Clutter

Still Hard to Buy For

/ Jo / Leave a comment

Five years ago I wrote a post about how I’m the ultimate “hard-to-buy-for” person in our family.

I might look cute in a beret so I ordered a couple.

There’s not really anything I need or want — my life is full. I can’t even think of anything to add to the list below.  It’s shocking because I am a list maker.

We have traveled by air, sea, and land.

My big splurge is travel — to go, to see, to do.

Five years ago the front of the house needed to be landscaped.

The front of the house has been landscaped and is slowly growing.

My list back then included:

  1. New wash cloths. I bought 2 packs of bright white washcloths from Walmart for under $5 for each pack of 18.

    I have so many washcloths now some are in reserve.

  2. Fresh flowers.  I treat myself to fresh flowers regularly when I can’t cut them from our garden.

    White roses are my favorite.

  3. Shalimar is my signature perfume.  Charlie gifted me with a large bottle which will last me a good while.

    This is a large bottle of Shalimar.

  4. Gym clothes.  I stopped going to the gym but my sister sent me a lovely skirt for après swim.  I used it at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and plan to take it on every vacation where a pool or beach figures into the equation.

    I wore my RipSkirt almost every day in Hawaii.

  5. I might ultimately want Microsoft Surface Tablet but I now have a relatively new computer from work which works just great.

    I’m up to speed on this computer and all my work is saved in it.

  6. I’m still considering a new small sound system.
    A Bose system is compact but relatively expensive.
    A Bose system is compact but relatively expensive.
  7. When friends and family saw pale pink king size sheets on my list I was gifted with more than one set.  I kept the good soft cotton ones for us and gave a microfiber set to son and wife. Pure abundance.

    Love my pale pink sheets.

  8. Cashmere sweaters in any color.  I now have plenty of cashmere sweaters thanks to Charlie and my sister.  I used to opt for turtlenecks, now I am more attracted to V-necks.  I wear them regularly so in a couple of years I’ll probably replenish. I recently bought a new one in olive green.

    I keep my sweaters in a closed cabinet with lavender to deter moths and worms.

  9. It was a devastating Olive oil crop in Italy this past year so I’ll continue to purchase my oil at the grocery store.

    Olive oil from a friend’s grove in Italy.

    I miss the fine quality of a small pressing from a private orchard.

    My olive trees don’t actually produce any fruit.

  10.  Charlie and I had a long weekend in NYC.

    I captured a shadow of the Empire State Building from the 102nd Floor.

    We saw 4 great shows on Broadway and the viewed the city from the top of  the Empire State Building.

    What I really treasure is my family .  .  .

    And friends!

    It’s an extravagant list, I know.  And most of it has been fulfilled. Apparently my family already knows what I like.

Jo

101 in 1001 #6: A New Start

/ Jo / Leave a comment

I have been making 101 tasks in 1001 days lists since 2009.  I have never totally finished one but I have made more progress than I might have done without the list as a guide. This new list begins November 4, 2022 and runs until August 1, 2025. My 5th list began February 6, 2020. It ended on November 3, 2022. Fourth list started May 10, 2017 (first list ended 11/13/2011, second list 8/11/2014, third list 5/9/2017) Completed items are in blue, black is the color for original post.  Pink items are plans.  Red items are cautions due to the situations out of my control.

  1. Retire from work  January 31, 2023  
  2. Start looking for house on the water. Requirements:  First floor bedroom and bathroom, 2 or 3 bedrooms, outbuilding with living accommodations, waterfront, dock, utility room
  3.  Get new Global Entry

    Global Entry must be reapplied for every 5 years.

  4. Get new passport.

    A passport must be reapplied for every 10 years — a buffer of 6 months is generally advised for international travel.

  5. Find a new Primary Care Physician.  I’ve had the same PCP for about 40 years and now he wants to retire.
  6. Find a new dentist.  I’ve also had the same dentist for about 40 years.  If I move out of the area I’ll need to replace him as well.
  7.  Find a new dermatologist.
  8. Visit St. Louis, Nashville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park 2024
  9. Solar eclipse in North America between Saint Louis, Mo and Nashville, TN — April 8, 2024. 

    Our first solar eclipse was a great adventure.

    Charlie and I loved experiencing our first total solar eclipse in 2017 so much that we want to do it again.

  10. Lead a Bible study or Book Club at home.
  11. Tour Bureau of Engraving and Printing  Closed to visitors.
  12. Visit the National Archives  Closed except for timed tickets to the Rotunda.  Should be planned as an add-on to another DC activity.
  13. Visit Greece 2024
  14. Get rid of 50 books. 

    No matter how many books I get rid of there are still many more.

  15. Host a swap meet.

    Quarts of frozen soup are the key to an successful swap.

  16. Host a dinner party for 6.
  17. Learn to copyright (watermark) photos.
  18. Make a photo album of Mommie . 

    Working on it.

  19. Increase net worth by 25%.
  20.  Adjust automatic reinvestments.
  21. Paint landscapes/seascapes on canvas/wood.
  22. Make a household inventory with photos.
  23. Design Etsy boutique packaging.
  24. Get rid of 5 big items from the house:  Cedar chest, Saddle/horse gear, Dollhouse, Skittle game, Easel, Chandelier, Sleds

    I have all sorts of horsey stuff, including a saddle, to pass on to someone else.

  25. Design and print business cards.
  26. Attend 5 concerts:
  27. Paint all trim.
  28. Repaint exterior parts of house that have weathered.

    The side porch was the first of this project to be completed.

  29. Clean out car.
  30. Remove 10 boxes from the attic.

    Hoping to edit the Christmas decorations once again.

  31. Build frame for full length mirror.
  32. Give 5 parties.
  33. Paint green vanity.

    I’d like to update my great grandmother’s dressing table.

  34. Refinish tall dresser.
  35. Clear out mudroom closet.

    The coat closet in the mudroom requires constant monitoring.

  36. Whiten my teeth. 
  37. Fast for 24 hours.
  38. Work on side hustle.
  39. Teach Dash a new trick.

    Dash learned how to work the weave poles in the last 101 go-around.

  40. Zip line in tropical forest.
  41. See 50 movies.
  42. Read 50 books.
  43. Parasail or hang-glide.
  44. Take a stargazer class or lesson.

    I plan on visiting our local observatory again.

  45. Learn to forage.
  46. Be part of a TV audience.
  47. Throw away/donate 30 things and do not replace them.
  48. Drink 60 ounces of water each day for a week. 
  49. Try 5 new restaurants. 
  50. Build deck onto conservatory.
  51. Upgrade dollhouse castle.

    The dollhouse castle is ready to be refurbished.

  52. Paver patio around fire pit.
  53. Clean up pond.
  54. Paint shore house sheds.

    The sheds at the shore house need a lick of paint.

  55. See 5 theatrical productions.
  56. Put outdoor shower at shore house.
  57. Install dual system — heating and air conditioning — in master bedroom in shore house.
  58. Get together with Sister.

    I’m the sister on the right.

  59. Maine whale watching.
  60. Visit Cylburn Arboretum.
  61. Egypt, pyramids, camel ride.
  62. Have large painting appraised.

    This painting should be valued by a pro.

  63. Visit Yellowstone.
  64. Visit Winterthur.
  65. Get rid of 101 items.
  66. Host a dinner party for 8.
  67. Visit Longwood Gardens.
  68. Go to the beach for a long weekend.

    Love watching the waves.

  69. Wash all the windows in the house.
  70. Maintain my personal weight goal.
  71. Build a structure for trash cans and recycle bins.
  72. Clear out the basement.
  73. Visit Vieques to see luminescent bay.

    Hoping to see the bioluminescence of Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico.

  74. Take 3 Bible studies.
  75.  Renovate Treetops bedroom.
  76. Celebrate 15th wedding anniversary 2024.
  77.  Have a yard sale.
  78.   Sort out all frames.

    Picture frames are a major clutter factor in the back bedroom.

  79.  Go to dermatologist.
  80. Visit New England.
  81. Work on genealogy family tree.
  82. Ride in a dog sled.
  83.  Stay in a remote place with few services.
  84.  Unplug completely for a full day (no phone, no TV, no internet, no camera)
  85. Go on a road trip.

    Lots of places to visit within driving distance.

  86.  Declutter shed.
  87.  Celebrate milestone birthday.
  88. Re-landscape front yard.
  89. Try archery.
  90. Take an art history class.
  91. Visit friends who can’t get out.
  92. Try tai chi.
  93. Clear up/organize photos.
  94. Eat vegetarian for a week.
  95. Free up 10 hangers in my clothing closet.

    Surely I don’t need all these clothes.

  96. Send 10 handwritten cards for no special reason.
  97. Have ring appraised.
  98. Get rid of 5 pairs of shoes.

    Freeing up space in my shoe tower would be a plus.

  99. Go to a Chincoteague pony penning.
  100. Shred old files.
  101. Private

This new list will be challenging since some of the items have been unfinished on the last three lists and the Covid epidemic had all but stopped our travel and entertaining plans.  Now that the world is opening up we’re still cautious but trying to move forward.  I’m hoping to be more productive this time through.

Jo

101 in 1001 #5: Final

/ Jo / Leave a comment

Once again I was unable to completely finish my list of 101 tasks in 1001 days.  I have never actually completed any of my lists, this one being number 5.  I would like to blame my lack of diligence to the COVID pandemic but that is only a partial excuse.

We learned how to self-test for COVID.

My most recent (5th) list began February 6, 2020. It ends on November 3, 2022. Fourth list started May 10, 2017 (first list ended 11/13/2011, second list 8/11/2014, third list 5/9/2017) until February 5, 2020. Completed items are in blue, black is the color for original post.  Pink items are plans.  Red items are cautions due to the COVID situation.

We had lots of COVID-safe get togethers.

Here’s my progress at the end of 1001 days.  A number of items were planned then cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  They’re still on the the list but the possibility of executing them in the near future is unlikely.

  1. Go over Legacy documents with family. Complete! 8/21/2021
  2. Take a trip to Assateague/Chincoteague. Complete! 8/31/2020
  3. Find the North Star, Polaris. Complete! 8/21/2019 

    We saw Polaris again in Iceland — the 2 stars on the cup of the Big Dipper (center of photo) point directly to it.

  4. Visit Rawlings Conservatory – Complete! 4/7/2021

    The orchid room was the highlight of the Rawlings Conservatory visit.

  5. Visit Brookside Gardens Complete! 8/19/2020  
  6. Attend Master Gardener class Complete! 2/29/2020

    Charlie is our master gardener.

  7. Tour U.S. Capitol Complete! 8/5/2022 

    Southeastern approach to the US Capitol building.

  8. Tour Bureau of Engraving and Printing  Closed to visitors.
  9. Visit the National Archives  Closed except for timed tickets to the Rotunda.  Should be planned as an add-on to another DC activity.
  10. NYC long weekend Complete! 3/6/2022
  11. Go to top of Empire State Building Complete! 3/6/2022 

    Jo and Charlie inside the Empire State Building.

  12. Visit 9/11 Memorial Plaza  Complete! 3/23/2021
  13. Take a trip to Hawaii.  Complete! 9/21/2022 

    Sunset on the Big Island.

  14. Visit Greece Rescheduled for 2024
  15. Get rid of 50 books. Complete! 11/9/2020
  16. Visit New Orleans Complete! 2/22/2021 

    Charlie handled an alligator in the swamps of Louisiana.

  17. Redecorate Conservatory Complete! 8/16/2021 

    Even in an open plan the conservatory seems very private.

  18. Create a nice office and guest room in the pink bedroom.  Complete! 10/22/2022

    The office side of the pink bedroom.

  19. Host a swap meet. We hosted a Backyard Book Swap on a beautiful day in May.  Complete! 5/21/2022 

    Guests left their books and picked up others that interested them.

  20. Hang photos in upstairs hall
  21. Host a dinner party for 6
  22. Make a month’s worth of meals one weekend. Complete! 11/13/2021
  23. Get new mattress for king-sized bed.  Complete! 11/24/2020 

    New mattress.

  24. Make a home maintenance calendar.
  25. Fly in a helicopter Complete! 9/9/2022 

    We flew over the Big Island.

  26. Set blogging goals.
  27. Sort out things in attic by attaching children’s names, give away, sell, etc. Give heirlooms to children Making headway
  28. Build daybed nook in Grace Cottage Complete! 9/18/2021

    The bed nook at the shore house.

  29. Learn to copyright (watermark) photos
  30. Make a photo album of Mommie
  31. Travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights Complete! 9/9/2021 

    We spotted the illusive Northern Lights on multiple occasions while in Iceland.

  32. Plan a cruise. Complete! 5/5/2022 

    At our muster station on Enchantment of the Seas with Baltimore Harbor reflected in the windows.

  33. Write a novel based on work
  34. Increase net worth by 25%  Complete! 11/15/2021
  35. Paint landscapes/seascapes on canvas/wood
  36. Memorize a poem.
  37. Make a household inventory with photos
  38. Finish laundry room Complete! 10/8/2022 

    Hiding the closet was the final item on my current list.

  39. Finish painting trim in pink bedroom.
  40. Make a master menu for 14 days of meals
  41. Wash all the windows in the house Complete! 11/27/2020
  42. Paint dining room table Complete! 6/28/2020 

    An old dark table lightened and updated.

  43. Use my God box. Complete! 9/26/2022
  44. Build bench for mudroom.  Complete! 3/26/2022 

    I hope the bench does NOT become the dumping ground the cedar chest used to be.

  45. Finish shelves in master bedroom. Complete! 5/3/2020
  46. Design Etsy boutique packaging
  47. Achieve my personal weight goal  Complete! 8/10/2021
  48. Get rid of 5 big items from the house:  Rocking horse, blue highboy, log splitter — down 3 large items.  Better than nothing.
  49. Design and print business cards
  50. Organize papers, bills, and contracts from renovation.  Finished before the 10 year anniversary of the reno.  Whew!! Complete! 3/5/2022
  51. Attend 5 concerts:  US Army Field Band, Annapolis Symphony, Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet,  Sultans of String, Birdland Jazz Club, Ceol, Cultúr, Craic – The Celtic Music Club, Quantico Marine Corps Brass Band, 

    The US Marines — wonderful.

    Shades of Blue, Ayreheart, The LPs, and A Classic Case Complete! 3/5/2022

  52. Build a structure for trash cans and recycle bins
  53. Install all trim Started 5/1/2020
  54. Paint all trim
  55. Repaint exterior parts of house that have weathered.  Complete! 7/16/2022 

    We repainted a shutter.

  56. Clean out car Complete! 10/30/2022
  57. Clean up all paint cans
  58. Clear out the basement  Tile has been organized
  59. Remove 10 boxes from the attic Complete! 7/19/2020
  60. Build frame for full length mirror
  61. Give 5 parties  Lawn Party 8/14/2021, Anniversary Lawn Party 9/11/2021, Masque Party 10/30/2021, Pop Over New Year’s Day 1/1/2022, Dash’s Birthday Pawty 2/5/2022, Boho Midsummer Mingle 6/24/2022, Sug’s Retirement Party 9/3/3033 Complete! 2/5/2022 

    Sunhats and sunscreen were necessary for our first lawn party.

  62. Coffee table for conservatory Complete! 5/7/2020 
  63. Paint secretary.  I gave it away instead.  Maybe the new owners will upgrade it. Complete! 7/11/2020
  64. Dye hall rug Complete! 7/18/2020

    I dyed the hall rug deep blue.

  65. Paint green vanity
  66. Hot air balloon ride Complete! 6/9/2020 

    Our hot air balloon ride was magical.

  67. Refinish tall dresser
  68. Clear out mudroom closet  Complete! 10/30/2022 
    Before

    Before

    After

  69. Whiten my teeth Complete! 5/8/2020, 8/18/2021
  70. Fast for 24 hours Complete! 2/28/2020
  71. Work on side hustle
  72. Teach Dash a new trick Complete! 8/9/2020 

    Dash learned how to work the weave poles.

  73. Buy a winter coat  Complete! 11/20/2021 
  74. Plan retirement for January 31, 2023 Complete! 11/20/2021
  75. Throw away/donate 30 things and do not replace them Complete! 7/19/2020
  76. Play guitar again

    My guitar.

  77. Take ukulele lessons Complete! 2/25/2020 

    I took a private lesson on the Big Island of Hawaii.

  78. Drink 70 ounces of water each day for a week  Complete! 3/21/2020
  79. Try 5 new restaurants  Complete! 2/25/2021
  80. Get a manicure. Complete! 9/26/2022
  81. Build deck onto conservatory.  I got 3 estimates and decided the project is too costly at this time.  Perhaps if the market goes up again.  .  .
  82. Upgrade dollhouse castle

    The dollhouse castle is ready to be refurbished.

  83. Paver patio at bottom of new deck (See #81.)
  84. Host a book club Bible study Complete! 8/18/2022
  85. Clean up pond 

    Plants are good but maple trees will need to be removed.

  86. Learn 5 new songs for performance.
  87. Clean up all tile in basement Complete! 4/28/2020   
  88. Stain shed Complete! 6/9/2020 

    Shug stained the entire shed with a brush.

  89. Renovate shore house bathroom Complete! 2/27/2020 

    Finished!

  90. Paint shore house sheds
  91. Paint shore house kitchen cabinets  Complete! 10/17/2020 

    Before

    Everyone loves the new kitchen color.

  92. Visit 5 significant local churches Complete! 7/17/2022 

    The columns were painted faux marble in the monumental Gothic Revival of Saint Alphonsus.

  93. Paint bump-out  Complete! 4/19/2020

    Before

    After

  94. See 5 theatrical productions.  The Comedy of Errors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Music Man, Hamilton, Plaza Suite, Aladdin, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Music Man (deaf cast) Complete! 3/6/2022 

    There’s nothing as exciting as a trip to Broadway.

  95. Put outdoor shower at shore house
  96. Take down screen porch Complete! 1/23/2020

    Before

    After

  97. Install dual system — heating and air conditioning — in master bedroom in shore house
  98. Install foundation plantings at back of Glade house  Complete! 4/28/2020 

    Small hedge is planted.

    The boxwood plants have doubled in size.

  99. Get together with Sister
  100. Upgrade security system at home
  101. Private

This new list has been challenging since some of the items have been unfinished on the last three lists and the COVID epidemic had all but stopped our travel and entertaining plans.  Now that the world is opening up we’re still cautious but trying to move forward.  I’m hoping to be more productive next time through.

Jo

Old Dolly

/ Jo / 4 Comments

I have an old Raggedy Ann from my college days.

The hair at the back of her head had disintegrated or been eaten by varmints.

She had lost an eye and some of her hair.

Dolly’s eyes are purplish-blue buttons.

The eye repair was easy.  I pried off the remaining eye and replaced both with matching buttons. The buttons have a little post which I superglued into the empty hole. (This is not a toy for little children.)

Double stick tape is a neat alternative to glue.

Then I turned my attention to her hair-do.  I couldn’t find a glue stick in my supplies so I covered the bare spot with double stick tape.

The yard stuck well to the double-stick tape.

I found some dark red yarn in my knitting supplies which I laid onto the tape and clipped at the bottom.

The topknot no longer stuck up in front.

With white glue I secured her original little topknot toward the back to anchor the top of the new “hair”.

I used a large needle to style the new hair.

With a needle threaded with the same yarn, I backstitched the hair at her neckline.

Dolly’s new hair color is less noticeable in real life than it is in photos.

Now the back looks neat.

Just a little zhush for an old girl.

And she can watch everything that goes on from her seat in the bedroom.

Jo

Book Swap 2022

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I was planning an extravagant party in the month of May but then decided I wouldn’t have enough time for preparations to really pull it off.

Everyone will be emailed or handed an invitation with a few rules.

Instead we’re having a Book Swap.  We did this once before and it was a lot of fun.  Invitations will go out at the end of this month before our cruise.  No response necessary.  All are welcome including friends of friends and young people.

Minimal prep is required for a book swap.

The Rules
  1.   Each person should bring no more than 10 books that you didn’t want to throw away but are ready to part with.
  2.   On the day of the swap bring your books and pile them in front of the sign that closest fits the category of your book.
  3.  When everyone has deposited his/her books on the surface provided you can check out the selection.
  4.  You can grab as many books as you brought to a maximum of 10.
  5.  Unclaimed books are fair game for anyone who would like them.
  6.  All leftover books will be donated to The Book Thing of Baltimore and/or The Maryland Book Bank where anyone can go to get free books .

I’m ready to make custom coffee drinks for guests.

This time the menu will change to make it even simpler than the last time.

Menu:

  • Chicken salad or hummus mini pita pockets
  • Biscotti
  • Pretzel sticks
  • Nerds
  • Cookies or mini-cupcakes
  • Coffee drinks or sodas

    I’ll be the barista on duty.

Labeling keeps the volumes under control.

I also need to remake the signs for the various book tables.

While invitees are limited to the number of books to brings, I am not.

And finally I’m stacking up books from my collection that I’d like to recirculate.

Jo

December, 2021: Checked

/ Jo / 2 Comments

December — the last month of 2021.  Hard to believe.  I plan to end this year with a grateful heart and renewed energy to begin 2022.

Outdoor decorations at the shore house.

In addition to the planned items below I saw a few movies.  I try to see at least one each week (on the cheap day).

  • Clifford (funny and touching)
  • Belfast (sincere and lovely)
  • West Side Story (loved, loved, loved it)
  • Spiderman: No Way Home
  • The King’s Man

These were my plans for December:

  1.   Celebrate Christmas.

    Charlie at the organ

    We celebrated quietly at home after attending joyous Christmas eve services the night before where Charlie played both piano and organ.

  2.   Prepare  Crème Brûlée .  My favorite dessert.

    A blow torch comes in handy in the kitchen.

    Charlie brûlées the sugar topping with a blow torch.

  3.   Decorate for Christmas.  After Charlie lights everything up I decorate according to the theme I’ve chosen for the season.

    This year the theme is polar bears in a wintry mix.

  4.  Wrap and mail all gifts.  I had totally accomplished this task by the 10th of December.  Love having the necessities out of the way early in the season.
  5.  Send out invitations for New Year’s Day Party.  I sent all invitations via email this year and had a very good response.

    Charlie is the Master of the Popover.

    We’ll be having popovers and beverages before noon on New Year’s Day.

  6.   See a movie: House of Gucci.  I saw this as soon as it came out in theatres.  I didn’t know what to expect but certainly enjoyed the uncertainty and high drama of it all.
  7.   Read a book:  Scarpetta.  A long and intricate mystery in the Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell.  I hated to see it come to an end.
  8.   Alter blackwatch plaid trousers.  Early in the month I took in the side seams of a pair of trousers to change them from a size 12 to a size 4.

    I wasn’t sure I could salvage these pants but I did.

    The alteration was a success.

    A festive combination.

    I wore the pants on Christmas Day with my dachshund blazer.

  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: GRATEFUL.  So grateful to be happy and healthy with good friends and family.
  10.  Write a goal list for January, 2022.

Jo

Christmas IS Coming!

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On my to-do list this month are a number of Christmas-related items to manage.

Advent wreath form.

The first task was to turn a plain metal wreath form into an Advent wreath.  I actually made this wreath last month since Advent began on the 28th of November this year.

Cedar and boxwood create a casual Advent wreath that should stay green throughout the season.

I almost forgot to add some fragrant rosemary sprigs from the garden.

Trying to keep it simple.

Next is the tree which I have decided to polarize this year.  As we get older our gifts become more expensive but take up less room under tree.

Our cheeky boys — Sug’s Rory on the left and our Dash on the right.

We always make sure there is something for the pups, too.

Polar bears stick their noses out through the lights and branches of the tree.

I spray painted some bare branches from the yard to scatter among the blue and green ornaments and my polar bears.

I like white lights in the house while the porch is warmed up with yellow, green and blue lights.

Since we’re planning a party on New Year’s Day I decided to add some decoration to our porches. A potted cedar tree from the yard is adorned with yellow/green/blue lights. Extra lights were put into clear glass cylinders.

I’ve sked Charlie to procure at least double the plumes before Christmas.

The front porch holds a stack of firewood so I just put a tall vase with plume-like grasses on the porch for some color and movement — they sway in the breeze.

I can never have too many candles.

I’m in a wintry mood.

The mantel holds a dreamy scene of tiny trees.

A small tree on the kitchen island.

Having a bunch of small trees all over the house has been one of my goals for a number of years.

The straw ornaments are from our recent trip to Iceland.

This year I have have finally begun my collection of evergreenery.

Jo

December, 2021: Plans

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December — the last month of 2021.  Hard to believe.  I plan to end this year with a grateful heart and renewed energy to begin 2022.

The Christmas decorations will be edited once again and used to create the adventure of Christmas.

Here are my plans for December:

  1.   Celebrate Christmas.
  2.   Prepare  Crème Brûlée .

    Crème brûlée is my favorite dessert.

  3.   Decorate for Christmas.

    This year I’ll feature my Mexican creche.

  4.  Wrap and mail all gifts.
  5.  Send out invitations for New Year’s Day Party.

    Next year is coming quickly.

  6.   See a movie: House of Gucci. 

    I’m a fan of Lady Gaga.

  7.   Read a book:  Scarpetta. 

    Patricia Cornwell is a favorite author.

  8.  Alter blackwatch plaid trousers.
  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: GRATEFUL.
  10.  Write a goal list for January, 2022.

Jo

November, 2021: Checked

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We have had another full month including some of my 101 tasks in 1001 days checked off.  The 15th of the month arrived before I was ready for it.  November passed very quickly but we made some planned and unplanned progress.

In addition to my planned list:

  • Charlie and I attended a concert of the Annapolis Symphony.

    A wonderful evening in Annapolis.

  • I gave a beginning “life” lesson to some young people.  The subject was simple sewing – buttons and small tears.
  • I went to a concert featuring a tango quartet followed by a dance lesson.

    Our tango instructors.

  • At my request, Charlie changed the smoke alarm batteries which I like to do when we turn the clocks back from Daylight Savings Time.
  • Charlie cleaned the leaves from our gutters.
  • We stored the sun umbrella and Adirondack chairs in the shed for the winter.
  • Our programmable thermostat died so I replaced it myself with a new model.  Since the brand and size changed, a little paint touch up is needed.

    The wall near the thermostat needs a lick of paint.

  • I saw the movie Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

These were my plans for November:

  1.   Celebrate Thanksgiving.  This was Charlie’s first attempt at making the entire meal.  It was a treat with the best crab cakes I’ve ever had (and I’ve had many).

    We fried the crab cakes in a mixture of vegetable oil and butter.

    I took care of setting the table.

    Nothing fancy — white roses and a few greens from the yard.

  2.   Prepare a month’s worth of keto meals.  I tried it; it was a real chore; I doubt it will ever happen again but having food pre-prepared has been great.

    At least 50 meals prepared but not worth giving up a Saturday morning.

  3.   Go through Christmas decorations and eliminate broken lights and never-used items.

    We have more lights than we use. They need to be tested every year.

  4.  Begin gathering gifts. I have a short gift list but have tried to make this a year of creativity.

    Hmmmmm????

    I’ll give a detailed report after giving/receiving takes place.

  5.  Make an Advent wreath.

    Cedar and boxwood create a casual Advent wreath that should stay green throughout the season.

  6.   See a movie:  Algiers .This old black and white classic was extremely interesting to watch.

    The Kasbah today.

    While it is dated, the explanation of the Kasbah and the quintessential movie stars were a treat.

  7.   Read a book:  Jews and Christians: A Troubled Family. 

    Not a light subject.

    I read this book for a class I’m  taking.  It was slow going and written in a dry academic style.

  8.   Get rid of 10 pieces of clothing.  I have actually weeded more than 10 items from my wardrobe.  Some vintage pieces will be gifted and others are ready for the rag bin.

    Some of these clothes are perfectly good but are rarely, if ever, worn.

  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: CALM.
  10.  Write a goal list for December, 2021.

Jo

101 in 1001 #5: One Year More

/ Jo / Leave a comment

My new (5th) list began February 6, 2020. It will end on November 3, 2022. Fourth list started May 10, 2017 (first list ended 11/13/2011, second list 8/11/2014, third list 5/9/2017) until February 5, 2020. Completed items are in blue, black is the color for original post.  Pink items are plans.  Red items are cautions due to the COVID situation.

Here’s my progress with just a year remaining.  A number of items were planned then cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  They’re still on the the list but the possibility of executing them in the near future is unlikely.

  1. Go over Legacy documents with family. Complete! 8/21/2021
  2. Take a trip to Assateague/Chincoteague. Complete! 8/31/2020
  3. Find the North Star, Polaris. Complete! 8/21/2019 

    Charlie and I found the North Star together. Now I see it almost every day.

  4. Visit Rawlings Conservatory – Complete! 4/7/2021
  5. Visit Brookside Gardens Complete! 8/19/2020
  6. Attend Master Gardener class Complete! 2/29/2020
  7. Tour U.S. Capitol —  Planned then cancelled.  Still closed to the public.

    I remember using the underground tram system from the Capitol to the Senate Office Building many years ago.

  8. Tour Bureau of Engraving and Printing  Closed to visitors.
  9. Visit the National Archives  Closed except for timed tickets to the Rotunda.  Should be planned as an add-on to another DC activity.
  10. NYC long weekend  Planned for Winter, 2022
  11. Go to top of Empire State Building Planned for Winter, 2022

    I’ve been to the top of the Empire State Building twice in my life — now I want to go again with Charlie.

  12. Visit 9/11 Memorial Plaza  Complete! 3/23/2021
  13. Take a trip to Hawaii. – Maui and the Big Island 2024
  14. Visit Greece 2022
  15. Get rid of 50 books. Complete! 11/9/2020
  16. Visit New Orleans Complete! 2/22/2021
  17. Redecorate Conservatory – new rug and seating
  18. Create a nice office and guest room in the pink bedroom. Started 4/28/2020
  19. Host a swap meet – soup, books, CDs, cookies
  20. Hang photos in upstairs hall
  21. Host a dinner party for 6
  22. Make a month’s worth of meals one weekend. Plan for November, 2021
  23. Get new mattress for king-sized bed.  Complete! 11/24/2020
  24. Make a home maintenance calendar.
  25. Fly in a helicopter 2024
  26. Set blogging goals.
  27. Sort out things in attic by attaching children’s names, give away, sell, etc. Give heirlooms to children Making headway
  28. Build daybed nook in Grace Cottage Complete! 9/18/2021
  29. Learn to copyright (watermark) photos
  30. Make a photo album of Mommie
  31. Travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights Complete! 9/9/2021 

    We spotted the illusive Northern Lights on multiple occasions while in Iceland.

  32. Visit New Orleans 2021 Duplicate of #16 so changing to: Plan a cruise.  Planned for Spring, 2022.
  33. Write a novel based on work
  34. Increase net worth by 25% Up 24%
  35. Paint landscapes/seascapes on canvas/wood
  36. Memorize a poem.
  37. Make a household inventory with photos
  38. Finish laundry room
  39. Finish painting trim in pink bedroom
  40. Make a master menu for 14 days of meals
  41. Wash all the windows in the house Complete! 11/27/2020
  42. Paint dining room table Complete! 6/28/2020 

    An old dark table lightened and updated.

  43. Use my God box.
  44. Build bench for mudroom.
  45. Finish shelves in master bedroom. Complete! 5/3/2020
  46. Design Etsy boutique packaging
  47. Achieve my personal weight goal  Complete! 8/10/2021
  48. Get rid of 5 big items from the house:
  49. Design and print business cards
  50. Organize papers, bills, and contracts from renovation
  51. Attend 5 concerts:  US Army Field Band,
  52. Build a structure for trash cans and recycle bins
  53. Install all trim Started 5/1/2020
  54. Paint all trim
  55. Repaint exterior parts of house that have weathered.
  56. Clean out car
  57. Clean up all paint cans
  58. Clear out the basement  Tile has been organized
  59. Remove 10 boxes from the attic Complete! 7/19/2020
  60. Build frame for full length mirror
  61. Give 5 parties  Lawn Party 8/14/2021, Anniversary Lawn Party 9/11/2021, Masque Party 10/30/2021, Pop Over New Year’s Day 1/1/2022, Dash’s Birthday Pawty 2/5/2022
  62. Coffee table for conservatory Complete! 5/7/2020 
  63. Paint secretary.  I gave it away instead.  Maybe the new owners will upgrade it. Complete! 7/11/2020
  64. Dye hall rug Complete! 7/18/2020
  65. Paint green vanity
  66. Hot air balloon ride Complete! 6/9/2020 

    Our hot air balloon ride was magical.

  67. Refinish tall dresser
  68. Clear out mudroom closet
  69. Whiten my teeth Complete! 5/8/2020, 8/18/2021
  70. Fast for 24 hours Complete! 2/28/2020
  71. Work on side hustle
  72. Teach Dash a new trick Complete! 8/9/2020
  73. Buy a winter coat
  74. Plan retirement January 31, 2023
  75. Throw away/donate 30 things and do not replace them Complete! 7/19/2020
  76. Play guitar again

    My guitar.

  77. Take ukulele lessons Complete! 2/25/2020
  78. Drink 70 ounces of water each day for a week  Complete! 3/21/2020
  79. Try 5 new restaurants  Complete! 2/25/2021
  80. Get a manicure
  81. Build deck onto conservatory
  82. Upgrade dollhouse castle
  83. Paver patio at bottom of new deck
  84. Host a book club Summer, 202?
  85. Clean up pond 

    Plants are good but maple trees will need to be removed.

  86. Learn 5 new songs for performance.
  87. Clean up all tile in basement Complete! 4/28/2020 
  88. Stain shed Complete! 6/9/2020 
  89. Renovate shore house bathroom Complete! 2/27/2020 

    Finished!

  90. Paint shore house sheds
  91. Paint shore house kitchen cabinets  Complete! 10/17/2020 

    Before

    Everyone loves the new kitchen color.

  92. Visit 5 significant local churches
  93. Paint bump-out  Complete! 4/19/2020

    Before

    After

  94. See 5 theatrical productions
  95. Put outdoor shower at shore house
  96. Take down screen porch Complete! 1/23/2020

    Before

    After

  97. Install dual system — heating and air conditioning — in master bedroom in shore house
  98. Install foundation plantings at back of Glade house  Complete! 4/28/2020 

    Small hedge is planted.

  99. Get together with Sister
  100. Upgrade security system at home
  101. Private

This new list has been challenging since some of the items have been unfinished on the last three lists and the Covid epidemic had all but stopped our travel and entertaining plans.  Now that the world is opening up we’re still cautious but trying to move forward.  I’m hoping to be more productive this time through.

Jo