Good morning :)

Hi Diane :)
Happy you got out and about! :D
WAY TO GO! doing all those tasks before leaving!!!
I find timed challenges are great for getting a lot of the usual daily maintenance tasks accomplished.
I LOVE your new glasses. :D

Hello everybody who reads here ;D

Another lovely day here in northern Nevada.
Taking is easy today.
Will be cleaning up some veggies for salad.
Sewing a little bit on a drape then hanging it up.
Really need to do a pedicure now that I am wearing sandals. Going with the hot pink polish. :)
Will water some stuff in the yard today too.

Hi Roxie :)
I am very glad you will be getting your arm fixed. :D
Never had this surgery myself but have known others who have.
You need to get food in the house that you will be able to easily fix.
You will not be able to slice cheese or use a manual can opener. Some jars/bottles will be almost impossible for you to open.
Keep all this in mind while you shop for food to eat while you recover.
You can slice foods and loosen bottle caps before surgery and store the opened foods in the fridge.
Another thing is clothes. Get ready clothing that doesn't have to be buttoned, tied, snapped or fastened in any way.
Grooming is also hard. Make sure your bathroom is clear of clutter and you have all the items you need set in there, easily accessable.
Have some books and/or movies ready to help you pass the time.
Make sure to have your bed and livingroom chairs clear and their surrounding areas.
You will be spending a lot of time in these areas while healing.
Make some plans to be outdoors now that the weather is nice. Fresh air and sunshine are always the best medicine. :D
(((HUGS)))

Yesterday as today, couldn't go back to sleep so up way to early.
Yesterday met my friend at 9:15am so got to work and washed dishes, cleaned counters, took shower washed, curled hair, scoured tub, sink, and toilet. I was like an efficient machine. It was funny, having the time limit got me in high gear to see how much I could accomplish before I had to leave house. when I have all day, seem to think too much before taking action.
Went to sewing class 10-3, it was great, so many interesting things were taught about serger machines. Machines are $2300 to $6200, so I knew I would not buy, friend has one, she wanted to learn more techniques, nice women there. by 2pm I wanted to leave, felt trapped inside that long. I made it until the end, and once I got outside and walked I started to feel better. we went to Harbor freight to get some stuff for her husband, never been there, loved all the tools to look at. Went to fabric store to get fabric for a kids book she is making then to costco, got my berries, soy milk, hemp hearts, made a milkshake as soon as I got home.
I ordered my new glasses with the help of my friend, they are so great, purple with the nike swish in lime green on the arms.
I have lost weight and she has gained so I was able to give her some of my donation pants in her current size. Car is still full of donations from last week, want to put another few bags in and drop off later this week. Billie you did so great.

Good morning. LR, I find one of the best things is to lie on the floor, butt close to wall and put heels on wall, legs as straight as comfortable, up as high as possible, keeping entire back flat on floor. May need to tuck pelvis to get back flat. Deep breathe and relax. This helps back and foot. Often back of leg muscles are tight as well as back muscles to cause back pain. Isometric muscle contractions on tummy helps support back. Weak abs and tight hamstrings are common in back problems.
Roxie, I wish you well with surgery.
Tillie, I sprayed trees with strong stream of water and the pollen was flying, it is bad, hope you get relief soon.
Billie so happy you were on chat and that you are willing to let go of so much stuff
Hello everyone else too.

Hi Billie :D
WAY TO GO!!!
Fantastic job you did getting things for donation! :D
Loved reading your post! :D

Hi LR2014 :)

Well, today I got my To-Do list finished. YEA! me :D

Now to work on making another list for tomorrow but this list will be easier stuff and some fun tasks too.

Hi, again to all.

Yea, Billie, for the donation box!

Hope you feel better, soon, Tillie. Although my problem is not allergies today, I'm in something of the same boat.

Been having physical pain issues the past few days of various sorts (back as well as foot). I think that some of the back stuff may be spasms from stress: the stress that sometimes (sometimes?????) comes with change. Haven't had back issues in a very long time. I have a to-do list for today, but I don't know how much of the things on my to-do list are going to get to-done (at least as far as the ones go that involve much physical activity). I still need to finish a few things from yesterday's list that I physically didn't feel like getting done last night. Then I'll go back to focusing on today's list. I will try to be sure to take breaks.

Keep up the good work, everybody!

Well...I finally got on here again. I just had to share my excitement today of my monthly donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters:
A set of wooden risers for stair steps
A bunch of extra Easter decorations
11 Books
16 pair of pants
I met the driver when he came to pick up the donations from my porch. He commented "You sure donate a lot don't you?" I said yes, I guess I do. Then he felt kind of apologetic about his statement. I told him, that it was fine and that I appreciatd his observation. Then I told him that I am a hoarder, but not like the extreme hoarders they show on TV. But that I have way to much stuff and this is a good way to help me get rid of some of my extra stuff that could benefit others and actually be put to use. He complimented me on my contribution. :)

Good morning :)

Hi Barb :)
I truly understand how hard it would be giving up some control.
That is the main reason most people are doing all the sorting out all by themselves.
I have tried to imagine someone going through my stuff and deciding for me what I should keep. I would have a very hard time with it. (((hugs)))

Hi Dave :)
GREAT! to hear from you! :D

Hi LR2014 :)
WAY TO GO! with making plans. :D
A lot of my plans don't go exactly as planned either but it's better than having no plans at all. ;D
Hope your foot gets better real soon, (((hugs))).

Hi Diane :)
WAY TO GO!!!! :D for all you accomplished!
Wishing you a wonderful time today. (((HUGS)))

Hi Roxie :)
Good luck with the appointment.
Take care and make sure to rest up. (((HUGS)))

I have my list of 4 things I plan to do today sitting here in front of me.
Don't feel up to doing them though.
Thinking maybe the tree pollen allergies are getting me down & tired.
But I will finish drinking my tea and then at least to attempt to start on my list.
Know that the cats will get their boxes scooped and fresh water & kibble bowls filled, as always.

GOOD LUCK!
with all your plans for today :D

I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but I get so much out of reading everybody's posts! Thank you for posting!

Follow-up on my goals from yesterday: I did make my trip to the store and did get the rest of my laundry washed. Also got it dried, but so many dryers at the Laundromat were broken and so many others were in use that that took longer than expected. By the time I got home, I'd started having significant trouble with a foot and it was hard to walk, so I scrapped most of the "getting it all folded and put away" plans. (As a matter of fact, my foot hurt too much at the time to even bring it all in from my vehicle.) But I did eat supper and then make the chat.

Part of today's goals is to finish the part from yesterday's goals (foot permitting) that I didn't finish last night. I'll probably post more later.

Happy day, all.

Making a list the last two days has helped me stay focused, especially when a new thing comes to mind, I remember to write it down and not jump to it. I did spray weeds for a few hours. Patched kitchen ceiling where I drilled holes to let water out. Mixed paint to use on it. I used the paint stirrer that goes on drill for the first time, really mixes it so much faster than by hand.
Tomorrow I go to a sewing class with a friend and to Costco and a few other places she wants to go to, so it will be a vacation day.

Wow.so many posts I'd love to comment on! Thank you all for the ongoing encouragement. Can't resist commenting on the ant business. Been there, done that, drove me buggie. Haven't had them in a while, but I keep my eye out. I'll remember the tip about citrus cleaner.

I usually post my daily goals in the morning, but I had other things going on and didn't "get to it." I did have goals in my mind, though. That by itself is good.

(1) Since my dryer pooped out this weekend, I intended to finish up some washing and then take the wet clothes to the local Laundromat for drying. That much is already in progress as I write this. (Have it all loaded up in my vehicle ready to go, except for the one that is now still washing.) I'm thankful today for washing machines. I also plan to fold and put away my laundry. I don't usually do this much laundry all at once, so that will be a chore in and of itself.

(2) I have some tools in the floorboard of my vehicle that have been there (not in their proper place) since Friday night. I need to put them where they belong.

(3) I plan to take the shopping list I made with me and buy some needed items when I am on the way to get my clothes dried.

I plan at this point to be at the chat tonight.

Hope everyone has a good day!

Hi all.

Dave and Mrs. Dave are doing well.

To one time posters desperately seeking help, in the event some of you are still watching the forum. A reminder, changing hoarding behaviors and cleaning up after them is a process, not an event.

Courtney
Jeni
Mark C
Tracy
Nancy

check in and let us know how things are going for you.

Thanks for your encouraging words, Tillie.
I know I can't keep the ants out this time of year, but if the kitchen is clean they tend to just march through in a line and not stick around for the free meals. They don't seem to like the smell of citrus cleaners.
Stera-Clean would knock out the decluttering/cleaning quicker, but I would have to give up a certain amount of control. As careful as people are, mistakes do happen and irreplaceable items are lost forever and things get broken.
I helped Mom clean out my grandparents' fifteen room farmhouse after squatters broke in and trashed it. I cleaned and reorganized her house when she went into a depression after my dad died. I know I can do this. It is whether or not I am making sufficient progress in a timely manner.
I need to see what I can do first.

Good morning :)

Hi Karl :)
Great planning, checking out your new local stores. :D
I think you will be able to get better organized now living in your new uncluttered room.

Hi LR2014 :)
WAY TO GO!
Getting those repairs done and working through other tasks. :D

Hi Barb :)
GREAT! planning on keeping those ants out.
But sometimes they still come in even when there is no food or water for them to find. Don't let that discourage you.
Keep up all this fantastic progress! (((hugs)))

The wonderful thing about hiring Steri-Clean is that they can get you to your goals in just a day or two.
They are trained to keep a look out for any valuables and important papers as they remove years and years worth of clutter from your lives.
After they finish you are free to start living your life, free from clutter and the heavy weight of having to deal with it all every day.
A fresh new begining. :D

Tuesday...
Planning to clean my winter shoes and slippers and get them put away till next Fall.
Some will be getting tossed out.
Have a corned beef to cook & slice up for sandwiches.
Thinking about making a pie. So many different choices to consider.

Have a GREAT! day everybody :D

Great work, LR! Digging down to find the motivation to begin AND complete that 3rd step is huge! You had the courage to face what is difficult and you triumphed. Hooray!

Roxie: I am enjoying your gratitude posts.

I worked steadily yesterday and can tell the difference, although I'm fairly sure no one else could.
The peonies on the south side of my house have popped up their little heads. That means I will need to be on the alert for ants in the house. It also means I need to keep the kitchen clean. No dirty dishes in the sink. No spilled or open food, including cat and dog food. Clean floor and surfaces.

Today I will use my new steam cleaner on the kitchen floor. I already have a load of laundry ready to move from the washer to the dryer. I will also fill and remove one contractor bag of trash. If it is not full, it goes in the garbage toter anyway.

I have decided that watching "Hoarders" before I go to sleep is not the healthiest choice for me. I woke in the wee hours in a panic. I felt hopeless and discouraged and afraid. I had to stop and give myself a good talking to. It is no good focusing on how bad I allowed my house to get and what might happen to me if I don't fix it. Fear is NOT a great motivator.

My house did not become this way overnight and it won't be neat and tidy again overnight. Step by step. Day by day. Chore by chore. I WILL have a clean and comfortable place to live. This WILL be a space I can share with my friends and family.

I am still planning to work steadily for the next few weeks, go on vacation, and come back to reevaluate my progress with new eyes. I will know whether I can keep going by myself or if I need to ask Scott and the folks at Stera-Clean Indiana for help.

Have a great day, everyone.

Following up on the Sunday night chat. I waited a long time Monday for the maintenance person to show up. After my pushing the issue just a bit (something that isn't always comfortable for me), the person eventually showed up and got the job done. I have a lot more repair work yet to be scheduled, but at least two items in my living place are once again usable.

I did add to my shred pile yesterday and I did spend time cleaning a bathroom (two of my goals for the day). But after all the prep for and cleanup from the maintenance work, I really didn't want to do the 20 minutes on my papers. I know I don't have to be a slave to my on-paper goals, but in this instance I felt it would be a good exercise for me to "make myself" do that third goal. Eventually, I did it. If I hadn't written it down as a goal, I almost definitely wouldn't have done it yesterday.

I plan to post more later today. Thanks for being here and "listening to me."

Good morning :)

Woke up before the sun but was able to go back to sleep and slept in real good. :D
Moving slow today. Yesterday I really wore myself out in the yard.
Made up a list yesterday of things to do today and might even get around to doing some of the things listed there today, if not there is always tomorrow.
But I will do the usual...
scoop cat boxes, fill kibble bowls, fresh water
sweep floors & porches
vacuum the carpet
quick swish & swipe the bathroom
wash up any dishes at the end of the day

Planning to mix up a smaller batch of Barb's weed killer and put it in an old Frebreeze spray bottle. :D

Guess I should get dressed and brush my hair. lol

Have a GREAT Monday! :D

Hi, everybody!

Goals for today: Add to my gratitude list, spend 10 minutes looking for things in my filing cabinet that I can shred (won't be hard to find), spend 10 minutes cleaning in bathroom, and spend a minimum of 20 minutes on my paperwork.

Have a great day, everyone.

Diane, FYI from last night's discussion


Dandelion Season ==>> NON-toxic Weed Killer Recipe ==>> Good to use in yards with Pets & Children roaming around

1/2 gallon of Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 c table salt
1/2 tsp Dawn liquid dish soap

Mix above ingredients in a spray bottle.
Spray weeds thoroughly.

1/2 gallon for around $6.40
Works better than Round Up - kills weeds on 1st application.

The Dawn dish soap strips the weed of its protective oils so the vinegar can work with deadly force. Safe to use a yard used by pets.

Hi :)
Got up this morning and got outside.
Burned stuff in the burn barrel.
Scrubbed & sanitized cat boxes, dried them in the sunshine, refilled and put them back.
Raked, shoveled, hoed and fixed the water wells around the trees, bushes & shrubs.
Watered everything that I ever water out there.
Sprayed "bug barrier" around the doors and windows. That stuff really helps keep the spiders outside the house.
Came inside and ate lunch at 1:30.
I am very tired, but in a good way. :D
Hope you all have had a wonderful day today too.

Tillie: Best wishes on the "harm reduction" process. It's an idea I need to apply to my own place.

Roxie: I relate to the storm issues. Sorry about the electricity problems, but at least you had your flashlight! FYI, I was only halfway successful when it came to using my dust mask. As soon as I got to my location to do that outside work, a neighbor from that area showed up unexpectedly and visited with me for a bit. My thinking got thrown off by that (hadn't put my "wear your mask" sign in place yet), and once again I forgot (for a while) to put on the mask. I did eventually put it on, though. No headache the next day. Yea!

Diane: I liked that line of "so much easier to see progress now." It encourages me to keep on keeping on.

Following up on my goals for yesterday: I did add to my gratitude list and I did take my shredding to that Saturday shredding location. Good thing, too, because I found out yesterday that they're now only offering that Saturday service on the first Saturday of the month. If I hadn't taken it yesterday, I wouldn't have known that. I consulted my "plans for the week" list and added a few items to it.

Some of my original plans for the week got thrown off by problems caused by the Thursday night storms and resulting storm-cleanup needs, among other things. That's OK. Things happen that sometimes do throw off our original plans. I can carry over the "original" plans into this upcoming week.

Happy Sunday.

Sowonderful reading each one of your posts. I can relate to so much of what each of you said. It is grey and cold with wind so I am back inside. Nice to have Tanner (dog) visiting, he will go home tomorrow. Just having him outside with me makes me feel more content. I did quite a bit of yard work yesterday and today, thank goodness last spring I worked for hours getting rid of years of crap, so much easier to see progress now. I wasted a couple of hours making a tall thing to put the antenna on. Mostly was just practicing with the drill. Was really enjoying just figuring out things until I became too cold and too hungry, just ate a good lunch and starting to feel better, reading all the posts really made me feel better to see how each of you are doing, struggles, successes it is all part of the process. It will begin warming up tomorrow and it will be so nice to do things outside in the warmth.
I did do one load of laundry, hung out. Cleaned tar and dirt off bathroom and kitchen floor, after weeks of saying I would. Did dishes last night, now have a few to do. My treat today is to watch OPB tv, love their fixit shows on Saturday. This Old House, Hometime, and a few others. Love the shows that give the step by step of how to fix it, then I can learn from my past mistakes and do better next time.
I want to thank each of you for your posts, makes such a difference in my life to take this journey with each of you. I learn so much about you and myself reading your thoughts, thanks.

Good morning :)

GREAT to see Cory posting on the message boards today. :D
Karl, you should apply for that job listing and go to work for Steri-Clean. ;)

Hi LR2014 :)
Thank you (((hugs)))
Keep up this WONDERFUL start you have been making here and we will continue to cheer you on and help lift you up when you feel like giving up. (((hugs)))

Hi Dianne :)
(((hugs))) Thank you :)
That mental process is very important, keep up that great work.
All change starts from within ourselves.

Hi Barb :)
You have been doing GREAT!
True, some days go smoothly and as we planned but other days "life" has other plans for us.
We must always make/take time to renew, refresh and recharge or we will just burn out completely. (((hugs)))

Well, after my little hissy fit yesterday I decided that this weekend I would push to get the back porch area cleared.
This is called "harm reduction".
It is one of the tactics taught to people who live with or have a family member who hoards.
All you do is try to make the situation as safe as they will allow you to.
All doorways, windows and paths to these areas are to be kept accessable so in case of emergency you can get out or rescue workers can get in.

He says he has nowhere else to put his stuff.
I say you need to reduce the amount of stuff.
He says it's all good stuff he could use someday, maybe.
He will just end up piling it up higher on top of some other pile.
Sad really to be such a slave to all his stuff.

Anyways....
I plan to have a great day. Going grocery shopping then plan to sew, read and paint some items for the doll house. :D

Everybody, keep up all the great work you have been doing. Remember to take breaks for some "ME" time and give yourself some little rewards that don't involve shopping.
(((HUGS))) :D

Dianne: In my opinion, the "mental process" progress counts! It can lay a strong foundation for later physical progress. I've spent a long time in that "mental process" when it comes to my clutter. It eventually has shown fruit.

Barb: I, too, struggle with perfectionism. Thoughts that help me be willing to make mistakes, to "risk failure," help me out a lot. One thought I like is that in order for me to be perfectly human, I have to make mistakes. I love your quote associating "failure" with "courage." Wow.

Goals for today: Add to my gratitude list and take my shredding to the local Saturday on-site shredding truck. Also, I want to review the plans I wrote up on Monday and select a thing or two or three to work on today.

Happy day to all.

Good morning, all.
Cleaning and decluttering is an up and down process. Some days go smoothly and progress is notable. Some days I start off well but get derailed by unexpected complications. And some days I just try not to slip backwards.

I stumbled on this quote this morning: FAILURE IS A BADGE OF COURAGE
(Comedian Sarah Silverman quoting Charlie Karufam)

Failure means I had the courage to take a risk. I tried, I failed, I learned from my mistakes, and I take that knowledge into the next risk.

I need that quote today. Sometimes the state of my house just makes me want to sit down in the middle of it all and cry. It is easy to see the days when very little got accomplished as personal failure. My perfectionism demands that I make progress every day. That is unrealistic and not helpful.

I need days when I can get away from the house and come back to it with fresh eyes. I need to see the forest tree by tree.

Today I tackle the kitchen again: catch up on dishes, clean out the refrigerator, wipe down the surfaces, vacuum the floor. As a reward I am going to invest in a steam cleaner for the floor. It is "monsoon season" in the midwest which means the dogs will constantly be tracking in mud for the next 2 months.

I am headed over to the gratitude page. Have a great day, everyone.

Hugs to you, Tillie. I feel for you in your situation. And although it was probably not for the same reasons you have, I certainly remember times in the past when I woke up at night in a panic (repeatedly). I remember that time period as being a time of my life I don't want to repeat! Ugh!

As discouraging as my home clutter is, at least I can be encouraged by the fact that (since I live alone) it's all mine to deal with (well, for the most part). I have the power (in theory, at least) to get rid of what I choose to get rid of. I just have to be willing to do it, have a plan to do it, and carry that out. At least your difficult situation reminds me that my situation is mine alone.

Yes, I did stay safe today. Thanks.

Good morning :)

Hi LR2014 :)
Take care and be careful. (((hugs)))

Hi Barb :)
YEA! :D for blooming Spring flowers!
Sure, at our age we could still do these hard tasks but it's good to know when it will be better for us to hire help.

Hi Karl :)
WAY TO GO!!!! :D
You deserve to have this new home where you can have gallons of ice cream and easily cook great meals for yourself!!! :D (((hugs)))
Starting out in a clean new home with good habits and regular schedules will make it so easy for you to maintain.

Hi Diane :)
WAY TO GO!!! for all you have done decluttering and repairing and finding areas that need immediate attention!!! :D
I am happy that you have found these leaky spots now and can fix them before your whole house floats away.
I think the message here is that we all must regularly inspect every area of our homes to keep minor malfunctions from becoming major repairs. (((hugs)))

Hi Dave :)
How are you & the Mrs. doing? :)

Rant coming...
I am freaking out here. Not eating right, waking up all night long with panic attacks, fretting all the time, finding it hard to concentrate on anything.
With no trash pick up service things around here are not improving.
Bills he said he takes care of have not been getting paid.
Necessary repairs are not getting done on the house.
The hoard in the carport has swelled and the goat paths in the garage are much narrower.
His bedroom has an awful stench, towers of papers heaped every where, garbage and rotting food, dirty clothes everywhere.
The backyard area, I don't even want to describe it.
I need to concentrate/focus on plans for me.
Still haven't gotten all the vahicle pinks slips, he refuses to let me sell off any of them anyway. I want a working vehicle, I need a car.
The stuff he has piled up against the house on the carport side must be removed. Been telling him this for years. Rodents have dug big holes under the house foundation and are living under the house. Until this stuff is moved they have free access to their hiding holes.
There is stuff on the back porch, making it difficult to walk there, a danger in any emergency.
There is lots more wrong here.
Rant over.
My NO CLUTTER ZONES are clutter free and clean, without this I would cash in my chips. :)

Any ways.....
So happy to read all your posts and celebrate all your accomplishments! :D
You all give me hope and the courage to keep on keeping on. (((HUGS)))

This is a day where I have to balance (A) taking care of myself and not "going" at too hectic of a pace with (B) taking care of responsibilities and being appropriately helpful to others. Remember my talking recently about spending time working outside in a certain rural area? Without going into specifics because of anonymity, let's just say that that area got hit last night with significant storms. I have a lot of friends in that area and my family has property there, so I need to go check on my part of things. Fortunately, I like working outside. (Yes, I'll use my dust mask again, Roxie, and I'll remember this time to take headache and allergy medicine with me.)

I will try to carry with me an attitude of gratitude. However bad things are or aren't, they could have been far worse. Keeping the attitude of gratitude and fully enjoying the outdoors is likely to make a potentially negative experience into something much more calming and positive.

I've already updated my gratitude list for today. I've included "storm cellars" on my list of things I'm thankful for.

Happy cleaning!

Wow. So many of you reporting on so much good stuff. (Way to go, Diane!)

Hi Dave! thanks for the note, was so great to see a post from you, yes I am exhausted. How are you doing?
I was going to do dishes, just may have to wait until the morning, unless I get a second wind.
Took garbage out to street, pickup tomorrow.
Tomorrow need to bring lots of wood up to deck, should really do it now, since it will rain all day tomorrow, just too tired and have enough for tonight.

(Karl, we were watching. It's nice to see that clean kitchen! :) )

diane! What an amazing post! You must be terribly tired. I am speechless about how much stuff you've hauled to your car - I hope each day you will find pleasure in the extra space.

what a week I have had----rain, new leak, in the wall of add on bedroom. I could hear it, and finally cut a hole in wall and found where it was, put container it and hole to catch water. Have been drying carpet. Yesterday I spent all day cleaning every screw in the add on part of roof and putting patch on each screw. It will be raining all day tomorrow starting tonight, so I will find out if it worked. I pulled everything out of coat closet to see if that carpet and wall was wet, it connects to add on bedroom wall. After I pulled everything out, I was so amazed at how much I had stuffed in there. I was sick and tired of my messes. I filled my car trunk and back seat with give aways. I was able to hang my coats in order. The ones I use the most were on hooks outside closet since they would not fit in closet, now inside since got rid of a bunch of stuff. The shelf above was stuffed with crap, now only things I use are up there. Now only shoes I wear are on floor in a bin in there, all organized. It took hours and hours to do all of that, and now it is done. I made the rounds of bookcases and filled pillowcases with books that are now in car. I am really sick of my extra crap . Very grateful I am forced to deal with things due to all the roof leaks.
Then decided to go through candles to see what I could give away. They are under bathroom sink in add on bedroom.
well to my surprise, the pipes were leaking and everything was wet. So greatful I decided to go through candles. I tightened nuts, then realized the real problem is coming from faucet leak at base where meets sink, old and I mean old faucet, washers are cracked. I have some caulk sticks that go in a glue gun, used that for a temporary fix until I get a new faucet stuff and handiman comes next week. I am amazed how much stuff is falling apart in a short period of time. What is the message here? I am sure there is more than just a message to get rid of more stuff, but that is good enough for now.

Good morning all.
Tillie: thanks for posting the link to the ABC clip. Maybe this will bring hope and encouragement to friends and families of hoarders.
Karl: I'm so glad you have a new place to live. You can make a fresh start there in a nice, clean, uncluttered environment.
LR: Great job! You are making real progress. Paperwork is one of my hardest tasks to begin.
It is pouring down rain here. That means another indoor workday. I am glad to see the rain. It has been very dry and windy and the volunteer fire departments in the county have been very busy trying to stay on top of brush fires. A good soaking rain will encourage the grass to green up and the flowers to bloom. My daffodils are blooming in the yard and the tulips and grape hyacinth are now up.
If it stops pouring, I will load up the push mower to take to the fix-it shop. Mowing season should start in the next two weeks.
At 60, I need to realize that I need to take a good hard look at what my health and stamina level allow me to accomplish and what I need to begin to pay someone else to do for me. Climbing on the roof to clean out the gutters twice a year is not as easy for me anymore.

Tillie: Thanks for that hoarding link. Great story.

Barb: I'm glad to hear about your yard!

Karl: I'm guessing that by now, you have the bike, too. I hope you love your new abode! And yes, you were missed at the Tuesday night chat. (I just figured you were busy with your move.)

Me: I was pretty pleased with my day on Wednesday. Got a small but necessary task completed that would have slipped my mind if it hadn't been on that "plan for the week" I'd written on Monday. Got still more progress made on my paperwork. Yea!

Hope everyone has a good day today.

HI! :D
I've been busy today and forgot to post this morning. LOL

Hi LR2014 :)
Keep up doing what you are doing! :D

Hi Karl :)
Happy to hear you treated yourself to ice cream. :D
I am glad you are no longer living in someone's hoarded apartment.
Wishing you all the best in your new location! :)

Hi Barb :)
WAY TO GO!!!!!
Great amount you have accomplished! :D

We almost had Spring here but have gone back to Winter weather. Supposed to get back to warm in about a week.

I got more yardwork done yesterday. One of the neighbor kids helped me bag up the leaves and stack the pruned branches by the curb. I put a metal chair that the bottom was rusting out and a wooden bench that was beginning to rot out for trash pick up. A man who collects scrap metal threw the chair in the back of his pickup. Having a neat, pretty front yard and porch makes me happy.
Today it is raining so I need to focus back on decluttering and cleaning the inside.
I need to go look at heavy landscape timbers. I've got new neighbors on the south with a new dog that is working on digging under my fence. He has already bowed in the bottom.
I spent some time ordering seeds to start inside. I can't wait to start gardening again. Puttering around with my vegetables, herbs and flowers will be one of my rewards for working inside. We are having a late spring and the soil is not ready to work yet.
Have a great day, everyone.

I am going to be a little less ambitious with my plans and goals for today. If I try to cram too much into today, I may get discouraged. It is true that sometimes, "going with the flow" in my daily activities can be a problem for me. I can get sidetracked by too many things. On the other hand, though, at times I can get too rigid in my thinking, too narrow with my planning, and end up being hard on myself (physically, emotionally, otherwise) without realizing it. The only specific goals I am going to post for today are to add to my gratitude list and to consult the to-do list I started on Monday. Those are two habits I wish to build into my life.

Karl, so great to hear from you. Obviously, you have a new place picked out now. I hope it really works out well for you!

Hugs to everyone.

Following up on today's goals: I got at least a little bit done on each one of my goals except for one: I didn't work on my "paperwork project" at all today (unless you count the time I spent on it at 1am when I was having trouble sleeping). I feel pretty good overall about how I spent my time for the day, and that's important. One of the things on my to-do list was to go do some outside work. And Roxie: I did wear my dust mask! Hopefully, no headache tomorrow!

Hope you did have fun, Tillie!