2020 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[debthaven]

I'm so sorry about your MIL's diagnosis saveinla . Wishing you all the best. 

[Sharon]

This week I got the window washed in the extra bedroom that had puppy nose prints all over it from the 4 legged house guest I had last weekend.  The bathrooms also got a deep clean one evening this past week. 

Yesterday not a whole lot was accomplished as I ended up going down to see DD and the kids for a while.  Before I drove down there I stopped at the dollar store to pick up some wrapping supplies and while I was there I picked up the kids these headband things that have Christmas lights on them.  DGD was wearing hers around her waist.  You can see them better then.

Today I finally decided to figure out how to clean my oven.  I had never used the self clean feature on my this oven so kept putting it off since that meant I would have to actually dig out the manual and read it.  Now off to get some laundry going.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 13, 2020 12:27:59 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Knee Deep in Water Chloe you have a duck?! With a bow?! 

Oh, I do! Except he doesn't have a bow yet! I'm making him a Christmas bow. 

[busymom]

Hi Kids!  How are you all doing?  We finished decorating the Christmas tree yesterday, and also got out a lot of our Christmas decorations.  We also had some motivation to clean house, as one of DD's old friends said they'd be stopping by to exchange Christmas gifts.  Well, due to COVID, they decided not to even set foot in the house, but at least I got DH to help me clean house.     Worth it!  

[countrygirl2]

We haven't received hubs new passport. I sent the old one in I think 2 months ago. I did get acknowledgment they received it.

Hubs and I were talking about all the stuff we have. As he said 50 years worth. I did get rid of clothes through the years, but am bad about keeping a 40 year old coat I can still wear and is nice. It's just to big. He has one garage in good shape, and part of another one better. But the motorhome and the 4 bay in the back are a mess.  He will get back at it once he finishes the trailer.

I am cleaning in our bedroom, and got rid of a wicker laundry hamper, a pile of clothes of MIL's to the basement. A foot massager neither of us like and more.  The book case in there is going downstairs, but not today. I have a collection by contributing to the dems of a set of dolls. I have Kamala, Joe, Obama, Hillary, Trump, the Pope, Ruth Ginsburg, Mueller, and a bunch more. I bagged them in a zipper bag so I can see them, but downstairs they go too.  I have a zipper storage container under the bed full of sweaters I need to look through.

I need to paint DD's bedroom and bath, bath is small. And the dining room. I painted all the rest last year or before. I want hubs to put me up a nice backsplash in the kitchen too, but a lot more to do before we get to that.

The kittens are running through here like wild cats. Our hallway is over 30 ft and then it goes into DD's bathroom and the other end through our bedroom and into our bathroom. So they can run 50 foot or more the whole length of the house.  Good thing or they couldn't burn off all that energy.  The one cat is really starting to like DD, he was reaching for her hand and up on the couch beside her. Rolling on his back and purring at her. I'm so glad, our other cat just wasn't like that. The other one goes in there but this one seems to like her a lot more.  Our neighbors that gave them to  us came by and we showed them the kitties. They hissed at them when they tried to touch them, but after awhile did better. It's a joke between he and hubs. He brought him a T shirt he had made that said real men love cats.  He said hubs had to wear it to the restaurant uptown. I don't know if he will but we sure had a good laugh over it.

[debthaven]

It's great that you're getting rid of stuff countrygirl2 . I think you need to be careful not to shop too much once everything opens up again. I hope you don't mind me saying that. I know you have a lot of rentals and you help a lot of people in your community. You and your DH are so generous! 

We have a Lavazzo mini espresso machine. We couldn't get the capsules during the last lockdown, so I stocked up this summer once I could. Since everyone will be home for Christmas, I checked our stock. It has gone down, a LOT! So I just ordered 3 more boxes.

[Sharon]

Today was kind of a swap of stuff.  DD and family are getting ready to move further away.  It appears that housing is finally going to open for them at DSIL's new job.  They took 4 plastic totes that I had emptied over the past year and brought me a queen bed headboard etc and a dresser.  They also brought 3 berry crates but those float around between the houses so I don't really count those.  The queen bed I had set up in the guest room was just on a frame, now it has a headboard and foot board. 

Growing up DSIL never had a bed until he was in high school.  He just slept on the floor or on the couch or where ever.  His parents moved when he was in high school and by then he was the last kid home so they finally bought him a bed.  He would like to keep this bed for when the kids are older or whatever.  It looks nice in my guest room so it works for everyone.

[countrygirl2]

I'm not disagreeing, don't need to shop. But I don't have to worry about shopping here, not much of anything here anymore. I had to buy online most everything for Christmas. We lost all our major retailers at the mall. Pennys is pitiful. And I seldom find anything at Dress for Less or TJ Maxx, we lost Steinmart which had such nice clothing. I think about all we have is Christopher & Banks at the mall. We can get their items greatly discounted online. There is a Kohl's but I just don't shop there. Walmarts clothing is getting better. The Time & True brand is pretty well made. They had coats last fall for $60, here they did not sell, I bought one for DD and I each, $15 each.  Very warm.

We are discussing a composting commode for the basement. We have water in the mechanical room, hubs said we could also put a sink. But it would have to go out the sump pump and I don't want soapy water in it. We have such a nice basement and those folks didn't put a bathroom down there, we sure would have. But we would have to put an upflush toilet or some other arrangement and would cost a lot. But it is very inconvenient to be down there and have to come all the way up for the bathroom. So I think a commode like that would work fine.




  

[debthaven]

Sharon that is so sad, about your DSIL. I'm glad the bed works in your guest room. No wonder your DSIL feels so close to you (that is certainly the impression I get). 

I posted our tree on the family WhatsApp thread, and DS1 said that E would love to help decorate it. I would love to do that with E!

But I'm thinking that at 3.5, he'll lose interest quickly. So DH and I put up 3/4 of the ornaments (including the glass/fragile ones LOL.) We've left the rest for E. 

 

[Iggy aka IG]

A quick post-by as I am SLAMMED here at the office, and I am going to take Friday off. 

Over the weekend:

4 loads laundry including sheets

Put the electric blanket on my side of the bed (I love that thing!)

Vacuumed the main floor

Did my toenails

Stretched, yoga

Boiled eggs, made blueberry hand pies, Fathead pizza

Meal planned

Unloaded, reloaded, unloaded, and partially refilled the dishwasher

Fun:  Darts, DVDs, watched football, read, had chocolate cake with whipped cream and sprinkles for brunch 

And I neglected to mention I mailed off Christmas cards last week.  We've only received business-related cards so far this year.  Is anyone else doing them this year??

[wvugurl26]

Most of the Christmas cards were mailed last Wednesday. We have received 3 personal ones and one from DH's boss since we are working at home.

I needed new addresses for two and a third I was waiting for a gift to show up to send both. It's on my list to complete this week.

Also on this week's list is finishing the decorating and putting the totes back in the basement. And organizing my gift room.

[debthaven]

DH is in charge of Christmas cards here. He still does them but fewer every year, it seems.

Our department meeting was today. Of course it's their way or the highway. They promised fewer scheduling issues in the future, but nobody believes that. They also announced program changes that will mean a huge reduction in hours for most people. I'm not affected by that, but the atmosphere is terrible. At the same time, finding a new job at 61 is very daunting.

[TheOtherMe]

I ordered 40 Christmas cards and have mailed 34.  

Being the anal accountant that I am, I keep a spreadsheet.  With the exception of my elderly aunts and uncles, if you don't send me a card for 2 years, you are off my list.  Of course, exceptions are made for extenuating circumstances.

My dear friend in Denver's wife went in to hospice care today.  I do not expect a card from them.  

[Iggy aka IG]

TheOtherMe, I like the spreadsheet idea. 

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 14, 2020 16:50:02 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

TheOtherMe , I like the spreadsheet idea. 

It works.

My mom asked to keep sending cards to my elderly aunts and uncles even though they no longer send cards because of how much she enjoyed receiving cards when she could no longer send them.  So I will.  That list went down by 3 this year since last year.

I do have one special friend that sends a card periodically.  She is really special to me so I keep sending her cards.

[Iggy aka IG]

Dec 14, 2020 18:05:31 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dec 14, 2020 16:50:02 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

TheOtherMe , I like the spreadsheet idea. 

It works.

My mom asked to keep sending cards to my elderly aunts and uncles even though they no longer send cards because of how much she enjoyed receiving cards when she could no longer send them.  So I will.  That list went down by 3 this year since last year.

I do have one special friend that sends a card periodically.  She is really special to me so I keep sending her cards.

Similarly, a few weeks ago I told DH older folks love receiving things in the mail.  He is a good nephew. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I mailed our cards today--77 of them. 
Now, for child nieces and nephews, I send each one their own card. That means there are single family homes to which I send five cards because they have four kids. 
Last year, I had enough cards leftover that I took a card to each house on our block. I didn't have that many left over this year. 

I think I'm almost done with the list I posted yesterday. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Here’s the duck with his Christmas bow. 😆😆😆

[debthaven]

Oh I love the duck!!! He’s adorable!

[wvugurl26]

Some of my cards go to my grandpa's remaining living sister and sister in laws. They are all in their 80s. I assume they like to get things in the mail. I did a big cull of the addresses we used for our wedding invites when I did 2018 cards.

We received another card in the mail yesterday. I am pleased to hear more of our cards are being delivered. I was worried given how long first class packages are taking to get to me and the scenic route some are taking.

I am waiting on one more item and then the gifts can be mailed out. I am not as worried about my teenage cousins who get gift cards. I will put their cards in a flat rate priority envelope and mail to the parents to distribute.

[snapdragon]

I mailed most of my cards Friday night and actually took a walk and dropped them at the post office's outside box. 

I have a batch of colonial cookie dough (shortbread & sugar cookie cross ) that I need to make tonight. I did the dough and left it overnight in the fridge Sunday and the dough did not warm enough for me to get the cookies made yesterday so I did chocolate chip instead. 

I managed to get a few more things of Mom's sold and sent my brother the money -- I told him the next time he needed money I was giving him the whole mess to deal with and he could keep whatever he made. -- I am still thinking that would be the best thing for me. I won't be storing, sorting or having it deal with it. I will probably keep 20-25% just in case but give him the rest to manage on his own. I mean he is almost 50 and should be able to Adult because I refuse to become his manager or play mommy.

I am still loving the extra string of x-mas lights that I added to my small tree. No other decoration but it does put me in a better spirit. 

Everyone take care.

[countrygirl2]

I found a place in the town MIL is in, that wants warm winter clothing. So I went through again, more tops, jackets, coats. Not many pants and they are in need. I have a lot but just don't want to get rid of them. I do a few at a time.

I have 3 bags and they will take the lap blankets, they said they will give them for drawings or something so those are going. It's getting a bit lighter in here. I will keep at it.

In saying that since we aren't spending as much for Xmas, I sent $50 each to one renter couple and $100 to their DD for Xmas. They always pay the rent and are having a hard time, hours cut. Another I know is too, again same thing, rent is paid exactly on time. Her DD is a good student, senior year, wrecked her old car. Works at McD's and trying to save for another. Dad got killed in a wreck some years ago. $100 will go to her and $50 to her mom. I only help the ones with kids.

I know a man that a classmate rents her old farm house to. I went to high school with his brother, hubs was in Vietnam with him, his brother got killed. This man is disabled, in very poor health, diabetic, very ill. He is just in his 60's last time I saw him surprised he still has his legs, they are awful. I sent him some diabetic socks like I wear. Very cushioned, soft, and loose but stay up. My friend said he doesn't even have socks. also a 6 pack of glucose pills. He runs out of anything to raise his blood sugar at month end. His friends are poor as he is. the last few days his old TV died, he said he sure misses it. I found one on Amazon, a heck of a good deal and sent it to him for Xmas. Hubs and I and our kids have everything and more then everything so feels good to help others. But I'm done.

I wish I were extremely wealthy, should play the lottery. I think of all the good I could do here. A hand up here and there would make life so much better for so many people.  It feels good to help others. Wish I could do more.

[Iggy aka IG]

We received about half dozen cards from friends and family in the mail yesterday.  Life is good. 

[debthaven]

My list didn't get done, but oh well. I did a lot of grocery shopping and getting the house ready.

I am off for 2.5 weeks! I've already had all of the 3 professors I teach this week. Two want 2 weeks off. The third wants an hour next week. I'm still considering myself off!
DS1/DDIL/E! arrive very late tonight. DS3 arrives on Sunday.  

This week
- QB
- bank loan (still waiting for papers)
- recommendation letter

[Iggy aka IG]

debthaven, good for you!  And so glad the children are coming!

[TheOtherMe]

Enjoy your visit debthaven

More Lucy stuff went out with the trash today.  Little by little, it's going.

[countrygirl2]

The place we left the clothes is a drug rehab. They took them. The nursing home took the lap blankets so more gone. The lady said the women that come in there often have nothing. Hubs said this nice stuff will sell well. So sad.

[countrygirl2]

My second neighbor was a year behind me in high school. A really good guy. He got sick and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. He had something wrong, they went everywhere and finally Mayo clinic to find out. It was ALS, he had 3 kids, they were not grown. His son and ours were best friends before we moved and the boy would have gone to college. After that none of the kids did. Luckily his wife was an RN, but she had a bad back and I think depression.  And that poor man and family had it awful. The last time I was home and saw him, they were taking him out of the nursing home in a type of sling chair, his wife was there to get him. He was in terrible shape. Took him a long time to die is my understanding.  I hated to see and hear it, you just never know what can happen to us. I feel for anyone with that diagnosis.

[startsmart]

Decently productive day! I went out to Wal-Mart after my coaching calls because the weather app kept saying it was snowing when it was NOT snowing.

I got my mail from the post office and then returned the 2 broken space heaters I bought at Wal-Mart earlier this year. It was a nightmare of a return but they finally did a swap which somehow got me a more expensive heater (just 1) and a gift card for $20. The manager doing the return could not reduce the price to make it even so I got money back! Also did my grocery shopping and bought dog food. 

Of course as I was driving home it did start snowing very lightly so we maybe have a half inch on the ground but the dogs will not go outside in protest lol

At home my DVR receivers showed up for the tvs and I got one of them programmed so I could watch the news tonight.

I applied for one position which might be a good fit doing what I do within a collaboration. I also heard back from a potential client who scheduled a call with me in November, then cancelled the call, then apologized by saying they did in fact need to talk. We shall see if this was simply a mistake or they are indeed very flighty. 

[startsmart]

Watching the news this morning about vaccine rollout and my tiny town is featured on national cable news about rural hospitals! Our health care workers start getting the vaccine today but I screamed when I heard my town named because it was so surprising!