The move continues and as with every move, it seems the boxes are multiplying in the privacy of the garage. It seemed so perfect in the beginning when the first boxes were opened. Of course, those held perishables or beloved possessions that fit perfectly. We are well passed that point. Now, shelf and drawer space are up for negotiation.
I’m in the enviable position of having lived here at Winterpast for four years. Having pared down from a larger house in Virginia City, I’ve spent four summers deciding which things would stay and which would go. Again, initial purging is a piece of cake. College texts. Ill-fitting clothes. Belongings from a late spouse. All those things were obvious, yet maybe not easy choices. I was approaching what I felt were the special things that would make the cut when I’m moved to an old folk’s home.
But no. Not even close.
Why does anyone own a 10 year old electronic foot bath with electronic foot scrubbers that has never been taken out of the box? Or 10 sets of towels in a varying state of decay? Extra bed sheets and linens for guest that never come?
Now, the stash of toilet paper is non-negotiable. Winterpast has a delightful garage area for storing up for winter. There is big savings in buying ahead for things you will use, like extra dishwasher detergent, garbage bags, and 90 extra rolls of toilet paper. Not just because “you just never know”. We did all know in the early spring of 2020, didn’t we? If things get really bad, my two-ply Kirkland brand TP might be worth something we need in the bartering world. Because, really, in this day and age, you just never know.
Wall space is especially sacred due to the fact that Winterpast is window rich. Every wall in every room has at least one. This provides needed light for plants, but is very troublesome when blending pictures.
Yesterday, we officially went from owning three bedrooms of furniture to two, the desired amount. HHH had found the most wonderful queen bed at a yard sale. Solid-oak, this four poster bed was beautifully crafted and without a scratch. HHH created a guest room down to new doilies under the lamps. New quilt and shams. The works. But, there was no room at this inn for two guest rooms. We rarely have one guest, let alone two at the same time. And, this chick-a-dee needs a place to write and craft.
In true gentleman form, HHH sacrificed his gorgeous guest set in order to keep his gorgeous king-sized set and leave my studio untouched. His granddaughter was the lucky recipient of a wonderful and very needed bedroom set from grandpa! How lovely is that?
Today, we are rearranging our storage and then tackling the yard art, shed, and garage. We’re a day away from one very empty house. At that time, cleaning and repairs will begin with a vengeance. Our deadline for renting the house is December 1st, and we’re right on track. Maybe even a little ahead of schedule.
Another relative is purchasing HHH’s extra car, leaving us with three. Our two closets are now nestled into one. You get the idea. Things are blending. At the end of each day, we share dinner and laughs while watching something on the television. Last night, it was Thursday night football and leftover Chinese. All the while, Wookie and Oliver nestle together by the fire while loving each other as brother and sister. Our little family of four is completely happy and happily complete.
Whatever you do today, think about the day you might need to downsize. Do you really need 10 crystal bowls and dinner service for 12? Probably not. If you haven’t looked at something for ten years, it could really go. Consider those in your family that might enjoy these possessions for a time. Hand Me Down’s are always better when they come with a family story. It’s fall. Time for cleaning.
I’ll be back Monday.