Ruth sweeps other stuff out the door

Commentary about my wrestles with possessions.

I've got this quote by Thoreau written down and sitting on my bedside table:
"A man is rich in proportion to the things he can do without."

But I haven't lived by it.

I'm realizing that my stuff possesses me in important ways. This coming move to a different state is my chance to winnow and simplify.
Along with those boxes of books, I tossed a spare claw foot bathtub on top and gave it away as well. That felt liberating.

I've started ruminating and journaling about my history with stuff. I will post some of it here.

When we moved back into our WV house 30 years ago, after my husband’s death, it had sat empty for a couple of years. We had rented it out to a succession of poor tenants; the last of which we had to evict for non-payment amounting to a year’s rent. They, or persons unknown, vandalized the house, removing all of the copper pipe. So, plumbing restoration was first on the list. The second floor had three modest bedrooms and a closet-sized bathroom. The bathroom had been added by enclosing the end of the upstairs hall, and also contained the access stairs to the attic. Since we were making huge changes anyway, I decided to convert the smallest bedroom into the bath. (And chopped off a bit in order to add a closet in one of the bedrooms.) I had always loved the generous bathroom at my aunt’s house. With two girls, this proved a wise decision.
That left two bedrooms. I took the front room and gave the larger bedroom to the girls. When they grew up and moved out, I moved into the slightly larger bedroom. The other room became my computer and craft room. And general dumping ground.

I’ve had successive passions; and never really abandon them entirely. (Hence the boxes of fabric in the attic.) When the girls were younger, we built and furnished several dollhouses. As I inventory now, I find SO MUCH of this material stashed. I’ve tried to interest my grands in this hobby, but it never took. But I do have one more grand coming up. I’ve already given her a modest barn and animals. She loved it.

For 15 years or so, I collected buttons. I went to meetings and shows, entered competitions and even judged some. That tiny room at the end of the hall was my button room. All but the last of my acquisitions are neatly classified and stored in trays and old VHS library boxes. I find that there has been some overflow into the bedroom. Hmmm. I don’t plan to resume the hobby in an active manner, but I still enjoy playing with my pretty buttons. (I just disposed of two gallons of craft buttons to a teacher and a librarian.) I should probably think about selling off some of the collection. There is quite a bit of monetary value there. For instance, I spent 10 cents on an odd white china button in an antique store once. It’s what collectors call an igloo, and I find it listed for sale at $65 today.

I guess the living room chair should have been listed here, not with the books.

Gave away a plant and a hat and several bowls. But I had bought the bowls to give them away, so doesn't count. My kids and I like pasta bowls and use them for much more than just pasta foods. The design we've always used has been discontinued, but I do find them at the second hand stores, and pick them up to replace those that get broken. So I keep three households supplied, periodically asking if they want me to stop. Nope. Always appreciated.

As part of Theia's birthday gift, I gave her a length of sparkly blue fabric. She oohed over it, and wore it in various ways. It was left over from a costume for oldest grandchild. Rose asked me to take it back. It sparkled all over her floors. She said that one of the reasons it's good I'll be nearby is that I can keep some of the toys at my own house!!! I do like toys.

I found a child sized wooden garden bench - shaped like a couch - for Theia. Cushions made by the older grands fit perfectly. Now she needs an occasional table for her drinks and snacks. If it doesn't fit on Rose's deck, it will do nicely on mine.

Got up at 4 am today and looked around at the impossible task. This stuff won't fit in my new house.

Started on clothes in a more serious way. Retiring means that I will no longer need much in the way of dress clothes. And I've changed pants sizes in the last couple of years...
Discovered that a muggy July is a good time to sort sweaters with the goal of reducing volume. After the sweater trunk, sorted the dresser drawers and then the closet. I've got two big trash bags going to the thrift store.

Also decided I can live without some of the antique hats. They are sometimes astounding confections. Saving a half dozen of the craziest ones. The rest are gone.

I'm proud of myself. Reduced my summer church dresses to four. I noticed they are mostly swingy calf-length rayon numbers. Several showed an embarrassing bulge. I kept a fall colors number hoping my daughter can help me convert it into an over-vest.

I still own the very first dressy dress I ever owned. I think it's a size 4, so has only been kept from fondness. It's a raw silk shift dress. One of those that can move from the office to evening wear.

Jackets and blazers next?

I thought I knew my shoe inventory, but I noticed some boxes on the shelf in the second closet.

Uh, yeah. I haven't worn 7 1/2 shoes in decades. Five pair of plain leather flats from my early work career. They are still in very good condition. Daughter says a grand might take a pair.

Glass bottles have become something of a thing with me since bottling my cordial and giving it as gifts. I scavenge for the right sizes and stash them. Was able to sort and remove a whole tub-full back to the recycler.

Retirement party yesterday. I felt very special. It was in-person. Hadn't seen most of these people since March.
I had found blackberries in the freezer from last year and made some cobblers. Someone else brought ice cream.

I had asked for the dorm sized fridge we brought from our last office, as no one uses it. I will place it here when I move my full-sized one to KY, and then later it will hold drinks on the deck.

Anyway, granddaughter is here to help, so we stuck it in the garage for the moment. And then I took her upstairs in the garage. Oh my!

I'm ready to start disposing and this seems a very productive place to start.

I had her clear the area under a window and started tossing stuff down. Bicycle tires, an old wooden army cot, my deceased husband's clothing. I forget what else, but it made a satisfying pile. It all went to the thrift store, the recycling center, or the trash pile.
We also disassembled a garden swing that was no longer safe, and took the frame to recycling. Felt very virtuous. Took a two hour nap.

Liva took a few pieces of Buck's wardrobe for herself. That touched my heart.
And I've told her she can take anything at all that takes her fancy. We've got a box started for her.
She may end up taking the whole Young Wizards series. The first book caught her up nicely.

She is 16, and we are having the best of times. We've always enjoyed time together, but there is more depth to our talk. She is sharing some of her adolescent angst with me, and I am telling stories of her mom's growing up as well as stories from my past. As we sort materials, that is a natural consequence.

Another small, but free-ing exercise. I had a small stack of notebooks that represented the five years I worked in the Washington DC area as a residential real estate appraiser. I took a picture of the stack and one open page. I showed granddaughter and told her just a bit about that part of my work history, and how it tied in with the family history generally. Then I sent the paper to recycling.

My aunt used to send my mother a fruit cake in containers that were pretty at Christmas. One has her buttons and a granddaughter has "claimed" it.

Did the same thing with husband's college notebooks. Took a couple of pictures documenting the impressive amount of work and discipline and recycled the paper. I'm also encountering stuff from before I knew him. Documents and photos that I just boxed up after his death. I would love to hear his stories about them - he was a great tale spinner.
I'd also almost forgotten his prior accomplishments. He was a radar operator in the military and translated that to sonar, working in the Gulf of Mexico to map the lower surfaces; he was an optician; he played with dynamite for a little bit on a small scale strip mine. And he dabbled as an equipment operator on construction sites before he took up ironwork. He parlayed that into his own subcontracting business.
I met him just at the dynamite stage.

Doubt I'd ever seen this photo from the early 70s

>11 2wonderY: That sounds like a fascinating life!

He was my darling. I shared some of this with Olivia; and she went home with tales to tell. Feels good to bring him back slightly.

Don't know if this is a good idea, but I've started a pile of stuff to perhaps start selling at the antique mall again. It may be not worth the effort. I'd much rather just put it out and let others scoop it up. That's what happened to most of the garage stuff we put out for the trash. Gone in just a couple of hours.

Oh, discarding a framed house blessing poem. Can't recall where it came from. I will keep the "God Bless Our Home" I've had forever, and the Joshua 24:15 quote "...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Waiting impatiently for the sellers to vacate. Their lender continues to jerk them around and I'm the one that's turned into the bad guy. I finally gave them a formal notice to vacate. Very sorry to do so.

I boxed up another case of books and took the bookcase apart. This is one of the large chipboard models. I found I had already re-furnished it once with reinforcements and hardware.

So, how many bed trays does one person need? I find I have three. An old wicker model that is just charming; a new wood model with folding legs (bought in bulk a while ago, as I traditionally give them as wedding gifts along with pretty napkins and a note to indulge each other.) And my favorite - a ratty old tray with folding and locking legs. I think I will find new homes for the first two and perhaps give the third a refreshing coat of paint.

Passed on a lovely laser cut version of the Ten Commandments. It's framed and sizable. Hoping it gets hung at the church community building somewhere.

Also, finally finished a repair of a large statue of the Infant of Prague and returned it to the church it belongs to. I'd had it so long, that personnel had changed and no one remembered. I think they were pleased with the results though. I am.

Clearing papers, I think I've gathered all versions of passwords and user names for all sorts of sites. Eliminated all of the work related lists and incorporated the rest into the master notebook.
Whew! That certainly needed done.

There is a whole collection of paint cans in the basement. Some I have no recollection. One is labeled "downstairs bathroom." I've never had a downstairs bathroom. Others are colors I would never ever use - Crimson Enamel; Camelback. Surprisingly, the paints all appear to still be useable. Gathering some for a trip to the ReStore.

The new house is refreshingly empty and sparse. Gonna struggle to keep it that way. I am shopping for just a couple of primary articles - a rug, a couch, a bed frame and a new mattress. Unfortunately, that puts me in the way of other cool stuff.

Here's my first design of a pedestal lamp in the new living room, minus the wiring:



I found a lamp that works perfectly there, for only $10. I've never seen this design before, with an upside-down shade:



Confession: It's not the only thing that came home with me.

It's not?

Well...

Some toys for Theia - a whole complete set of tin kitchenware!

A really really cheap bookcase with a nice style. It doesn't fit my floor plan. But at $25, I can stow books there until the permanent cases are painted and in place, and then I can dispose of it easily. How's that for a justification?

And a couple of classy containers to hold some of the natural history collection.

I think that's all.

I borrowed a couple of books about divesting possessions. Began by listening to Peter Walsh' Let it Go. He's already taken the wrong track for me in the introduction. I already know I'm not defined by what I own or the amount in my bank account. Memories tied to possessions is not my primary issue. I JUST LIKE STUFF. Will give him the courtesy of a few more minutes.

>18 2wonderY: If it ever happens that you grow tired of the lamp, I'd give it a home. It's lovely, and I'd find a room to put it in.

We are sympatico in multiple ways, my friend.

Tackling kitchen stuff today. I’ve got a pile of pot lids, glassware, graters and decorative tins boxed. Hmmm. What else?

For some reason, I've collected 10 flower frogs, 7 glass and 3 metal. I think I may have used a frog once in all the years I've put cut flowers in vases. I must have picked them up for pennies at yard sales. Seriously, not needed.

If I were you I would hang onto one. You probably won't ever use it. But if you get rid of all ten, guess what you will desperately want a week later.

>26 MarthaJeanne: Truth.

If I'm going to take anything more out of this house to the new one, I need permanent shelving built in the basement. That's all there is to it. Come on IKEA! Get your act together, please.

There are multiple pieces of furniture that will not travel. I will post them for sale or call the ReStore for pick-up. Beginning to tag those pieces.

I have a science laboratory table 8 foot x 2 foot in my dining room. I've used it as a buffet for a couple of decades. I cannot think how it might be useful in my new home, but daughter, surprisingly, wants to save it for ... she can't think how either. Perhaps as a worktable in my basement or her new shop building? Will have to think about it. It is a good solid oak piece. I can't recall how I managed to put it in there. One of the private schools closed and the nuns had a yard sale. I probably paid $5 or $10 for it.

So many small collections have lived nestled together in this 100+ year old house. They won’t work in the younger house. Back before disposable razors and foam in a can, my dad and my husband had shaving mugs, beaver bristle brushes and various razors; one a straight razor. I loved sitting on the edge of the tub in the mornings watching my dad shave. So, of course, I have both mugs and five (!) brushes. One of those difficult decisions....

Poking at it again this weekend. Packing up a couple more bookshelves and trying to clear the kitchen. Disposed of a crockpot, some random glassware and an old framed print of Cupid by the pond, by Bessie Pease Gutmann. It’s an old favorite, but pretty much worse for wear.

The chip wood barrel by the front door has a break in it, so it got tossed. Still considering the collection of weapons it contained. The space guns and the pirate saber will, of course, come with. But the light sabers and soaker guns may have reached the end of life.

The main goal this weekend is to clear the way for large pieces to get out the door next weekend. Ordered the UHaul and have a commitment from daughter and her husband. Bless them!

I’ve managed to get quite a lot moved all by myself. There are kitchen appliances and just a handful of large pieces that won’t fit in my car.

So emptying contents and clearing floor space so the work flow next weekend is unencumbered. There’s an 8 foot long table that is plumb full of glassware China and bricabrac that I don’t want at the new house until the basement shelves are done. That is tomorrow’s challenge.

Two aprons went on the discard pile. They hang on a hook in the kitchen and are rarely used, but the ones I’m keeping have emotional connections. One is my mother’s.
They will all get laundered, at least. And one is just the right size for Theia.

To my chagrin (and secret satisfaction), I’ve lost the ten pounds I thought were permanent and wish now I hadn’t been so thorough at >4 2wonderY: with my blue jeans. Might try using a belt to tuck in the newfound gaps.

Took a small bag of household discards to goodwill but came home with an ice cream maker and spring/summer curtains for the living room.

An old poster detailing dimensional iron. Did you know I was an iron worker for several years?
Four little saint statues.
Some kitchen glassware.

Several steps backward today. The upstairs rooms in daughter’s house are officially finished, with carpet laid on Friday. But her husband’s back did one of those unexpected wracks that day. His ability to help move furniture is seriously compromised. I volunteered to help today, so he could rest and not feel guilty and Rose could get on with it and not feel frustrated.

She was clearing out lots of stuff. We hauled giveaways to the curb and it was all scooped up quickly. She loaded the front porch with items to sell and advertised on Facebook. Several large items were gone within the hour.

I took a carload to my house. Let’s see. IKEA boards that will go into the attic crawl as flooring, an antique table I pulled from the local dump will likely go to other daughter, wooden boxes go down to the basement to hold tools, replacing cardboard boxes, two stools that will serve as occasional tables on the deck, a Theia sized chair I will repair, a pretty gift box; very decorative.

I am discarding some clothing and bits of kitchenware.

Oh, and they’ve been storing a grandfather clock I bought at a yard sale. That has to come here, though I don’t have a good place for it. I may decide to sell it, but not yet.

I’ve claimed an oversized rough dresser that has been on their back deck. They don’t want it and I do, but moving it is a puzzle. I’m excited to have it for a potting table, as well as buffet space for parties.

>33 2wonderY: I seem to have discarded another ten pounds. My blue jeans are hanging ridiculously loose. I think it’s just the extra physical activities of my new lifestyle; and not anything medical. Because otherwise I feel perfectly fine, with lots of energy.

Was able to discard several sets of window dressings that no longer appeal.
Daughter finally visited, but had a full van; and could take none of the furniture items. She did take a stack of books.

I found a Rubbermaid tub of baby and maternity clothes out in the garage. I wish I’d located them when T was small; but then I wasn’t around her much as an infant. I’ve already bagged some items for immediate disposal and will add more to that pile after I launder the rest. There will be a small pile I won’t be willing to part with yet. Maybe next review.
One maternity dress was size 00! And do you remember tube tops? I used them instead of nursing bras. Still pristine, not stretched out, and tiny! And the best designed maternity pants ever; made by a Finnish company, Pia & Paula. A zipper-like contraption on either side of the waist that was fully adjustable through pregnancy. No longer made. I looked when daughter was pregs.

I managed two boxes of stuff to Salvation Army today. The main item was a lovely tailored wool overcoat that belonged to my husband. Could never convince any of the children to take it; and it’s not suitable for projects. The closets here in WV are looking satisfyingly bare.
Of course I couldn’t just drop off. I had to patronize the charity store. I found two rectangular baskets that will fit nicely in the Kallax cubbies. And this sweet couple stood on the edge of their shelf and begged to come home with me:



I couldn’t refuse.

Can sweatpants be too relaxed? Well, I finally acknowledged that one pair was. I never did like the pull cord feature at the waist; nor the elastic ankles. Gone, with some odd bits of this and that. A bag full.

I’m not doing a good job with discarding. Took two couch pillows to the thrift store and came back with another.
Bought three sweaters, one velour and another is heavy heavy wool. The third is a crinkly polyester with a zipper up the front.

Bought a Carhart overall and jacket at a yard sale that should fit T though. Can’t wait for her to try them on.

Resorting to the heavy wool sweater already. The Parkersburg house was a bit chilly after a couple of nights in the 60sF. I lit one of the heaters yesterday, but didn’t turn the attic vent fan off until today. And then the attic turned too warm.
T doesn’t like the Carharts.

I spent the day trying to gently move materials, as I’m still on light duty after eye surgery. But I was motivated. Trying to clear the dining room of all belongings this trip. There is a wall of empty boxes and packing materials. Still one built-in cupboard with china to pack. I find I have multiple boxes of goods that I’d rather yard sale than donate, so those are being staged on another wall in the dining room. Those are mostly coming from the attic.
Also picking at stuff in the basement. These materials are going into two piles - donation and trash.

A recent text exchange between me and a sister:

Me: Tossing most of the baby gift cards Mom saved. Just noting the spelling of their friends - Nuetzi.
(I do note I failed to identify them as all from my birth. I was going through a box that had only my papers from childhood. Tossed a lot of bad art, not sure yet about the bad poetry.)

Sister: Please do not discard anything. Mom kept things because they were important to her. If any of those congratulatory cards were for my birth, I would enjoy seeing them. It would then be up to me to dispose of them if I wanted. I think that everyone should have that choice. That goes for anything that you have., not just the cards………….

Consider that this sister was in charge of my dad’s estate and had to clear out the entire house.

A brother tells me she still has a storage unit of stuff. I’ve never seen it. My dad died in 2016.

I do come by this condition honestly.

Back in WV. 22F last night. I had to get up at 4am and go down stairs through the chill and crank up the DR heater just a bit.
I’m working on kitchen and pantry. Was able to part with a handful of mugs. We used to have cocoa or hot cider parties with all the neighborhood kids, and these colorful mugs used to have their own display shelf. A third of them (6) were culled. I may be able to say goodbye to the rest soon. Except for the two that my husband and I always used. Both chipped.
Other than that, there was other random glassware and I cleared a shelf unit of misc. stuff. That unit will go back with me and live in the basement to hold hardware, screws, nails, etc. it’s the size of a medium bookcase; so it will contain all the stuff now spread out over a work table.

I’m definitely tossing the sweatpants I’m wearing today. Though the ankles have elastic, the waist suffers along with just a cinch tie. Horribly uncomfortable and continuously drooping.

I’ve accumulated various crèche collections and bits and bobs over the decades. One core set, and other items to help with expansion when we spread it across 12 feet of dining room buffet. I’ve got the bulk of it in one box to travel to whichever daughter’s house I spend Christmas now. What with the regular barn and animals I’ve collected with T, we have quite a flock of sheep and a couple of goats and alpacas.
I’m sorting it all in the living room now, and trying to winnow it down. I’ve managed to discard three items so far.

I keep a bag by the kitchen door and manage to fill it about bi-weekly with oddments and clothing. But I’m still bringing stuff from WV, and this house is getting cluttered.
I’ve been to Goodwill twice this week to replace tennis shoes and boots that have lost their soles. ( I start with secondhand and wear them completely out.)
I’m set for now, but still will keep an eye out for leather work boots. What I got was gardener’s rubber boots.
I also came home with a a favorite prayer book and a nice haul of serger thread and embroidery thread which will go to daughters and a Folkmanis puppet for T.
I also cruise the home goods rack. Blankets and random lengths of fabric are $1. So I also brought home a lovely old baby quilt and the red and gold shawl that accompanies a sari or a shalwar kameez. Hey, who better to be their custodian for now?

Today was the regional US 25 yard sale.
https://www.facebook.com/U.S.25YARDSALE
I did NOT attend, though I’m a mere 2 blocks from Rt. 25. But one of my neighbors sent an email out inviting to her yard sale. So I walked over and bought one item.

I’m working on closets in the old house. I sent pictures of salwars and embroidered jackets to middle grand, who loves fashion. They were too busy for her current style, so they got bagged and removed.
She says she doesn’t even like velvet now!!
Her current love is “boho hippie” so I sent a picture of my white gauze wedding shirt (worn with blue jeans) and her eyes lit up. So I’ve got a bag of old cotton and gauze pieces started for her. I wonder if she’d like hurachees or earth shoes.

Besides the two boxes of books to Rose, each daughter got a box of miscellaneous goodies to take home. I added several more pieces of cool clothing to the grandchild pile. T loved a Mickey Mouse sweat vest. It fit her something like a dress.

Everyone got to choose a pretty journal to record “One good thing” daily. Most of my family need to forcefully remind themselves of the good in their lives. They did not get that trait from me.

T asked me why I have so much stuff in my house. I asked her if I should get rid of all the toys. No! She suggested I use another house for storage.😅. Then she suggested a store it all in a jar. I like that idea! Make it all portable.
The spare bedroom, where most of this material was stashed, looks a whole lot better.

Oh, and I’d been trying to dispose of my small collection of clutch purses:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiFZmnCOn3u/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

And everyone here took one. I kept the handmade silk item at the bottom.

I took a few fancy vests to class last week and offered them to my classmates. They were eagerly snapped up. That was so much fun, I came home and did a serious overhaul of my closets and I’ve got a heaping boxful of jackets, vests, scarves and more to offer.
I adore velvets and embroideries - festive and glittery and dress-up. And shopping thrift store, I bring stuff home sometimes that just don’t fit.
I was able to put on some finery for the concert and the play I attended this weekend.

Just saw this thread, thoroughly enjoyed reading your decluttering musings.

I dropped off a bin of misc. at Goodwill today. It wasn’t as full as it should have been, but I needed to empty the car. Filling it with empty boxes for WV.

>51 2wonderY: I see I neglected to follow up on that activity. I took A BUNCH of nice clothes to class and spread them out in an empty classroom down the hall. I invited the young women to “shop” and almost all of them found pretties to take home with them.
They liked it’s timing for graduation and the holidays.

I went to Goodwill to seek a king size fitted sheet to cover the doubled twin mattresses upstairs.
I found several treasures as well!
Rose needs a coffee grinder - found a clean Cuisinart for only $8.
She’s been wanting to invest in a pasta maker. Ha! They had a PL8 heavy steel model for $8. Was still in the box and looks like it’s never been used.
And a spiral vegetable cutter for $5.
And a shadow box frame for one of my pressed flowers.😁😄

Rose loves the new bed arrangement upstairs. She should sleep so much better now.
Oh, and a heating pad for $3. Ahhhhh!

>55 2wonderY: I love thrift stores. I've gotten a lot of "good" stuff that way.

I came across a bankers box full of my husband’s business contracts from the 1980s. Once again, I am totally impressed that he created and managed the business side as well as doing the fabrication and installation, sometimes by himself, other times hiring from the union hall.
He did ironwork, both structural and detail, in the Washington DC area.
I see I need to dispose of some of it by burning. It has PII for employees.
His signature is all through the files.

I don’t have access to a shredder. Maybe I should just burn all of it tomorrow.

>57 2wonderY: I've composted some old receipts that didn't have SS or other PHI on it.

I find books at thrift stores and craft supplies.

>59 mnleona: To be clear, I am trying to downsize my collections. But when they are left in boxes at the side of the road, they are like kittens and they need to be rescued and homes found for them.

Spare house parts.

Windows, spare wood scraps, light fixtures.

>60 2wonderY: That is a cute saying and I agree.

A small grocery bag dropped off at Goodwill at least once a week. Yesterday I stepped inside to catch the AC and spend a few recreational minutes.
I’m actually in need of some summer shirts. I’ve subtly been adding mass in my upper frame and some of the old collection no longer fit quite right. And my work shirts are wearing out.
I live in camp shirts for at least half the year, but they are becoming harder to find. Too many knit tops, which I don’t like except for an occasional t shirt.
I did find one! Liz Claiborne chambray, no less. It’s got a hidden button placket, which is annoying, but I will cut that away.

The best find though isn’t for me. A DVD player still in the box for $20. Texted daughters. Neither has one that works anymore and they still have film collections.

Also a pair of ugly couch pillows. But they have feather inserts which I will use to upgrade my own pretty pillows that have polyester fill. So they don’t count as acquisitions, right?

Goodwill is my recreation sometimes.

After my garden party, I want one of those glass beverage dispensers. So I’ve gotta go look, right?
Saw one, but it was rather small and lacked a lid. Still looking.

But I found a pile of good stuff anyway. Now, if it’s replacing something by upgrade, it doesn’t count in acquisition numbers, right?

Support me here. Thanks!

I upgraded a wicker chair for the deck. I will finally toss one of the two I pulled out of someone’s trash pile three decades ago and spray painted. There have been cats since then using it as a scratch board. (Cats are no longer an issue, but repairs are hopeless.)
I upgraded a blood pressure cuff. This is a super nice one, and I never trusted the one I had.

The rest of the items are just pretty and useful. I don’t need to justify them further.

A fire screen in a willow leaf pattern. I will hang it on the fence above the pond or on the back side of the deck hutch. I’ve already removed the screening and the feet. Ready to hang Art. (I am freshly inspired by my visit yesterday to Bentgate Farm.)

Other than those big ticket items, I got 8 glass tumblers of thin rainbow glass, 6 cotton napkins that match and clean easily, party masks for R’s 4th birthday party tomorrow, two shawls (very light wool and the other is paisley challis)

And an aluminum insulated water bottle with a screw lid. This is for class field trips. I didn’t have anything suitable and this is perfect.

Oh, and two LED plant grow lightbulbs for winter basement green housing.

And the blood pressure cuff works marvelously after I cleaned the battery compartment and replaced batteries. The cuff automatically grips to the correct tension.

>64 2wonderY: nice haul!

Our local Goodwill is disappointing. It's mostly overpriced junk.

We have a local church thrift store that is much better, so I donate my stuff to them.

One of these trips to Carla I really ought to look around a bit.

Really good to have a blood pressure device you are happy with.

I once bought some quite nice patio chairs on special at IKEA. Soon after we had a guest and the men were blabbing on about what a waste it was to buy something like that. (Don't have any idea what they would otherwise have been sitting on.) Anyway the guest started reminiscing about similar chairs he had found somewhere, old and rusty, but for only $... apiece he had had them dip cleaned and painted. Both men agreed that that was a great bargain. I had paid slightly less for new ones. They stopped talking about how I had wasted money.

It’s been less than a month, but I’ve lost track of those grow lightbulbs. It’s almost time to begin hauling some plants inside.

A few more items from Goodwill.

A replacement (doesn’t count) chair cushion.
Chutes and Ladders to play with T. (I think I liked Candyland better as a child.)
A kitchen blender to replace the one that finally blew its grease gasket.
A plaid shawl in lovely autumn colors. I wore it on my morning walk and Vickie noticed and complimented it.

Oh and a very pretty patterned and glazed plant pot.

I’m sure I have other things I should be getting done today; but I decided to organize some closets. So far, I’ve got 20* clothes items I can part with. Feels good.

*I had made 2 piles. Still working on this.

>69 2wonderY: I have been doing organizing, too, must be the weather.

I wanted to get rid of some warped plastic drawers I was using in the spare bedroom. I had no luck at finding a bureau/dresser at the local thrift ministry, so I went to Habitat for Humanity first thing on Friday morning. I found a nice wooden bureau with 5 drawers, only 20" wide! Perfect, it fits and I can still open the door all the way.

>70 fuzzi: So satisfying when that happens.

Okay, big announcement.
I’ve sold the ridgetop property.
Details later in the Gardens and Books thread.

But I did a first look and load yesterday. Granddaughter will come down and help in a week or so, but I will be shifting everything and finding new homes for much of it.
I will rent a storage unit for some things while daughters plans are still unsettled.

Yesterday was kitchen stuff and closet.
Much kitchen can be easily folded back into my kitchen here. The cabin was only furnished with some basics.
I do have a box started for Goodwill.
I’m sorting and washing the clothes and determining how many corduroy and flannel shirts I really need. Not as many as I have.
I’d like to do another share with my classmates next month. That was loads of fun last year.

>71 2wonderY: I feel a little sad, I followed the ridgetop story from early on.

I'll watch for the details.

Helping my mom move her kitchens twice, I noted the abundance of measuring cups and spoons. I’ve done the same thing with funnels. Because I don’t like plastic, (though I have a few in the garden area for seeds) I buy metal and glass whenever I find them. I count 13 in my kitchen today. And there are two giant glass funnels down in the basement for cordial.

I found this book in a pile in my bedroom (side project) and this is where I am. Too much stuff, but it’s all good stuff!



Little House Hotel

Bedroom project has taken up my morning. I brought a chest of drawers down from the cabin and it is going to live along a wall that was just a little table and piles of papers and stuff loaded on and around it. Tucking the piles into drawers for later sorting and review (cross my fingers) sure cleans the space up.
As well, I brought a smallish wool rug down as well and it fits nicely in the open space below the bed. Sweeping and clearing that space, I found several book piles that were there for deascession review. I might look at those soon too.

I may have found an outlet for some of the better items I need to discard. Have I mentioned Carol Ann? Did I say she has a truck? Oh, and she has a consignment booth at the antique mall. The one where I used to rent space. I’ve already given her a big tub of antique buttons. Maybe I’ll pass on dishware, etc. rather than sending it to goodwill. For some reason, it’s easier for me to give stuff away to someone I know will appreciate it.

You see my problem? I love my stuff.

This hanging might go in the stairwell later, but for now it’s on the door.



Maybe daughter will want it in her home….

My bedroom is looking so much better.

Another small set of shelves got placed in the other downstairs bedroom/library/multipurpose room to hold the power tools that I use all the time. It slightly downsizes what was there and adds another shelf and also closes it in a bit. Much better!

In the corner of my bedroom, someone, at some time, had drilled a hole through the floor, probably for a cable line. It was giving the basement spiders direct access, and they were taking advantage. I found a wood dowel the correct diameter, whittled the end just a bit, hammered it in and cut it flush with the floor.
I love when I can put hands on just what I need and correct an annoyance.

Rose loves the chicken appliqué piece.

I found another outlet for some gear. New charity project starting and I am a supporter. Several of the RITI board members want to support the homeless population in some ways through the rest of the year. RITI is only active January through March. They’ve just opened a storefront and want several items I can supply from the cabin - fridge, microwave, storage units.👍

Yes! I brought the microwave and the dorm sized fridge down this morning and met Rebecca to open the storefront. And she brought muscles in the form of her husband, Jack.
I showed a picture of a large cabinet on wheels and yes, it suits a need. We jumped back in our vans and drove back out there. They have an old fashioned minivan that can haul 4’x8’ materials, so it was simple. They might take a couple more pieces.
I took a few things to the storage unit, but others straight home to sort.

Do I have time to grab some autumn leaves from somebody’s yard before class this afternoon?

Took a large container of stuff to Goodwill yesterday. Pulled up just behind another lady who had cleaned out her seasonal decor closet. I admired her stuff and she kept offering to me. The attendant was fine with the exchange. I came away with a basket of silk flowers, a teapot (which will go right back, it’s a teleflora model), and a ceramic bunny lamp with a floral shade.

I offloaded my stuff and backed out to escape further temptation.

I see I haven’t touched on the storage unit story. It’s been taking up a chunk of time. In September I drove around trying to locate all the options. Searching online was very confusing.
Most places are full, and prices are generally $50 to $60/month for a 10x10 space.
One place was $179, plus insurance plus an application fee. And corporate could change the price at any time. That was the first place I stopped. Oh, and no 24 hour access and the lady was rude.
Kept looking. Oddest space was 5x20.
The cleanest, most convenient and reasonably priced place had no vacancies. The receptionist wasn’t there, so I left my info with one of the architects, Tony. We joked a bit. He admitted a couple of units had his stuff in them. I guess the architectural firm decided that this was a way to optimize the land around their offices.
So I did find a unit across town and paid for a month. Run down (have to prop the garage door with a 2x4 so it doesn’t crash on my head) locked at night and required to use their lock. I put some portable stuff in there.
The day before I rented the U-Haul, I dropped by the better place to ask again. And the receptionist, Sandy, found a unit for me. I told her I’d like to move up to a larger unit, if possible in the future. 10x15 is only $5 more! She pro-rated the month and offered several ways to pay.
So we unloaded the truck there, with the larger items. Several things I will sell in the next bit of time, and that will justify the rent.
Also, some items will go in Rose’s house if they in fact move back.
I dropped off some items today and brought a bottle of blackberry cordial for the office. I’d like to be memorable when something comes available. They should be thinking they want me around and happy and generous.
Tony stepped in just as I proffered the bottle, and I could tell he was pleased.
Then Sandy admitted there were one or two units that just needed clean out. I volunteered to help. She seemed to like that thought and added free rent in exchange for labor. I will follow up with that notion on Monday.

I’d like to discontinue the inferior rental quickly. Perhaps even by the end of the month.

>81 2wonderY: help clean out for free rent? Deal!

A few years ago there was a guy who had the best yard sale stuff. He told me that he cleaned out apartments after the tenants left, and he was allowed to keep whatever was there. I bought a refrigerator from him, late 60s model. Since then (10 years?) I have had to replace my main refrigerator, but this spare is still running.

>82 fuzzi: Yes! Of course, I’m busy as all get-out this month, but I’d fit it in. Sandy doesn’t have approval authority, but she intended to speak to the bosses about it.

Main fear is that I would want to keep stuff from the clean-out.

I told you about switching rugs in my Gardens and Books thread. Well, I was pulling the upstairs room back together this evening and I don’t have a spare fitted sheet, king size. Rose must have taken it home to launder and not brought it back.
Out to Goodwill to find one. Lands End 100% cotton!

I also brought two beautiful scarves home. One sparkly Indian red and gold. The other is a very fine wool, I think, with white on white leaf embroidery.
Also couldn’t pass up two couch pillows. Deep orange velvet with a gold leaves pattern. Perfect for fall. And they have duck feather fill. Extremely luxe.

The Goodwills by you must be much, much nicer than the ones by me (and carry less risk of bedbugs).

>85 reconditereader: Well, it is a college town. So for being poor and rural, there is a lot of culture and international travel in a large chunk of the population.

>84 2wonderY: I'd never find Lands End items at our Goodwill, it's mostly junk. However, I once found an Ethan Allen nightstand there, which had a little bit of "puppy chew" on one side. No one can see the chew marks and I love the quality of Ethan Allen.

I've been happy with most Lands End items I've purchased in the past, but am very disappointed in the Vermont Country Store sheets that ripped after 2-3 years. Their jean skirts and blankets are great, though. Know your products I guess.

I'm trying MyPillow sheets now that the VCS sheets ripped. So far I'm happy with the MyPillow sheets, and am already happy with other products from them.

Went out to search for mugs and cotton napkins for a dinner with my college class. We are hosting the new college president as well as some of our lab hosts from the term.
Since we decided to serve mulled cider, mugs are needed. I did find a matching dozen at 59c each and the same number of napkins at the same price. I will donate them to the events kitchen in the Ag building.

But…
My eye snagged on a blazer. Gold silk corduroy by Giancarlo Ferrari. From my research, it appears to have been made in the 80s. It fits!

The gentleman behind me wanted to chat and flirt (with everyone). He offered us a free 3 piece chicken dinner and then pulled out a tiny ziplock containing 3 seeds of corn.

Ha. Ha. Ha? Man, probably. Gentleman, probably not.

>88 2wonderY: hahaha, love it.

I did donate that white wool scarf with embroidery ( see >84 2wonderY:) to Alyssa, from class, for her quilt project. I had a weekend to reconsider, but I’m glad I followed through. Her eyes lit up and she said it would be perfect for the reverse of the quilt.

Our local Goodwill got a style facelift last week. A team of ladies from other stores is going around and building endcap displays and sending some of the ugliest furniture items to the dump. They did a spectacular job; but I had a notion that it wouldn’t last. I dropped by yesterday to satisfy my curiosity. The regular employees are a mixed bunch and the endcaps are already deteriorating to normal chaos.
I did come home with a Liz Claiborne pair of slacks. Dusty plum, and they fit to perfection. (size 10!). I am working on a project to discard the pants that are inferior in style, fit, lack of pockets, etc. I was able to put two pair into the discard bag in trade.

I don’t discard tools. But I have two scroll saws and I used them both today. I’m cutting shelf boards and stringers to double the storage area for a bunch of small items on regularly sized shelves.
The first scroll saw was a gift from a boyfriend back in the 90s. It has always bothered me that he bought at the bottom of the quality scale. It’s corded.
When I updated my battery tools, the kit contained two drills, a flashlight, possibly a small circular saw, and a scroll saw. There you go. It works so much better than the other.
Out goes the non-brand tool that has always irritated me. Yeah, he was a cheap SOB.

>92 2wonderY: the corded do have more power, but I have determined that I don't need more power, just "enough".

I bet you're glad you didn't marry the cheapskate.

>93 fuzzi: Oh, that was just the tip of the iceberg.