I totally lost connection to the chatroom and can't get back in.
Sorry everybody. :(
Was a GREAT chat any way. Appreciate all of you. (((hugs)))
Good night John Boy. :)

Hi all!
I am feeling much better today even though we are still under a travel advisory.It is still bitterly cold and the wind is unrelenting.
My little friend came over to dig me out again. This is getting expensive to pay him every time, but I want to encourage his work ethic and I don't have to worry about the city fining me for not keeping my walks clean.
Traveling north yesterday would have been very foolish. Friends sent me pictures of the various jackknifed trucks, slide offs and pile ups. You cannot even tell where the road is supposed to be even after the state highway trucks have just been through.
I did get out yesterday to the grocery store, feed depot and drug store. I have all wheel drive and although I have to drive carefully, I can manage the city streets if I plan my route. It does me good to be with people.
This morning I made cinnamon coffee cake for breakfast. Baking heated up my little kitchen and smelled wonderful.
I have been corresponding by email with the cleanup crew recommended for my area on this website. I am making slow steady progress, but I need a backup plan. Sometimes we need to be the tortoise and sometimes we need to be the hare. Months of slow cleaning and decluttering is not accomplishing the progress I need to make. I am going to have to bite the bullet and ask for help.
Scott has been very nice in answering my questions and concerns. He is located 3 hours away. With the road conditions the way they are presently, having him come here to do an estimate is not very practical. I will need to take photographs this week and email them. This is a big project. One that I am not looking forward to and would like to avoid.
My cell phone died yesterday. I don't have a landline. I knew it was dying and purchased a new one. I have been avoiding transferring the files myself. Now I don't know what I did with the new phone. It is somewhere in the living room. It was on the coffee table, but the dogs had a little wrestling match through the living room and over the coffee and end tables sending everything scattering. Aussies are a very physical and active breed. Since it has been too
cold for them to run for an extended time outside, they have been expending their energy inside my tiny, cluttered house adding to the disorder.
Tasks today: one bag of trash out, tidy the kitchen, find and reprogram the new phone.
Sorry this long. Being housebound makes me wordy. :)

Good morning :)

Hi Diane :D
I am looking forward to chatting with you tonight. (((hugs)))

OK, so I got my new eye glasses! :D
Been getting used to them, everything is so different now.
You get used to not seeing stuff and all of a sudden everything is in sharp focus.
Need to take breaks and just rest my eyes every now & then.
Nothing much planned for today.
"ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP" at 5:00pm PST.
Sun is shining so I will get outside when it warms up a little.
Yesterday while in town I ran into a lot of friends and spent a lot of time chatting and catching up with them.
That was especially nice and I am still smiling. :D

CHAT tonight people, BE THERE! ;)

goodmorning everyoone. The weather is really beating us up this year!! Roxie, so sorry about more frozen pipes. Can you insulate pipes and put heat tape on them? It is memorable communing with spiders while doing insulation.
I woke up to 15 degrees out, and fire went out so was 40 degrees in here, started fire and is now almost warm enough. I have several layers of clothes on. Yesterday did 2 loads of laundry, put away this morning. Peeled off more of old roof patch on trailer yesterday, while sitting up there looking at view, so will have to repair that with new roof patch today. Took some pictures of white frozen fog on trees. Brought more wood on. Moved some bricks and blocks to make border on path to wood, looks sort of good. Sorted all thread by colors, and type, like all silk thread is in one place. I still have not made eye appt. Have to make doctor appt too, cut my little toe across the bottom on a huge nail last week and it is not healing, cut is too deep and right where toe meets foot, so keeps opening. also need to make a mammogram appt, been way too long and sister had breast cancer, so will make a list with all phone numbers today, and call all on Monday. It will only take a few minutes to make appts, and it has stressed me for over a week, and months about mammogram. Tillie, happy you get glasses today, will be fun to hear how much better you see. The sun came out today, so as soon as it warms up, I will do roof on trailer and visualize my new garage roof with window and hopefully deck if city will allow. I would really like roof higher with loft, doors to deck, so I could enjoy the view rain or shine. I deserve it dog gone it. If I change roof line, have to get city permit, if keep it as it with new roof, no permit needed, that is the dilimna. City might make me tear the whole thing down if they see how old it is. The deck out from my deck would be under 30 inches off the ground so would not require a permit. Dilemna is it would be where only grass is, actually grass is difficult to maintain, I wouldn't miss it, but dogs like it. I could make a grass area in lower yard by faucet which would actually be better. Now that house is liveable in most areas, starting to think of improvements. Put cute curtains up in kitchen yesterday with a few big embroidered coffee cups, now want to change color of walls around curtain. Will be much more enjoyable. Kitchen is so tiny, not much fun so have to make it really cute. Sunshine is so great, but I am so cold, noticed I am not as excited about it as usual. Once I get up and start moving and warm up I will be almost as happy as tillie!!

Good morning :)

Hi Diane :)
YEA! for finding that refund check! :D
WOW! your dreams for that new construction sound really nice.
Hoping the sun burns through all that fog for you today. :)

Hi Roxie :)
So sorry to read you had broken pipes. :(
But happy you have water back on again inside.
Those raccoons need to move out so you can get that shed properly closed up and warm. Serve them with an eviction notice. :D

Hi Karl :)
Just think about how fit and muscular you will be having to bike 60 miles twice every day.
Unfortunately, you won't have any time to do other things like sleep.
But having a place to live, should the need arise, is better than not having any potential places to live. ;)

Hi Darci :)
So life got the better of you and you need to get sorted out again?
Happy you came back here to us. :D
We have a new chat room for the Sunday online support group. Hope to see you there. :D

Oh Barb :( So sorry the weather is keeping you home bound. (((hugs)))

Today I am off to town to pick up my new eye glasses.
Will get some more kitty kibble and kitty litter while I'm out.
When I get back I will be going over to the big house to water their house plants.
Keep dreaming, if you don't have any dreams how do you ever expect to have your dreams come true? ;D

Feeling sad today. I was supposed to drive 2 1/2 hours north to see friends, but the 30 mile an hour winds make driving the back roads too hazardous. It causes whiteouts and severe drifting. I have all wheel drive, but there are places along the way that if I did go off the road, they might not find me until spring. I am so tired of being cooped up in the house.

Just found the acquisition accountability section and I love it. By listing the items I got (all but one were on my list of what I actually need or "want but wait"), I can see how I need to make sure I get back into my better habits of putting them in their useful destinations right away. I fell apart lately and all my momentum and good habits fell by the wayside. Without these good practices and habits I will be back to where I started in no time!

Tillie!! Glad to see you are still on board.

@Barb... I read your posts and see so much of myself in you. Good to know I am not alone...

Karl...wow, biking in this cold. Whew!

Hello everyone. Another day of frozen fog. Did get up to 27 degrees yesterday. I went to Bend yesterday, hoping it would be sunny, it was snowing, so came home, don't have stud tires on this year, so was sliding.
This morning I went through current pile of papers, paid all bills, filled out health questionnaire, and read stuff I need to know from mail. I opened an envelope from Costco, thinking it was my renewal notice from a month ago, which I already paid. It was actually a $80 refund check, and I almost tossed it. Hooray for the extra $$$$. I am tired of the rotten weather. Everyday they say it will burn off, but no, continues to be foggy, have to cancel flights into the area, no visability.
Today I am supposed to go to a class at 4pm, that I have skipped for months, if I want to be in it, I have to go today. When it is this cold, really don't want to go out.
Thanks Tillie for the support, so happy I can help you in any way.
Today I made a list of my "dreams" of things I would like to have done here by construction people, like new roof on garage, roof would have skylight and a roof deck, add more deck on to current deck, garden area on new lower deck in raised boxes.

Good morning :)

Had a GREAT day yesterday. Slept in today.
Have laundry hanging out on the line and plan to cook food today & freeze it so I have easy ready to microwave real food meals to eat for a couple of weeks.
Waiting for the bread dough to rise now.

YEA! Karl :D
WAY TO GO!

Diane,
just by posting here you are really helping me and many others. (((hugs))) :D

Hi Barb :)
To help your hands there is a lotion type product that you apply to your hands to make a barrier against harshness without the restrictiveness of gloves. :)

Hi Dianne :)
Hope you still have sun shiney days. :D

Hello everybody and SusanL and Roxie :D

After I finish cooking I will clean the kitchen and remove all evidence in there that I cooked today. :D
Hope you are all doing well and have sunshine today. :)

It was 9 degrees at noon. The gusty wind is making the windchill much colder than that. My furnace is valiantly chugging away to keep up. The temperature is supposed to drop again. How much colder can it get? I don't hate winter so much as I hate this bitter cold and howling wind. It is relentless.
The sun glinting off the recent snow is beautiful, but I am not venturing out yet. I do need to go to the feed store for dog food. I would like to buy the huge bag, but it is a struggle for me to get it out of the car, into the house and emptied into the bin. I am a small person with limited lifting power.
I am plugging away slowly at the clutter. The coldness slows me down.
I did work for two and a half hours yesterday, but one of the dogs undid part of it by getting into the trash bag while I was in another room. At 5:30, I realized that I was hungry and had forgotten to eat all day.
When I had other mouths to feed I did a very good job of planning and cooking nutritious meals and serving them on time. I enjoyed feeding others. I need to learn to care for myself as much as I did them.
Today I will keep plugging away, even though hibernating seems a more tempting choice.

Thanks for all the nice comments Roxie, sounds fun Barb and Tillie.
Socked in with frozen fog again today, sure would like to report feeling internally happy in the sunshine, like Tillie. So this morning got dishes caught up, bleached sanitized sink and area around it, cleaned stove, did feel better.
Lately I have heard over and over, people are happiest when doing things for others. So of course I jumped to criticizing my self for just decluttering day after day, with little thought of others except on this web site. I know I have always been selfish but hearing of all the good works others are doing makes me feel bad. Looking back I worked at difficult jobs helping others in many ways beyond job description, and volunteered and humane society. So need to give myself a break. I took a shower and washed and curled hair, so that was my self care today, plus boiled some eggs. Off to the store, brrrrr.

Hi all.
It is 2 degrees outside. I can cope with winter, but not these dangerously cold days.
I am really struggling today. The mess and chaos is overwhelming. I am going to work for two hours and then treat myself to a manicure and pedicure. (Thanks for the idea, Tillie.) The cold and housework are really hard on the hands. I can't work in gloves---too restrictive.

Good for you, Tillie! Enjoy your spa day.

Good morning :D

Been having a great time this morning.
Happy, just so internally happy today.
Have been doing the usual daily maintenance, not much to do today.
Planned a "me day" for today.
Going to do a moisturizing treatment to my dry straw like hair then shampoo it.
Planning to give myself a soothing and relaxing pedicure and manicure my hands.
Sort of a home spa day. :D
And I plan to play today.
Will probably get outside since it is so unnaturally warm and sunny here.
Having "me days" are very important for all of us.
When we feel good about ourselves we can give more to all we do.
WIshing you all a great day. :)

So great seeing all of your posts. Today I got more done on back deck, more to do tomorrow. Chopped kindling, brought in firewood. Got a good fire going now. Cleaned up some branches from juniper trees that I had left where they fell, hoping they would dry out, all in one pile now. When I brought wood in, none fell off the cart now that I made a smooth gravel path, was happy I finished it this week.
Carol emailed and said she enjoyed every minute of our tea and walk Sunday. Was surprised and pleased. In no hurry to have company again, totally happy working around here by myself. No time to feel lonely or sad, so many projects to do. I do have to go to grocery store soon, almost out of food, didn't go last week when I said I was going. Will be fun, maybe tomorrow.

Good morning :)
Had problems with internet connection this morning but it seems to be working now. :D

Hi Karl :)
Hope you had fun and got something useful in the exchange. :D

Hi SusanL :)
So GREAT to hear from you! :D
WAY TO GO!!! for all your clear and serene spaces! :D

Hi Diane :)
YEA! for fixing things! Power tools make things soooo much easier to do. ;)

Hi Dianne :)
Wonderful to hear about your accomplishments and about your life. :D
Stay warm.

Hi Roxie :)
WAY TO GO!
All those maintenance type tasks are so important.

I've been getting a lot of misc. etc. type stuff done this morning.
Trash can is out at the road. :D
I want to play but am having to force myself to get some stuff done in here first.
Then I can play. :D
Stay warm, find something to laugh about today. :D

I worked on the back part of the deck today, nearly froze my fingers, really cold with the breeze. When Carol was here she looked out and saw that part of deck, and I realized it looks bad, so worked on it today. This morning worked on felted wool scarf, almost done. Had an ok day, frustrated with the stuff on deck. The gate opens in so took it off and want to fix it so it opens out, so have more room. Good thing is, I finally used my drill to take out the screws, have had it for years, just was not sure if I could use it, it was so easy to use, and so much easier than doing it by hand. Amazing how fear of new things stops me from doing things more easily.

Good morning :)

WAY TO GO! everybody for getting stuff done! :D

Sort of took yesterday off. Did a bit of tidying up but mostly just did fun stuff.
Today there will be more needing to be tidied up but shouldn't take too long, then back to doing more fun stuff. :)
Clear skies but cold. Been warm enough in the afternoons to get outside with the cats and play for a few hours.
Tomorrow is trash pick up day here. Always nice to see anything go away. ;D

So, what are you up to today? :)

Good evening all. Thanks Tillie, yep, been debating about eye exam, in my head today, your reply helped. Bottom line, just get it done.
Fog was to burn off by 2pm, nope, frozen fog all day, I stayed inside except to bring wood in. Only got up to 28 degrees for a high today, was 59 yesterday. So today, I made soup. Took the sewing machine foot pedal apart, I broke it last month and it wouldn't work. After I cleaned innards,patched it up and put back together, decided to clean inside of machine and check it all out. I had taken front and bottom off before but never the top, so as you might imagine, plenty of crud. Believe it or not, it works now. This is my old singer I bought in 1966, and have hauled it to all my moves, California, Montana, Minnesota, California again, and back to Oregon. So glad it works again, my old friend Singer. Today I worked in the craft room for a couple of hours. It was fun for awhile then noticed I started to churn, so quit and started working on sewing machine. Now done for the day. Feels like I didn't get much done, but I did, have a pot of soup for proof!!!!!! Fog again tomorrow, may drive south until I find sunshine. I actually enjoyed the bad weather so I had a reason to do stuff in here.

Has anyone heard from poster MayMay? She was so active and lighthearted. She didn't seem to be a hoarder but was always a cheerleader and supportive of everyone. She just disappeared from the site.

I've been stalling for over 3 hours.

Off to garage.
Visualization, door bottom weatherstrip being replaced without repairman being wounded in action.

Also cutting a little more wood for dumpster.

Good morning :)
Cats kept me up all last night bickering about I don't know what.
Anyways....lol

Great to see so much activity all over the board!

Hi Roxie :
Yes, MLK holiday here and schools and post offices are all closed.
WAY TO GO! for getting out and getting your prescriptions!
Great to hear from you. :D

Hi Barb :)
Good luck at the dentist! :D
Great little game you play by beating the washing machine.
I like to do those kind of challenges too.

Hi Diane :)
Those weekly tasks sound like very good goals.
Very do-able too.
If using a different doctor will prevent you from getting the eye exam then use the old doctor for the test.
If you have worries about any serious medical conditions with your eyes that you need followed up on then the same old doctor would be better since he knows your case.
But for just an eye test for new glasses is something that any opthamologist can do for you.
About guilt for not buying glasses from the old doctor, I have done that too.
But these days people have to count all their pennies and the doctors know this too. Their higher prices are because they have to pay high overhead for the building and pay the optician who orders the new glasses and fits them to your face when they come in.
The big box stores do greater volumn and can afford to have the lower prices.
Also the big box stores have guarantees so if the new glasses are not right for you you are covered, not out the money.
Most important point is that you update your prescription however you feel most comfortable.
But don't let guilt make you spend more than necessary.
I have been very happy with my last pair of glasses from walmart and know I could not have afforded to get new ones at the opthamologist's office. :D

Last night's chat was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed all your company. :D
Just hanging around today, nothing much planned.
Have a GREAT Monday everybody. :)

Woke up to frozen fog, hey weatherman, what happened to the sunshine you predicted all week? Must admit, I am happy to relax a little today. I have been on overdrive for weeks, and really want to just do a little maintenance today, dishes, make soup.
I have already forgotten my goals from chat. Tillie to the rescue. Were these the only ones?
1. Make appt. for eye exam
2. finish insulation
3. short sessions in craft room, organizing
Reason I don't want to make eye appt. Have gone to the same guy for years, think it may be time to go to big box store for exam and glasses so cheaper. Worry big box doc won't do good job. Old doc was $62 for years then went up to $170 for exam. Glasses were well over $300 there so last few pairs were from Costco after got Rx from him. Difficult to go to him, then not get glasses from him. Feel guilty because he does such a good job with my difficult eye exam, then think he deserves my money for overpriced glasses.

Good morning, all.
Roxie, today is the Martin Luther King holiday celebrated some places and not in others. Our local university suspends classes so that students may perform a day of service. Unfortunately, this year, the city decided to suspend bus service, so many students will be unable to get to their assignments.
We had another snow yesterday and my faithful young friends showed up to shovel me out again.
Tillie, I am so glad that you were able to get new glasses. I'm glad you got a reduced price. Glasses are so expensive!
I have a dentist appointment this afternoon just to get my teeth cleaned. I hope they use the sonic cleaner. It is faster and seems to do a better job.
I fell backward this weekend and let the dishes pile up. But it won't take me long to get them knocked out and get the kitchen clean again. Monday is also laundry day. I am so fortunate to have a washer and dryer in my home so I can do laundry while I continue to declutter. A new little game I have with myself is to fill one bag and get it out before the laundry is ready to hang and put away.
I hate setting deadlines and chafe against them. But without the deadlines, I procrastinate.
Have a good week everyone and don't forget to check in here on your breaks.

Good morning :)

Hi Diane :D
WAY TO GO!!! for all you accomplished!!! :D
Relax and have a GREAT time today. (((hugs)))

Hi Dianne :D

Hi Karl :D
So so very sorry that you have been basically left homeless.(((hugs)))
Last time I changed addresses in California the DMV just sent me a little sticker to stick on to the back of my license with my new address on it.
Hope you make it to caht tonight. :)

Well, yesterday I got the eye exam and the Dr. told me that I really needed to update my prescription for my glasses. I already knew that. lol
Well then my Hoarder saw I was buying/getting something and he just had to have something too.
He asked to be squeezed in for an eye exam, got it and ordered new eye glasses too. ;/
I ordered the same exact frames as I already have because I like them so much and they have not malfunctioned even after years of abuse.
Last time I bought these frames they cost more than they do now. Strange that something actually went down in price.
Since I ordered both reading and driving glasses first, when my Hoarder ordered his new bifoculs I was given a 10% discount on my total purchase. Sweet! :D
With the eye exam included, my purchase was only a little over 200.00.
Then he wanted to go shopping, heavy sigh.
I found a bed sheet to replace my sheet that one of the cats (Scooter) had put a tear in = 2.00
Found a stone bead bracelet = .50
A cat toy = .10
Then we went to the grocery store and last time they did not have the big bags of grapefruit I wanted but this time they had three bags left.
I bought two bags because I love eating them every day. :D
Today I will be over at the big house sorting out the mail so I can mail it off.
I think the mail doesn't run Monday because of the holiday.
I will water their house plants too.
Have laundry on the line and plan to get outside today and play with the cats in the sunshine. :D

Thanks Dianne. To tell the truth,I started doing a few things to make sure things were in order, then started worrying about stuff, ended up working all day, then regretted the invite, told myself to stop, you will have fun tomorrow. Fear takes over and can make life miserable. I did a little work on insulation, laundry, clean sheets on bed, brought firewood in, worked on steps in back yard. Did dishes, cleaned kitchen. worked on a pile of clothes in bedroom. Worked in craft room organizing stuff, can see more floor now. I am tired now and wish I would have stopped working earlier or really taken the day off, well tomorrow will be mostly a relaxing day. I need a good laugh and time to chill.

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Just invited a friend over tomorrow for tea. She is coming at 2pm. I am so happy I get pushed out of my comfort zone on this site. Thank you, I feel excited and happy about the invitation. We used to go to water exercise together, both quit, she is accepting with a good sense of humor. Haven't seen her in many months, have not responded to her emails or phone calls . Not sure why, since I enjoy her, just the low self esteem about the hoard I think. She is a good housekeeper, not extreme like my other friends. Will be great first step in having friends over, something I was never comfortable doing. Clearing the area in front of house was a sign I am finally ready to try a new adventure.

Good morning. Tillie, you are so brave to face your fears and just do it, will be so nice to hear how it went. Dianne, trip sounds wonderful and so happy you recognize the progress you are making, like the letting go feelings have changed since last year. Fun reading and finding all the things that are similar between us.
Today I am moving slow, still 20 degrees out, and SUNNY. Have to shower and wash my hair, way over due. Then may go to store, and take a small walk by river in Bend. I need a day off and still need to do my "social event" for this week. Every day I plan to do the insulation under trailer, start to, then get distracted and say tomorrow. As you know tomorrow doesn't come. So since it was a goal this week, I have to do it "tomorrow" or fess up in chat. I did complete the rock pathway, plus one in sitting area and one going to fire wood. Feel so good about all that I accomplished outside, and the fact I can use areas now. This morning I oiled two wood inlaid bird pictures, they look so much better. I continue to look around for things that need to be repaired that bug me in their current condition. It is so nice to get up and sit in a clean living room. Someone could actually drop by and I would have a place for them to sit!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so grateful for all the changes you have helped me accomplish. I am grateful for the sunshine this week, feels like God is blessing us with this great weather, almost like a reward for keeping my head up during the freeze, broken pipes, and no water for a week. I definitely appreciate it like never before. Just like the hoard has made me appreciate an orderly living area, every time I enter. I am amazed and grateful for the energy I have this week.

Good morning :)
What wonderful posts! :D
I am grateful for this message board, a sanctuary where I find companionship and understanding. It keeps me sane.
I am grateful for Cory and his friendship and how very much he has helped me. :D
I am grateful for every single one of the posters here. (((hugs)))
I am grateful for all the blessings that I have in my life and that God (the Creator of everything) made me an eternal optimist who is always looking for the silver lining in every dark cloud.

Going to get dressed and ready, for today I will get new eye glasses ordered! :D

Have a GREAT Saturday everybody! :D

Enjoyed reading your posts Roxie, Barb, Tillie and Cory. Tillie remember how worried you were going to Carson for the big shopping trip and it turned out fun and interesting? Funny, today I was noticing I can't see well anymore and need new glasses and I did think he might not give me correct prescription because I always have trouble saying which is better, a or b. Like any decision, I have had trouble. Last few times I told him, I have trouble, so could you go a or b, two times, then I will pick. They have a machine that pretty much figure out your prescription anyway.
It will be fun to have new glasses, we just have to do it.
Another SUNNY day here, got up to 62 today, was cooler yesterday and tomorrow so I enjoyed every minute of it. I finished the front rock path today, moved all the junk out. I thought I would fee delighted when it was all finished. I felt a sense of emptiness. I remembered when I cleaned all the junk out of the hall in the house, I felt the same way, and it lasted about a week, now enjoy the empty hall, and know the same will be true with the front of house. I was surprised how much junk I had stashed out there. Buckets of rocks, 4 tires, a motorcycle ramp, pieces of wood, and plenty more.
I am so grateful for all the energy I have when it is sunny, got so much done this week. I sat in the sun and enjoyed how wonderful my life is becoming now that I don't have to go shopping daily and can now walk without tripping on junk.
I am grateful we have this site to keep us going.
I am grateful I have friends that will be there when I am ready to be with them again. One friend called yesterday and we had such a great talk, and planned a get together Feb 5th. She has to plan that far in advance, I don't get it, It would drive me nuts to have a busy schedule like she does. I am grateful that I am learning to accept differences in my friends and not dislike them because they do things differently. I am grateful I can be creative again, now that there aren't piles of junk everywhere. I am grateful I don't have the urgency to shop, instead can enjoy working with what I have, and feeling content.

Such uplifting posts today!
Cory, thank you for sharing. Your openness in sharing your life with us opens the doors of trust and that is something we hoarders sometimes find very difficult to do.
I agree with you and Roxie and others. If we can get up in the morning focusing on at least one thing we are grateful for in our lives, it is easier to face whatever may come during the day.
Tillie and Roxie, if I dream about cleaning and organizing and decluttering at night, I do find the following day much more productive. It is as if my mind is trying to rehearse and practice for what it needs to do.
I am grateful for my warm little house in a neighborhood of caring people who look out for one another in bad weather.
I am grateful for my health that enables me to have the energy and stamina to clean and organize.
I am grateful for this website where I can reach out and receive support during both my successes and my failures.