2024 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN MrsSD

weenancyinAmerica

Hi there, not been posting for awhile as things have gone haywire, but thought I would check in with a few of the highlights and lowlights. Had the second shot in my back for lower vertebrae problems - this one may be working but a giant bruise from twisting my leg when a heavy box fell on my foot is keeping me from beginning to tell. Very wobbly on my legs at the minute. It is hard to declutter when using a walker. Any suggestions are welcomed.

One roommate (Di) is being treated for leg problems with ulcers and cellulitis. Visiting medical personnel here every couple of days (3 of them so it just seems like they are here all of the time). Roommate G announced last week that he is moving in with his online girl friend he has never met - supposedly this weekend. Six days notice for me - and I am still not sure she is really meaning it. She is in her twenties according to him and they would be living with her sister and her niece - I am very nervous about this. Another roommate is getting married in February but can't support himself, much less both of them. The fourth roommate is supported by his grandmother at this point and is trying to get on disability. Would like to roll the clock back 13 years when there was just me and one cat. 

It was a new bookcase that attacked me so I will be glad when it is up and fastened to the wall. It was still in the box when it fell on me - but I hope we can at least get all of the books in the living room onto the shelves (about 30 boxes altogether). Have found a few more repairs that need doing around the house and will see if relatives can help. One is replacing shower- floor has rotted out and the tile floor in the shower is cracked. That and the ramp going out to the backyard are the two main problems.  

But today is Thanksgiving here in America.
I am thankful I am still here and able to get out of bed in the morning.
The Friends of the Library celebrated 60 years in existence with proclamations from several places and a special visit to the City Council. We have raised almost 2 million dollars for the library in that time. We have one more bok sale to go this year - and then there will be 9 regular book sales and 3 two-day book sales next year. We are still going strong.
We won a free turkey for Thanksgiving but it was still frozen this morning so we will have it in the next day or so.  Instead three of us had a bucket of chicken. One sister and her family are in Hawaii for the holidays, their 50th anniversary, and her birthday. The other spent the day putting up her Christmas tree and had to go out because of the heat. As it was 24C here today with no rain in the forecast! I am sure someone said we are almost to winter - we haven't even had a real fall yet. 

Hope all of  you can stay warm and dry and celebrate having four seasons. 

vulpix

 Happy Thanksgiving weenancy. I am pleased to hear that your back treatment has possibly worked. I do a chair yoga class, but it is something that can be done at home, it helps me a lot. One of the ladies is 93 and wheelchair bound. She said yesterday that since she started yoga 6 weeks ago her physiotherapist has discharged her as she can now easily meet all the criteria. The best advice is, try, flexibility will come and getting the pose is something to aim for. I like it because it helps my spine and knees without standing up to do it.
 As for your housemates, the loss of one of them doesn't sound like much of a loss. What financial loss there may be is made up for in not running around after them. Fingers crossed that one of them actually moves on. I do hope the one getting married doesn't expect to move his new bride in.
 What an amazing thing the Friends of the Library have done all these years. You should be very proud of all the work you have done there.
 Our seasons are now blurred. Spring and summer merge as does Autumn and winter. We are having a cold snap at the moment but it is unusual these days. Our climate has changed rapidly over the past 40 years. A very short time indeed in evolutionary terms.

 We are going to see my son and his family today. They are finishing work and nursery early to have some time with us. In the car and out of the shed is a bookcase, a big dolls house and all the furniture for it, a black bag of DS stuff from when I emptied my Mum's house and a box of stuff gathered from us. An advent calendar I made, chocolate for it, a cute Teddy bear Christmas pudding Christmas tree ornament made by my friend, the little glass door from a bookcase made into a picture frame, a couple of jumpers I have knitted for DGS, ooh and a Victorian lead plumb line which came from my Grandad's shed. I thought it would look nice in their printers tray full of little interesting things. Also a set of 4 books I got from the charity shop for DGS. The glass door frame sounds odd but they are always looking for old oak frames, they suit the age of their house. They have decided to adopt a rescue cat. He is grey and will be called Slim.

 Yesterday Mr V put in an outside electric socket on the back of the shed. We hope to have an outside Christmas tree on the top garden from Sunday. I mostly did sewing and knitting. I have brought the sewing with me to do in the car. I need to get on with it. I drove the car for the first time yesterday. A much more enjoyable experience for me than driving the behemoth we used to have.

 Have a photo of the index card drawers side table.

 Vx

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all, another slow decluttering day yesterday. I was still not feeling right, my sinuses were a bit achy and I dosed up with paracetamol and eventually I had a rummage in the meds cupboard and found the tail end of a nasal spray that helped, so nasal spray uu but I will be replacing that today so can't really count that . 1 LDFPA, bedroom recycling and I wandered around the kitchen and lr with a bag and managed to fill it with carp . I also did a lot of my crochet last night as I need it to be finished by next weekend so it can be delivered to the parents to be . OH had a parcel delivered but it had been left in the green waste bin which I only realised because the bin lid was not shut properly and I had a real struggle to get it out as it was so big, had to tip the bin on it's side and drag it out. No knock on the door, no text notification it was being delivered or note to say it had been left. I did witness a minor miracle yesterday, OH had a pupil on test so the car was given a wipe round first thing and a couple of micro fleece cloths were left on the top of the gas cupboard, when OH came in later they were moved to the top of the washing machine without me even saying a word, I nearly fainted . The hall is still clutter free apart from the big parcel delivered yesterday
As I am feeling better today I hope I will get something done, the sun is out but rain is forecast for later. Watching starlings on the bird feeder right now

@Mrs SD I like the look of that bird feeder, it would allow the little birds in but maybe stop the magpies etc from gobbling it all . I will have a hunt for one like that . Thank you for the flowers

@Deni_debt-free_dreamer yes I think you should think about cutting the work down, do you ever get time to sleep ?

@Florenceem another busy day and now you have taken over Mr F's jobs as well, please think about trying to take some time for yourself, hugs

@TC77 glad you had such a nice visit, it's lovely to see old friends

@Betharooni hugs

@London_1 I have had that bp monitor, I don't know how they expect it to show normal readings when it keeps waking you up . Hope all the tests go well, hugs

@weenancyinAmerica sorry your leg is still not better, I have no idea how you would declutter with a walking frame, look after yourself first, gentle hugs. Happy thanksgiving . I can see how your house mates are a worry, try not to stress too much about them. As for us having 4 seasons sometimes we get them all in one day here .

@Vulpix I love that little side table you have created from the card index box . So talented .. I like a bit of yoga as well, I used to go regularly to a group one evening a week in a local school but they stopped. I also like tai chi which is very good for flexibility and balance which I find I need more as I am getting older I used to do it with the kids in school and even those in wheel chairs enjoyed it, nice calm start to the day but I haven't found a local group yet though I am still looking . Hope you have a nice visit

Right off for another cuppa . Hugs to everyone who would like one

1761 LDFPA
1762 bedroom recycling
1763 bag of carp from kitchen and lr
Take care everyone
1763/2024

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks 

2. Sort out sleep patterns - target bed by 2:00 a.m. & up by 10:00 a.m 

3. Deal with mail & email on a daily basis

4. Don’t put it down, put it away + deal with mini tasks as soon as they are noticed e.g. refill olive oil pourer or salt cellar, stitch up a hole in a garment etc

5. Commence ‘Operation Frog Tickling’ using the acronym - I.R.I.S. (Identify, Research, Implement, Sign Off) - One per quarter

6. Continue to keep kitchen clean & tidy - before going to bed

Thursday: I did have a small bout of activity 😉 Wrote a shopping list (being mindful to minimise any frozen foods) for DH & DSis who set off at 14:00. Then spent 20 minutes tidying the lr table - flowers have finally been composted, vase washed & put away; DH’s filing now in his office & the rest of his paperwork shredded or recycled; bike jacket hung up, over trousers put away in wardrobe; new kettle stored in under-stairs cupboard. The table & surrounding area looks a lot neater 🙂 Now I just need DSis to sort her small stack of paperwork 😉 Once DH & DSis finally got back - mayhem on the roads & in MrS - I put everything away & returned to knitting the scarf which is the last part of another set. I finished my curry, DH & DSis had picked up ready meals - chilli con carne & lasagne respectively. Apparently very tasty 🤤 Wudupa. Then DSis made a chocolate coconut cake for my DH as it is his birthday today (Friday). As an added bonus it stayed dry all day even though it was chilly 🙂

159 - 167 Kitchen recycling, 2 plastic pots, 4 foil trays, drinks cans, cardboard box - recycled 

168 - 170 Kitchen detritus, unwanted/freezer burnt food items, 0.5” shredding - binned 

Friday is another bright sunny day with temperatures set to reach a high of 9°C. I was up slightly later after giving DH lots of birthday hugs 🥰 in lieu of a present 😂 although I did get him a card & made him a coffee 😉 DSis received a large package today - she had finally bought a leather jacket for riding the bike 😉 A real bargain from Barnados - £15.49 including p&p so worth a punt 🤩 Sadly it doesn’t fit her & it doesn’t fit me either 😔 Now to catch up with the cheerleading 🤞

Deni_debt-free_dreamer, apologies for getting hold of the wrong end of the stick 🙊  Fingers crossed that you can declutter at least the PT job next year 🤞

Florenceem, getting items ready for sale on V & then listing, packing & sending is practically a full time job 🤩 so I do hope you are taking care of your back 🙏

TC77, sounds like a very successful & happy visit 😊 Fingers crossed that you get to America for a visit soon 🤞

Betharooni, you were certainly busy & productive yesterday 👏 although I did struggle to identify the ‘lazy’ part of the day 🤔 Good luck with the sewing machine repair 🍀 Hopefully you can fix it & your niece will appreciate adding another string to her ‘crafting bow’ 😊 Please spend lots of time in the TLC Carriage 🙏 I can highly recommend the massage chairs 😉

London_1, talk about being organised 🤩 I still haven’t dug out the box of Christmas cards let alone written any 😉 December is a big month for me as far as birthdays go - aunt, brother-in-law, friend, cousin’s husband, step cousin’s two boys (one on Christmas Day), sister-in-law & the son of my youngest cousin 😥 - just the Eight cards 😉 + a friend’s birthday on New Years Day 😅 The doctors on the IoW are definitely giving you a very thorough MOT 😊 I am with your DD - I would love a mantelpiece 😉 brings back happy memories of Christmas stockings & yes the obligatory clock (which in our case rarely showed the correct time 😉)

suzeesu2000, sounds like your husband came from the same mould as mine 🥰 Great decluttering 👏

Florenceem, I am exhausted just reading about how much you got done yesterday 🤩 Not only are you NOT lazy but there are no signs of any procrastination either 😊 Please, please do remember to have some rest 🙏🙏 Happy to hear that MrF is still making the effort to come downstairs for his meals 🙂 Hopefully his meds will start working soon & he can spend more time out of bed 🙏

So lovely to see you weenancy 🥹 Although I am very sorry to hear that life is so hard at the moment & that your health issues are causing so many problems 😔 I do so wish that I could offer more than virtual support & virtual (very gentle) cwtches 🤗  I am even more sorry/annoyed/bewildered/dismayed at the inconsiderate attitudes of your roommates - unfortunately no emoji quite fits. I am also still trying to work out which planet/planets they each come from 😞 No wonder you would like to roll the clock back 😔 Just wondering if you can get any help from charitable or city organisations with the house repairs 🤔 Happy Thanksgiving. I am in awe of how positive you are in the face of adversity 🥹 I will join with vulpix in praising the marvellous work that Friends of the Library has done over the past 60 years & the huge contribution you have made towards its success 🥳 + what a spectacular amount of monies raised 🤩 Please take care 🙏

vulpix, that table is gorgeous 😻  what an excellent renovation 👏 Sounds like you will have a lovely time at your son’s 🥹 don’t forget to wave as you drive past 😉 Excellent decluttering 👏

Liverpool_Anne, not quite sure that I would class yesterday as a slow decluttering day 😉 Pleased to hear that you are feeling better today 😊 Lovely cheerleading as usual ☺️ The bird feeder is great as the little birds can get right inside 🥳 I had thought it was a new purchase but in fact DH bought it years ago & it has been languishing in the garden box. However, he has tracked down the company he bought it from: Vine House Farms - Nuttery Caged Suet Block & Fat Ball Feeder (upgraded as ours is only a suet block feeder) Quite expensive but from my pov the enjoyment of watching tits, sparrows etc feeding without interference far outweighs the cost 😊

All caught up, having had a long break to enjoy a bowl of hm (mostly vegetable) soup 🤤 DSis has decided to donate the leather jacket so it is now bagged ready for my next visit to cs. I do hope everyone is having as good a day as possible ☺️

MrsSD: I AM A ⭐️ - 🥇 🎖️ 💐 🌟 🏅 💐 🎖️ 💐 ⭐️ 💐 💐 🥇 ⭐️ ⭐️ 💐 ⭐️ ⭐️ 🎖️🎖️ 💐💐⭐️

DH Awards: IS A 💎🏅 🌟 🥰 🏅🏅

DSis Awards: 🏅 💐 💐 🤗 ⭐️ ⭐️

Decluttering Target 2024: 2029/2024: New Target 366:  170/366

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £681.70

Duchess2

Happy birthday Mr SD. Sounds like you had a very frustrating dream Mrs SD. Suseeesu2000 I too have the very best of DH’s.  Aren’t we lucky. Well done on the cards front London_1.  I have sent my cards for Oz and France but done nothing for UK so far. I decluttered a large bag of coats and jackets to the cs, together with some surplus to requirements Xmas deccies and my old but still good artificial tree. Hope it brings some cheer to someone for the season and it’s another few bits going out of my house.  Still tidying bits here and there and have a tip trip booked for tomorrow, so even more tat on its way out. Have a good weekend everyone

weenancyinAmerica

@Mrs. S_D - Hope Mr. S_D has a wonderful birthday today. 

@Florenceem - I am amazed by all you do and your dedication. You make me feel like I am standing still. Prayers and hugs for Mr. F. 

@vulpix - I have some old little cabinets from my librarian days out in the garage. You have spurred me on to find them and repurpose them.  Or at least get them to the family member who might be able to do that. Thank you for your comments.

@Liverpool_Anne - I need to try the exercises designed for chair use. Certainly can't stand up for any now. Very strange way to hide a package from you. Glad you found it. 

I hope the storm hitting our Northeast doesn't cross over and make too many problems for everyone. Hugs and prayers for everyone.

daisy_1571

Happy birthday Mr dodger.

Agree with all positive comments for florenceem and weenancyinAmerica,  you both do a power of work.  WeenancyinAmerica I'm looking forward to you decluttering 2 of your 'room mates' and ALL their stuff going with them.  Doesn't matter if you think it won't work in their new relationships, thats for them to deal with.  Remember, you are initially trying to get space to move around in with your walker then getting yourself a smaller house - can't do that with the whole lot of you.

Florenceem,  get that silly thought out your head.  You do not procrastinate- if there's anything you aren't getting round to in a day its merely because there are only 24 hours !  (Did my ideas the other day sound reasonable?   No need to respond if they didn't,  just didn't want you to have missed them)

Take care everyone else xxxxxx

Florenceem

Happy Birthday Mr SD.
daisy_1571 _ I had help at SA today sorting donations. We put a table outside and covered it in books and toys. I will have to ask how much was left when they brought the table in.
I do have to be careful who touches the donations as we have a lot of light fingered folk in and out of the building.
I went to SA this morning to get the crates of bric a brac ready for tomorrow. Then I sorted donations in the foyer and put filled bags in the crate in the alley way.
It was bin day and Mr F usually does that job so I did it before I left home.
When I got home I did lunch for Mr F and tidied in the kitchen. The dishwasher went on yesterday so I had all that to put away.
I planned to go into town with parcels but it didn't happen - I still haven't found some sold items. I spent some time going through bags before cooking dinner. Mr F came down for his dinner and then went back upstairs. I need to pack my trolley for tomorrow and have a shower.
My Dgs J is coming to SA at 7.30 am to help set up for the table top sale. He will come back to help put away at 1.
I will need to come home and do the parcels.
V sales today only £6.

London_1

Good evening chums well was very happy to declutter the BP monitor this afternoon.
I also saw the Lymphoedema Nurse, and she going to order me extra different sleeves for my right arm these ones will be easier to put ones they have velcro fastenings.

Just came out of the clinic and got a text from my old friend Pats daughter.
 Her and her Mum had not long moved up to Staylbridge at the end of October

 Pat had lost her OH last New Year and they both decided that moving back to the north would do them both good
 Her and her OH have been friends of mine for over 25 years as we both shared a mutual interest if history A lovely couple who had been married 62 years .She sadly had a heart attack yesterday and passed away so I'm feeling a bit low tonight. 
She was such a smashing person and her late OH as well.When I lost my OH and then when I had Breast cancer they were both there for me, and even when Covid was rid they would phone to make sure I was OK and had enough food in lockdown. But hopefully she is with her lovely OH once more God Rest them.

I hope everyone has had a good week and has a good weekend 

Night Night God bless all here 

JackieO xx

weenancyinAmerica

JackieO - losing friends like that is always hard. Sending you lots of (((hugs))). Nancy