Clutter

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

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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

November, 2021: Plans

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So we’ve traveled, we’ve partied, and now we want a little respite before the holiday season is in full swing.  All except Sug, who heads to Guatemala to do mission work for a week.

Here are my plans for November:

  1.   Celebrate Thanksgiving.

    Charlie has promised crab cakes for Thanksgiving.

  2.   Prepare a month’s worth of keto meals.
  3.   Go through Christmas decorations and eliminate broken lights and never-used items.

    My polar bears are safe from the purge.

  4.  Begin gathering gifts.
  5.  Make an Advent wreath.

    We’ll try a new style advent wreath this year.

  6.   See a movie:  Algiers 

    A classic with Charles Boyer and Hedy Lamarr.

  7.   Read a book:  Jews and Christians: A Troubled Family
  8.   Get rid of 10 pieces of clothing.
  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: CALM.
  10.  Write a goal list for December, 2021.

October, 2021: Checked

/ Jo / 2 Comments

I have had one of the best months ever.  Even though traveling and partying required jumping through a number of hoops to accomplish my goals, the adventure clearly made up for the aggravation and stress.

  1.  Travel to Iceland. Charlie, Sug, and I traveled to Iceland for a week and had the adventure of a lifetime, including multiple viewings of the Northern Lights.

    We had a wonderful guide who taught us just what to look for.

  2. Work on a project: I changed the baseboard behind the sofa from a slim profile to one with more dimension and weight.  Small projects really mess up a room and take just as many tools and techniques as larger endeavors.  Or so it seems.

    Baseboard behind sofa has been updated.

  3.  Masked party.  We had a mysterious evening around the fire pit.

    Charlie and I, like most guests, wore masks to our party.

    Everyone came ready to party.

  4.  See a movie:  No Time to Die. Bond, James Bond.  This movie kept me on the edge of my seat right from the start. Gorgeous vistas of Italy and Jamaica with a quick side visit to Havana, Cuba reminded me of why I love to travel.
  5.  Read a book: The End of October by Lawrence Wright. I really, really enjoyed this well-researched novel about a global pandemic that makes COVID seem tame.

    The End of October was written in 2017!!

  6.  List Halloween costumes for quick sale.  The fully unique, comfortable, and handmade costumes were listed but not sold.  I guess next year I’ll be more proactive to find just the right wearer.

    Once upon a time, my little knight even carried her ladyship’s token in his belt.

  7.  Shred old documents.  Another tall stack of old papers are shredded and recycled.  While I won’t list this as a task every month I will continue to whittle down the pile.
  8.  Autumnize the mantel.

    This simple mantel should carry us through Thanksgiving.

    Some bronze, some pumpkins, and the Red Wing stag all say fall is in the air.  Asters are from our garden.

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

Jo

October, 2021: Plans

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We have been waiting over a year for this October.  Here are my plans:

  1.  Travel to Iceland.

    Reynisfjara black sand beach is on our agenda.

  2. Work on a project: Install trim at The Glade.

    I want to update the baseboard behind the sofa in the living room.

  3.  Have a masked party.

    I have my masque.

  4.  See a movie:  No Time to Die
  5.  Read a book: The End of October. 
  6.  List Halloween costumes for quick sale.

    Pirate . . . argh!!!!

  7.  Shred old documents.
  8.  Autumnize the mantel.

    I haven’t focused on the mantel or the living room for a long time.

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

Jo

September, 2021: Checked

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September always seems like a new start — probably because it traditionally begins the school year.  Charlie and  I were married in September, the month that still feels like summer without the high heat and humidity.

In addition to the numbered list below I accomplished a few extra tasks:

  • Had minor eye surgery which turned out to be not a big deal.
  • Began 2 group studies.
  • Had some dermatological work done.
  1.  Celebrate wedding anniversary.  Charlie and I wore our “Charlie and Jo” pins after declaring the day to be our special day.

    Our eponymous pins.

  2. Work on a project:  shore house bed nook.  The nook is totally built, painted, and papered.

    The nook is finished except for a few cosmetic items.

  3.  Throw a party.  We had another lawn party.  This time we used it to celebrate our anniversary.

    Any excuse to have a party is good for us.

  4.  See a movie:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel . I enjoyed this movie immensely, so much so that I watched the sequel, The Second Best Marigold Hotel.  The second one might have been even better than the first.

    Loved it!!

    I checked both movies out from my local public library.

  5.  Read a book:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.   While the book was good, I enjoyed the stories and stars of the films more.
  6.  Collect all sporting equipment and sell or give away. My son was delighted to get the sports equipment.  It was immediately put into use for having fun.

    Bats, balls, and bike rack heading to a new home.

  7. Make reservations and collect documents for Iceland trip.

    We have reservations on Day 1 to relax at the Blue Lagoon and to search for the Aurora Borealis.

  8. Research slipcover makers in the area. I’m hoping to use a local shop to make slipcovers for my bergère chairs in the living room.

    I have 2 chairs that I would like to have slipcovered.

    I think I’ve found a skilled craftsman, now I just need to find fabric and get a quote.

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

Jo

September, 2021: Plans

/ Jo / Leave a comment

September always seems like a new start — probably because it traditionally begins the school year.  Charlie and  I were married in September, the month that still feels like summer without the high heat and humidity.

  1.  Celebrate wedding anniversary.
  2. Work on a project:  shore house bed nook.  Paint and paper.

    Hope to finish soon.

  3.  Throw a party.

    We decided to recreate the Lawn Party with a new cast and color scheme.

  4.  See a movie:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel . 

    I need an exotic getaway.

  5.  Read a book:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. 
  6.  Collect all sporting equipment and sell or give away.

    Balls hang overhead in the shed — unnecessary.

  7. Make reservations and collect documents for Iceland trip.
  8. Research slipcover makers in the area.

    I would like to have white slipcovers made for my matching bergère chairs in the living room.

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

Jo

August, 2021: Checked

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August turned out to be a productive and fun month.  Even the weather cooperated.

It was supposed to rain the afternoon of our party but it never happened. Yea!!

Although the Delta strain of Covid is running rampant and I’m  wearing a double mask again I have reintroduced some fun activities back into my schedule.

  • I’ve seen some movies at the local theatre:  Jungle Cruise, The Green Knight, Free Guy.
  • I whitened my teeth. (Really a pointless task since I wear a mask everywhere I go.)

    Even my avatar is masked.

  • I went out to dinner with friends.
  • I made some flowered pillow covers.

    I made slip-on covers for throw pillows.

I am committed to lightening my possessions and clearing the clutter.

  1. Get a haircut.  I made an appointment on the 4th of the month for the 27th.  It was the first haircut I’ve had since February, 2020.  Happy to have a little style back in the old tresses.
  2. Work on a cool project:  pond at the shore house.

    The orangish plants are bulrushes.

  3. Al fresco get-together.

    Croquet party with a photobomb by Rory.

  4.  See a movie: The Long, Hot Summer. A vintage movie with young Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward based loosely on the book in item 5 on this list.  I really enjoyed it.

    Orson Welles as Will Varner in The Long Hot Summer and, of course, Paul Newman.

    Orson Welles was a treat.

  5.  Read a book:   The Hamlet by William Faulkner.  Faulkner seemed so complex while I was reading the winding story.  In the end I’ve been enlightened and entertained and, at times, horrified.
  6.  Get rid of 20 books.

    I left a few novels in a local “Take a book; leave a book” Little Free Library.

  7. Repair shingle on east side of house.

    Before

    After

  8. Paint trim on round window.

    Painted and protected.

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

Jo

August, 2021: Plans

/ Jo / Leave a comment

Whew! August!! The dog days!!!

While I’m not trying to tax myself in what is usually a very hot month, I have added some tiny tasks to my list that need to be finished.  I am committed to lightening my possessions and clearing the clutter.

  1. Get a haircut.
  2. Work on a cool project:  pond at the shore house.

    Hoping to follow suggestions to clear the pond water.

  3. Al fresco get-together.

    Invitations will go out in emails early in the month.

  4.  See a movie: The Long, Hot Summer. 
  5.  Read a book:   The Hamlet by William Faulkner.
  6.  Get rid of 20 books.

    I’m reading then letting go some books that adorn my bedroom shelves.

  7. Repair shingle on east side of house.
  8. Paint trim on round window.

    The exterior trim of round window in the conservatory bathroom needs priming and painting.

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

Jo

July, 2021: Checked

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Whew! July is a celebration of summer from the very beginning of the month. In Maryland it’s hot and sultry.  Thankfully we are partially air-conditioned and have kept our cool.

In addition to the numbered items below:

  • I made reservations for breakfast, transportation, spa, and tour for our first scheduled day in Iceland this fall.

    The plan is to have breakfast under the Viking ship.

    Hope the entry requirements don’t change again.

  • I cleared up and cleaned up the prep sink in our kitchen.

    The sink and counter are tranquil again.

  • I cleaned the front porch and Charlie cleaned the porch rain gutters.
    • The front porch gutters are no longer full of leaves.

Here are the results of the “official” July list:

  1.  Celebrate the 4th of July!!

    Our American flag hangs on the side porch.

    Having given our American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol to its rightful owner, our son, we flew an authorized former version with 48 stars.

  2. Work on a project:  Finish master closet edging.

    Even the shoe towers have been finished with iron-on edging tape.

    Finished — at last!!

  3.  Shred all income tax returns pre-2011. The machine overheated a few times but 10 years of tax returns are now ribbons of nothing.
  4.  See a movie:  Summertime.  This classic from 1955 stars Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi and takes place in a Venice not so different from the one we visited in 2019.

    Much of the movie takes place in Piazza San Marco.

    If you’re looking for romance — this is it.

  5.  Plan a post-COVID party.

    Get Your Game On.

    I have come up with a socially distanced idea which I will implement next month.

  6.  Read a book:  The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is set in Finland but could take place in summer anywhere by the sea.
  7.  See a play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

    The setting for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

    Instead of traditional fireworks on July 4th we went to an outdoor performance at the Olney Theatre performed by the National Players.

  8.  See eye doctor and skin doctor.  Eyes can see very well but need a minor repair and skin is clear of any problems .
  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: FREEDOM.
  10.  Write a goal list for August, 2021.

Jo