by the east shed wall ummm... see above
*add compost to as many places as it will last for! nope, waiting for better weather
*re-mulch around day lilies same old, same old
*divide and rehome some of my early spring native plants to newly cleared shade by old dog kennel sensing a pattern here....
*remove fence, posts, debris from said kennel area HA! managed to find an hour without snow or rain when I was home, and three small trash trees/bushes
out, and a small section of fence!! Progress, of a sort! :~)
Early morning, this is why "April is the cruelest month". I am also stymied some with outdoor tasks.
Early morning, this is why "April is the cruelest month".
One of my favorite poems.
So, my big challenge is another big idea. Sometimes I think I should just give it a rest, but it's hard to. I'm such a great starter and such a terrible finisher.
I'm not sure if anyone would happen to recall but way back when I took my permaculture course I got all excited about starting a local food delivery service. I registered the name, and made connections with several local food producers and even got a couple of customers.. but it fizzled for a myriad of reasons. Mainly because in the final analysis I saw too many reasons to not go all in on it.
I had started the business's Facebook page which I never took down. Just lately, now that I'm experiencing some downtime, I'm thinking of resurrecting that page. I've already reclassified it as a "cause/community" rather than a "business" and changed the blurb about the site and the banner. My intention is to have a place to share environmental/nature/simple iiving/ecology posts. I don't like using my personal FB page as a mouthpiece for my opinions. So with a FB page dedicated to that "cause" friends could opt in or not.
At one point I thought I could launch it on Earth Day but I'm not ready. I'm not ready because I'm not 100% sure I should do it. But every day I get so many cool ideas for sharing information and inspiration.
So my spring challenge is to decide whether or not to make a 100% commitment to it. And if the answer is YES, the next step is just enough preparation and just enough analysis and plenty of "just-do-it"
happystuff
4-22-22, 9:10am
Sounds like a wonderful idea, catherine. Good luck if you decide to proceed with it.
early morning
4-26-22, 2:24pm
catherine, that sounds like a wonderful idea. But what do i know, other than this site, I don't use social media - I didn't know there were different classifications of face book pages. :~)
Update on ONE of my spring to do goals: I have three of my five kitchen windows washed, along with all of the clearing/cleaning/blind-washing that goes with. Only 2 to go! I'm out of town mush of tomorrow, but maybe Friday....
Quick update while dinner is in the oven.
Went to parent's place and brought back some vintage sewing fabric, supplies, and patterns. Everything else at their place will be donated.
Put away the heavy winter stuff since we're now past the frost warnings, even if it's 20 degrees below average right now. Keeping out some long sleeves fall type stuff. Duvet will be put away next weekend or when I finish the commission whichever comes first. Putting it away is a two person operation.
Everything else is on hold until I finish the commission. Adding evaluate how much extra turnaround time to commissions to the list.
Got the herbs and aim to plant them later this week.
We've been making incremental progress on garden clean-up, but I don't have much else to report. It looks like the weather gets a bit warmer next weekend, so that will be the right time to start some of the seasonal changeover tasks.
Went to my fourth Library Trustees meeting and hopefully my last. The covidian director is retiring and I am so happy. Still working on issues involving the Health Department. Spoke to the Mayor who was evasive and noncommittal but now I can say he is open to consideration of an idea I am pursuing because he did not reject it outright.
Planted the herbs.
No progress on the weight loss even though I stopped eating the processed snacks at work and have been walking every day.
I see the dirt on the windows most clearly in the early morning when it is still chilly and I don't want to open them and have the heat kick on so that's still on my to do list.
Commission is done and I will deliver it tomorrow morning and receive the last payment. Done with 2 days to spare. Thought I added enough time to factor in for supply and shipping delays, turns out I barely squeaked by. Think I might need to add more time or put in the contract that the delivery date may be delayed due to supply chain issues and other things beyond my control. Going to celebrate by not touching the sewing machine today.
Tonight is an early bedtime
Now that I had some much needed sleep and a breather, I decided for future commissions I will not have a hard deadline in the contract due to uncertainty. I'll state I will try my best to deliver in a certain time range on the condition that I can procure materials and the shipping company is running on in a timely manner.
Commission delivered and I received the final payment. Client was happy and will recommend me to others. So yay.
Rest of the updates
Pick up anything I want to keep from my parent's house done
Sort through sewing patterns and inventory them started, it's slow because data entry is boring
Clear bed in guest bedroom ongoing
Work on more quilt blocks ongoing
Finish sewing commission done
Put away duvet for the winter done
Put away winter stuff 90% done
Learn how to darn in progress
3 boxes out of the storage unit 2 of 3
Continue the book cull ongoing
Winter blankets are put away and had the ceremonial turning on of the air conditioning due to high humidity and hot flashes. Since I took the blankets down to the storage unit, I grabbed a box and sorted. Full of paperwork that has been shredded and waiting at the door since the dumpsters are full and pick up is tomorrow. Really enjoying darning, looked at the wool socks and put aside the ones where there was a hole or worn part. Been darning one sock per evening as I"m watching the evening news. Makes me realize where we wear out socks first and how to add additional reinforcement to those parts. Once the socks are done, I'll put away the last of the winter clothing.
This week I'll work on the quilt blocks and try to remember to take photos and resume spending ten minutes a day clearing the guest room bed. Made progress even though it looks like there's even more stuff on it.
early morning
5-16-22, 12:57am
Hana, you're doing great! What types of clothing do you make, if you don't mind my asking? DD would like to try sewing for cos-play but there's not a lot of that going on here in no-where land, lol.
My spring list update:
*wash kitchen windows w/concurrent cleaning of areas that are not accessible when I don't have to get to the windows. (My old farmhouse is full of windows and doors. I have to block easy access or I would have almost no wall space)DONE
*empty shed ne summer kitchen Not even started
*remove plants /yank out ivy/ amend the soil/replace wanted plants in a tiny strip bed by the east shed walldecided to NOT do this
*add compost to as many places as it will last for!in process
*re-mulch around day liliesnot started
*divide and rehome some of my early spring native plants to newly cleared shade by old dog kennelin process
*remove fence, posts, debris from said kennel areaminimum progress, but started!
ADDED: do a partial water change in tiny-pond and install new pump/filter
rosarugosa
5-16-22, 5:43am
I did the semi-annual closet cleanout yesterday.
Thanks, early morning. The commission was for a pair of trousers, sleeveless top, and a light duster style sweater. I got my start at sewing with cosplay. I went to an anime convention and saw the costumes and wanted to make one. Mom let me borrow her sewing machine and said I could ask any questions. I will warn you it can be an expensive hobby and DD will pick up other hobbies on the way. I learned how to knit because I needed thigh high socks for a cosplay. It's fun and educational, I learned more about physics while styling wigs than I did in a classroom. Depending on your DD's comfort level, she can cosplay at movies, library events, and do photoshoots in a public place like a park.
Here's a link to a list of conventions in the world, you can search by dates, geography, or guests.
https://fancons.com/events/
If you or DD would like any advice or have questions about the hobby, feel free to PM me
Thanks, early morning. The commission was for a pair of trousers, sleeveless top, and a light duster style sweater. I got my start at sewing with cosplay. I went to an anime convention and saw the costumes and wanted to make one. Mom let me borrow her sewing machine and said I could ask any questions. I will warn you it can be an expensive hobby and DD will pick up other hobbies on the way. I learned how to knit because I needed thigh high socks for a cosplay. It's fun and educational, I learned more about physics while styling wigs than I did in a classroom. Depending on your DD's comfort level, she can cosplay at movies, library events, and do photoshoots in a public place like a park.
Here's a link to a list of conventions in the world, you can search by dates, geography, or guests.
https://fancons.com/events/
If you or DD would like any advice or have questions about the hobby, feel free to PM me
This post is wonderful, and belongs in the "Our Creative Endeavors" thread--or whatever it's called.
The anti-vax group met in a different location with parking tonight so I decided to check out their meeting. They are more focused on other things now like school curriculum rather than covid mandates, so it's not really my area of interest.
rosarugosa
5-22-22, 7:36am
I don't feel like I'm progressing very rapidly on this list, but classes at The Clay School are partly responsible, and that's OK with me.
Update:
Declutter Mom's second floor - in progress
Wash windows, screens, & curtains - washed 6 windows and 5 screens this weekend, so I've at least started
Build rolling pantry (small carpentry project)
Clean dryer vent
Start seeds - done, all are either hardening off in the gazebo or in the ground
Small seasonal miscellany: hang hammock, put out hoses, swap storm door panels for screens - done
Repair picture (this is a small task that will take less than 30 mins but I've somehow been putting off for at least 2 years).
Yard cleanup, finish shredding and spreading leaves - in progress
Sell raincoat on eBay
Seasonal closet cleanout - done
Seasonal bedding changeover
Get out & set up fans and air conditioners - done
Divide and repot a few houseplants
Assess trim paint and decide whether to ask crappy house painting company to make good on their warranty and come back for touchups
Have plans to do my May hike next weekend when the weather will be cooler.
rosarugosa
5-22-22, 7:00pm
Sis and I spent the afternoon cleaning out Mom's linen closet. You might be surprised that this task would take an entire afternoon, but we removed 12 trash bags of stuff for trash, fabric recycling, Saver's donations, humane society donations and a few things we are keeping ourselves. I took away assorted drugs such as Vicodin from the nineties that I dropped off at the medicine disposal bin at the police station.
I don't actually have a linen closet myself, and perhaps it is just as well.
BTW, we left Mom with plenty of linens and health and beauty supplies, but it is SO much easier to see what is there now, much less stuff and much more organized. It was a productive day for this team of sisters!
Teacher Terry
5-22-22, 10:12pm
Wow Rosa that’s a ton of linens. I have 2 sets of sheets for both beds and 12 each of bath towels, washcloths and hand towels.
happystuff
5-23-22, 9:37am
That's so nice of you and your sister, rosa! Glad things are progressing for your mom.
the story thus far
Pick up anything I want to keep from my parent's house done
Sort through sewing patterns and inventory them done
Clear bed in guest bedroom ongoing
Work on more quilt blocks ongoing
Finish sewing commission done
Put away duvet for the winter done
Put away winter stuff done
Learn how to darn done
3 boxes out of the storage unit 2 of 3
Continue the book cull ongoing
Had to call work tech support and I did some of the pattern inventory while on hold. I went pretty fast once I got started. Managed to get 30% done when they answered the phone. Finished the rest of the inventory as my evening project. I knew I needed to download a podcast or music as background noise to get it done.
Finished darning the last of the socks and they are in the winter storage bin. Gave away lots of books to Memorial day travelers, have a few more pick ups scheduled for tonight.
Still have to go through one more box which I will do in June.
I went in my May hike yesterday and weather permitting will clean the windows next week.
early morning
5-31-22, 9:26am
hana - thanks for the info! I've shared it with DD.
My spring list update:
*wash kitchen windows w/concurrent cleaning of areas that are not accessible when I don't have to get to the windows. DONE
*clean out shed ne summer kitchen - DONE, yesterday!
*remove plants /yank out ivy/ amend the soil/replace wanted plants in a tiny strip bed by the east shed wall - decided to NOT do this
*add compost to as many places as it will last for - still in process
*re-mulch around day lilies - as done as it's going to be
*divide and rehome some of my early spring native plants to newly cleared shade by old dog kennel - in process, want to divide more hostas
*remove fence, posts, debris from said kennel area - still minimal progress, but started!
ADDED: do a partial water change in tiny-pond and install new pump/filter - did a full water change - DONE!
I have until the Solstice, yes? :)
rosarugosa
5-31-22, 3:24pm
Early: You're doing well, and yes you have until solstice. If you don't complete your tasks by solstice, we send a delegation to your house and forcibly remove your salad spinner! :laff:
early morning
5-31-22, 5:11pm
noooo, not the salad spinner!! anything but the salad spinner!! it's such a pretty color! and big! and plastic! must keep salad spinner!!!
rosarugosa
5-31-22, 6:41pm
noooo, not the salad spinner!! anything but the salad spinner!! it's such a pretty color! and big! and plastic! must keep salad spinner!!!
Lol, I was thinking after I posted that I almost certainly will not finish my list by solstice this time around, so it's gotta be something other than the salad spinner. How about blow dryer, or maybe the iron?
early morning
5-31-22, 9:32pm
But I need the blow dryer- how else am I doing to remove price stickers from yard sale books? And the iron is somewhat useful when sewing, or mending, or flattening wrapping paper for re-use, or pressing leaves. It also works as a door stop. The hair straightening iron is useful for ribbons and collars and button plackets when we're too lazy to get out the big iron. But DH has several electric drills - can you all take one of those??
Celebrated my parents' 60th anniversary.
Celebrated my parents' 60th anniversary.
What a wonderful occasion!
Yes RR it is, and they are happily not miserably married!
Today I checked out the library in the town I would like to move to. Although it was small I liked the collection, which was very much aligned with my tastes.
Sometime this coming winter I should go up and see how well the roads are plowed. It won't matter when I retire, but that is still years off. But the town looks good.
Why would an anniversary celebration be put under Spring Challenge?
Why would an anniversary celebration be put under Spring Challenge?
If you don't have anything nice to say, why do you come to my thread? And people call me a troll.
ETA other people have put things like weddings in their challenges. Get a grip.
I fully understand why a celebration is a challenge...finding a gift, organizing, getting there dealing with family.I'm glad you had a good time Yppej.
I fully understand why a celebration is a challenge...finding a gift, organizing, getting there dealing with family.I'm glad you had a good time Yppej.
Thank you nswef. Everything you said except travel in my case as I live locally. It went well, thanks.
Teacher Terry
6-5-22, 11:28pm
Your parents celebration sounds great and glad they are happily married. It’s a lot of work to throw a party like that.
Did my June hike today. It is getting hot out! I may not include this in my summer challenge.
Final ish update
Pick up anything I want to keep from my parent's house done
Sort through sewing patterns and inventory them done
Clear bed in guest bedroom 99% done
Work on more quilt blocks done
Finish sewing commission done
Put away duvet for the winter done
Put away winter stuff done
Learn how to darn done
3 boxes out of the storage unit done
Continue the book cull ongoing
Need husband to find a place for his toolbox and the guest bed will be clear. I reserve the right to place another blanket on the bed in cooler weather. Quilt blocks stand at 23 out of 30 since I just finished sewing the shirts to the blocks. Looking for my favorite shirt as a kid, mom said I took it home. I probably put it somewhere safe and forgot where. Need to go through my tshirt collection and see if there's anything too worn to wear that can be added.
Pretty sure the light at the end of the tunnel of the great book cull is a light and not an oncoming train. Probably helps that many small publishers are releasing ebooks only due to the global paper shortage. Husband has Kindle Unlimited which also means fewer books are arriving every week.
Storage unit wise, I'm at the point I could grab husband's golf clubs. Removing them safely is a different story. Hoping I can get him to sell or donate them. Fall challenge might focus on organizing the storage unit. Still some boxes and bins that we're not sure what's in them.
early morning
6-6-22, 6:33pm
hana, that's impressive!
Hana: You've been having an impressively productive spring!
Update on my list:
Declutter Mom's second floor - in progress
Wash windows, screens, & curtains - in progress, all screens washed, 16 windows washed and curtains for 15 windows washed (we have 28 windows)
Build rolling pantry (small carpentry project)
Clean dryer vent
Start seeds - done
Small seasonal miscellany: hang hammock, put out hoses, swap storm door panels for screens - done
Repair picture (this is a small task that will take less than 30 mins but I've somehow been putting off for at least 2 years).
Yard cleanup, finish shredding and spreading leaves - in progress
Sell raincoat on eBay
Seasonal closet cleanout - done
Seasonal bedding changeover - done
Get out & set up fans and air conditioners - done
Divide and repot a few houseplants - done
Assess trim paint and decide whether to ask crappy house painting company to make good on their warranty and come back for touchups -done, I've decided that I really cannot stand the idea of interacting with this company again, so any touching up before the next full paint/stain job will be done by us)
The windows will be washed today. DB is coming to help me. I am only doing the five where I typically have the blinds up so the smudges and dirt annoy me. Some I keep the blinds closed on for privacy - too close to the neighbors.
Thanks, Rosa, I tend to have way more energy in the Spring and Summer. If I could hibernate through winter, I would.
I decided to wash a few windows yesterday, and then I thought to myself how ridiculous it was that I used to get the whole window/screen/curtain thing done in a weekend or two in April when I worked full time, but now that I am retired it takes me two months! This appears to be Parkinson's Law* at work, so I called BS to myself and finished the damned windows and curtains yesterday.
I was pondering the whole time/task expenditure thing, and I concluded that with more time abundance, it can feel like I have all the time in the world to complete a task, so no need to rush. On the other hand, at this stage of life I am acutely aware that I truly do not have all the time in the world, and there are other things I prefer to expend my limited time doing than washing windows. So these two seemingly contradictory principles can actually work concurrently - and make it take longer for me to get certain bits of drudgery completed, lol.
*Parkinson's law is the adage that "work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion."
Oh Rosa, this is what has happened to me! I had hired a window cleaner and for several years he was great...but he has stopped being reliable (only had him come once or twice a year) We have triple track storm windows and the outside takes using a ladder...So, my windows need washing and I don't want to do it. I will hire someone, soon, just figuring out the best way and then having to call....or email...and then they want to come do an estimate...yuck. But YAY! to you for getting it ALL DONE! We did get 2 gladioli beds staked and caged yesterday. Usually I wait until they are falling down and slap dash a flimsy fence in. So, I am well pleased and the stakes are from an old shelving unit that was so flimsy we stopped using it so it staying in that lovely BASEMENT for 30 years. Now they we help me have tall glads and keep from falling when I'm weeding as they are very sturdy. I also cleaned the house yesterday.
I did all but the weight loss and skydiving. Summer challenge running through the fall equinox anyone?
rosarugosa
6-21-22, 6:25am
I didn't get everything done, but then again, I also accomplished some significant things that were not on the list, so I wasn't really slacking off. I'll carry some items over to the next season's list.
Declutter Mom's second floor - in progress
Wash windows, screens, & curtains - done
Build rolling pantry (small carpentry project)
Clean dryer vent
Start seeds - donedone
Seasonal miscellany: hang hammock, put out hoses, swap storm door panels for screens - done
Repair picture (this is a small task that will take less than 30 mins but I've somehow been putting off for at least 2 years) - done
Yard cleanup, finish shredding and spreading leaves - done
Sell raincoat on eBay
Seasonal closet cleanout - done
Seasonal bedding changeover - done
Get out & set up fans and air conditioners - done
Divide and repot a few houseplants - done
Assess trim paint and decide whether to ask crappy house painting company to make good on their warranty and come back for touchups - done
rosarugosa
6-21-22, 8:05am
I did all but the weight loss and skydiving. Summer challenge running through the fall equinox anyone?
Yes, I'm in. I enjoy doing these.
early morning
6-21-22, 9:39am
final tally:
My spring list update:
*wash kitchen windows w/concurrent cleaning of areas that are not accessible when I don't have to get to the windows. DONE
*clean out shed ne summer kitchen - DONE, yesterday!
*remove plants /yank out ivy/ amend the soil/replace wanted plants in a tiny strip bed by the east shed wall - decided to NOT do this
*add compost to as many places as it will last for - Done for the moment
*re-mulch around day lilies - as done as it's going to be
*divide and rehome some of my early spring native plants to newly cleared shade by old dog kennel - in process, want to divide more hostas
*remove fence, posts, debris from said kennel area -in process
ADDED: do a partial water change in tiny-pond and install new pump/filter - did a full water change - DONE!
So a couple things to roll over, and of course will add more - there's ALWAYS more! I'm happy with what I was able to do, and as Rosa said, there were of course other things that cropped up that we did instead. Like my Dsis was hit with some crazya$$ wind, and we spent a really hot morning clearing a place so she could get her van into the drive and get to her front door unimpeded. She will hire out the rest - we are too old and too out of shape for large scale tree removal and clear out. And much of the summer will be spent moving my DB (who is 80!) and his wife from the hangers into their new house. They have a LOT of stuff - huge, heavy stuff, a life-time of collecting that was already way reduced when the old house was torn down. So THAT will be fun! Yes, Jeppy, I'm in for the next run!!
rosarugosa
6-21-22, 11:03am
Early: I believe "as done as it's going to be" is a good way of looking at some things. I'm thinking of my leaf cleanup item, which seems to be an unending task, like cleaning house or weeding. Did we clean up 99% of the leaves in the yard? Yes. Are there still some leaves lurking under the boxwood and the holly? Yes. Does it matter? NO!
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