2025 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN MrsSD - The Joy of Decluttering

sqwiffy

It's hard to keep up with Mr F's health progress. No wonder you're tired Florenceem! So pleased you were firm.

And Babyface made it. Phew! We've all been on tenterhooks and we're just bystanders....

How do we collect so much paper Brambling? And now I'm also stacking up emails too! Perhaps I need to do a Stacey Solomon and tell myself to get rid of at least 50% of everything? I'm going to have to work quicker or smarter. I haven't even figured out how to put all the little things at the bottom of my page, I'm that rubbish at this technology stuff

Ah, Wee Nancy I'd be a bit worried that DM would be singing all night As it is, she is often quietly spelling or counting her fingers as if her mind can't rest. But maybe I'll try some restful background white noise?

Daisy 1571, I think you might have lost some weight from all that effort! I've never tried knitting with circular needles but maybe one day. We have a fantastic cs for a local hospice that I love as it's full of only crafty things. Wool, fabric, needles, haberdashery (something you never see these days unless you go abroad), paint, pens, cardmaking bits, etc.etc. I go there for old zips, or anything first and it's a real treat but I haven't been for ages.

Ionafan, what's the jungle warehouse? I did a search online and a refugee camp in Calais or a show came up? Someone else put a shop called Sostrene grene on here the other day and I'd not heard of that either. We have rubbish shops in my city these days. We used to love going down town when I was young where we had a market for food and clothes and places like Woolies where you could get anything. Now, it's all food shops, charity shops, tattoo shops, beauty shops, barbers, betting shops and vape shops! Everything's about the body these days, have you noticed? Luckily I don't buy much anymore but when I do, it's hard to find it so you end up going online. Then that makes it harder to find shops as they close down. In my nearest shops, we no longer have a bakery shop or a greengrocers and every time a shop closes, they turn into one of those same old "body shops". I don't know how they can all make money? How many haircuts or shaves do men have these days? Or are they all just money launderers?

I hope your grandson's okay Florenceem. And you need to learn to say NO to any extra jobs anyone asks you to do at the moment. When you're not at hospital or SA, you should be resting your mind and body or you are going to completely exhause yourself. Why not start by going back to GD and this other person and saying you'd love to help but just haven't had the time. Perhaps tell them about a lovcal sewing service they could use? We actually have a group where they could learn to sew ( I volunteer there but not lately) If they care about you, they will understand.

Dizzycap

Florenceem said:

vulpix - I think concentrating on a difficult alteration would occupy my mind. Besides I love a challenge. At the moment - all I can think about is an OT telling me that they are discharging Mr F. Last time they discharged Mr F - he was such hard work for me - I am going to refuse to accept him home in his present condition.

I agree! As I always say: "There are times when you need to put your foot down with a firm hand and say, 'NO!'"

Decluttering a nice mug of well deserved coffee at the mo while listing a few decuttering items for sale It's been a good day with babyface improving in leaps and bounds and if you'd seen her earlier, that was indeed the case bouncing about like a Spring lamb on the bed Little tyke I managed to calm her down with a de-stressing soft toy which she nibbled for about 10 minutes, burnt herself out and is presently still conked out on the spot with baby in mouth snoring and piggy grunting her head off They'll be absolute hell to pay tomorrow but looking forward to taking her out on the back lawn with harness and lead on so that she can have a sniff and gentle wonder around 

I've managed to get all my limited decluttering tasks finished so having a very early night after I've fed the foxes.

Wishing everyone a very peaceful evening & night - bibity bop for now xxxx

Florenceem

This afternoon I set off with bags of cut up loaves to feed the birds - left it on some grass on the way to town.
I took a pop cake maker to a charity shop then went to get cash and change for tomorrow's sale.
I had to do myself a list as there were quite a few places to visit.
I posted off the V sale and took a bag of donations to the £2 charity shop.
Finally I got the local paper and a bus to the hospital. I had forgotten to put chocolate for J on my list!
Mr F was in bed but had been up in a chair. He saw a Dr this morning and told him that he had Gout in his big toe - Doctor agreed so he is on medication for that now.
OT had been and walked him across the ward - he isn't going to get fit with such a short amount of physio.
Someone from Rapid Transfer Service had been and given him paperwork which states that he is on Pathway Two which is rehabilitation. I will not hold my breath as I was promised rehab for Mr F in January then he was sent home in an unfit condition.
I stopped off on my way home to buy chocolate for J - his reward for helping tomorrow. 
I had just got home when Mr F phoned - he had forgotten to tell me that the Dr said the ECG showed a problem with his heart - he started on blood thinners when the evening meds were given out. Apparently the issue is intermittent but needing medication - Mr F can't remember the name of the condition.
I couldn't believe it - one thing after another.
It is even more important that Mr F doesn't fall and cut himself now.
I won't be visiting tomorrow as the table top sale is so tiring.

ionafan

sqwiffy said:

Ionafan, what's the jungle warehouse? 

Think South American rainforest, with a very long river running through it - beginning with AM, with a Z in the middle and ON at the end   I doubt that my shopping actually came from Brazil - it was most probably dispatched from the big warehouse at Redditch, only about 20 miles from here, except that they first send it 20 miles south to Droitwich where it's loaded onto the delivery van before it comes north again to us!

@vulpix thanks for the reminder to buy the April Gardener's World with the gardens entry offer.  It's the only issue that I buy now.

@Dizzycap Rosie and I are glad to hear that babyface is on the mend xx

@Florenceem please continue to take good care of yourself and rest as much as you can xx

I hunted out some ancestors from the 1700s today - went to the archives in a neighbouring town to find them.  It took me a long while to work out how to use an up-to-date type of computer with a touch screen as well as a mouse, but now I am almost a convert.

GrannyKate

My post just disappeared - I'll start again in the morning. 

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks
2. Concerted effort to sort out sleep patterns - Realistic targets: bed by 2:00 a.m. & up by 10:00 a.m 
3. Continue dealing 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

DH has just changed the shower hose in the bath 👏 I have spent the afternoon watching TV - currently watching Westworld + dealt with a bit of paperwork. DH went out for a walk. Still replying to Wednesday’s posts 😉

Dizzycap, so pleased to hear that babyface’s op went well & that she was home the same day 🥹

sqwiffy, relieved to hear that your DM is sleeping well 😊 & I hope that 3 nights extended into a 4th night 🙏 Sorry to hear about Dsis2’s chronic health conditions 😔 so am hoping that she is recovering from her fall 🙏 Lovely cheerleading 😊 

Excellent decluttering of paperwork Brambling 👏 As you have done so much I am awarding you a Gold Star ⭐️ 

Excellent decluttering on Wednesday Liverpool_Anne 👏 Very pleased to hear that you popped into the clinic about your wrist & here’s hoping that the meds & splint work well so that no doctor’s visit is needed 🤞

weenancy  This “Have you considered having a music playlist ….  that plays songs from the forties and fifties that can be playing softly by your Mum's bed overnight. They have been doing research here on how music helps people sleep…..“. what a great idea 😊

Can you believe it…. I am now on Thursday’s posts 🥳

GrannyKate, it will be nice to have DD with you for a couple of nights 😊 Good news that the house next door has been sold 👏 hopefully you will have some lovely new neighbours 🤞 Probably the ideal time to get a shiny new, more efficient boiler & it sounds like you might have already factored that into your renovation costs 😉 Excellent decluttering 👏 It also sounds like your bedroom is almost finished 🥳 Good luck packing away the kitchen stuff ready for work to start 🍀

Just spotted the time so need to break off, put the oven on after arranging the shelves - fish’n’chips for DH & me, chicken & chips for DSis. 

Crazycatlady2, pleased to hear that your son was well enough to go to school 😊 I imagine it will be a little sad visiting your old house for the last time 🥹 but now you have your new home & can look to the future ☺️ Hope the council visit went well 🤞

CRANKY40, hope you were successful in finding plants to convert your “weedbed to a flowerbed” 😊 Excellent decluttering 👏 & lovely cheerleading 😊 Also This “….. I love that this thread is so supportive - a problem shared may not quite be a problem decluttered but this is a great place for good advice.” is a wonderful compliment to all our Declutterati family 🥹

Florenceem, hopefully waking up with a start didn’t undo the benefits of a deep sleep 🤞 A very busy start to Thursday 👏 especially having to tidy up the contents of ripped open bags ☹️ There are some inconsiderate people about 😢 

Dizzycap,so pleased to hear that babyface had such a good Wednesday night 🥹 she is obviously a very healthy dog 😊Thank you so much for the pictures of Mrs & Mr Swan 👏 That nest is huge 🤩 & what a wonderful garden 😍 

Florenceem, it beggars belief that you weren’t told 😧 Hope your visit to MrF went well & that you did Not have to do battle with the OTs 🤞 

vulpix, good luck decluttering the ‘ugly mugs’ 🍀 Now that you have a vase, I will keep my fingers crossed that someone will buy you flowers just because 😏 

Still cheerleading Thursday’s posts but gradually catching up 😉 I will see you all later 👋 

MrsSD Awards: 💐 🌟 ❤️ ❤️ 🏅 💐 💐 💐 🏅🥉🏅 🎂 🌟⭐️⭐️❤️ 🍫🐾 😍

DH Awards: 🏅 

DSis Awards:

Decluttering Target 2025: 574/2025

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £41.00

TC77

Hugs to those in need. So much going on in everyone's lives.
@GrannyKate love the bedroom and can't believe how much you and others have done after managing to move!
Can't recall who said about getting rid of 50% of belongings as in the TV show. I;m sure I could live well with 50% less, probably could do 70% less books, 30 - 40% less clothes, 70% less crockery and 30% less linen etc!
However, I worked quite late, 2 large frogs appeared which I am ignoring and just sat watching TV....... but know things won't get done on their own.
Cabinet being collected tomorrow and someone coming to quote to do the front of the house.
Decided clothes which are way too small will go, but as I got some summer things out realise it's been at least half a decade when each season I've said I'll see if I wear it next winter/summer and then said maybe next year.
 3 library books back 343...
Have replaced thick wool scarves etc with suncream in the hall drawers and at least 3 scarves I haven't worn this year or last but I love.... just need the right coat/jacket to go with them...Hmm think you can see why I have too much 

TC77

4,500 emails across my 2 email accounts, can't recall if I set a number to reduce it by but ideally 1500 by the end of the year !
And still have my new kitchen bin in its box - I forget about it and sub consciously know anything in my house will become scruffy so keeping it for a special occasion !! I am getting better at wearing my best clothes and using my best crockery....can't think anyone else has not unwrapped a kitchen bin?

weenancyinAmerica

@ionafan - Some times packages are sent to us from a town 5 miles away and have to travel 5 or 6 days and 800 miles to get here (following their tracking reports). I keep saying that the company should put a camera on the front of the truck so that we can see the country like our packages are. The record so far is about 3200 miles - with about 7 stops on the way - having gone to a town about thirty miles from here and then up to Northern California (500 miles) from here before coming south again. I considered making a chart on some of them. They are taking the vacations for me.

Dizzycap

Florenceem said:

This afternoon I set off with bags of cut up loaves to feed the birds - left it on some grass on the way to town.
I took a pop cake maker to a charity shop then went to get cash and change for tomorrow's sale.
I had to do myself a list as there were quite a few places to visit.
I posted off the V sale and took a bag of donations to the £2 charity shop.
Finally I got the local paper and a bus to the hospital. I had forgotten to put chocolate for J on my list!
Mr F was in bed but had been up in a chair. He saw a Dr this morning and told him that he had Gout in his big toe - Doctor agreed so he is on medication for that now.
OT had been and walked him across the ward - he isn't going to get fit with such a short amount of physio.
Someone from Rapid Transfer Service had been and given him paperwork which states that he is on Pathway Two which is rehabilitation. I will not hold my breath as I was promised rehab for Mr F in January then he was sent home in an unfit condition.
I stopped off on my way home to buy chocolate for J - his reward for helping tomorrow. 
I had just got home when Mr F phoned - he had forgotten to tell me that the Dr said the ECG showed a problem with his heart - he started on blood thinners when the evening meds were given out. Apparently the issue is intermittent but needing medication - Mr F can't remember the name of the condition.
I couldn't believe it - one thing after another.
It is even more important that Mr F doesn't fall and cut himself now.
I won't be visiting tomorrow as the table top sale is so tiring.

Sounds like AF / AFib = Atrial fibrillation - who can remember the name, even at the best of times! As Mr.F is now on blood thinners, he's going to have to be careful  not to hit/bang himself and especially his head, let alone not cutting / crazing himself. Now there really is an even greater urgency of personal safety as you can't watch him 24/7 WOW! What an absolute dilema and an even greater worry in an already very stressful situation for you Florenceem - My thoughts and prayers go out to you both

@ weenancyinAmerica - "I keep saying that the company should put a camera on the front of the truck so that we can see the country like our packages are." - That's really tickled me! We too have similar madness in the UK but not 3200 miles worth!

babyface & I are up for a short break from sleep. I decided I would bring a box of decluttered items into the lounge to get photographing, went off to make a coffee and came back to the box rustling. There was I thinking mouse, gawd forbid a rat when up popped babyface's head. I've got absolutely no idea how she got in it and she certainly moved fast, so someone's feeling better & having a party! She's using one of her spare Xlarge Bunty beds to sleep in at the moment as she's finding it really comfy and easy to roll over mid sleep to swap sides or get on her back. She's presently fast asleep snoring and grunting on her back with legs akimbo airing her incision area which is healing fantastically with no further signs of infection - She knows exactly what she needs to do to heal and demands - that's how I know she's getting better; good quality quiet silent comfortable rest & sleep; mobile phones and iPlayer on silent; otherwise you get the 'I'm not amuzed' look , hydration, medication, Manuka honey, and little and often food intakes. The bedroom looks like a Dog hotel at the moment with me being the daily chamber maid and 24/7 babyface sitter, but it's not the first time we've been through the wars together, but I do hope it will be the last, for her sake

Time for another coffee before we potter back off to the bedroom - Good night all xxx