Hi Jar Lady! The color scheme sounds really pretty. I too love vintage items, which I have been working in to get rid of. I love them all, and have significantly pared down my collection. One thing I did is I tried to keep representative pieces rather than all of them. I also was able to let some things go by saying "I loved them enough." I ended up donating my items because I was afraid that 'selling on eBay' would end up being, for me, code for 'let's continue to keep'. I applaud you and LR for finding a way to sell your items! That makes me very happy, even though I can't do it myself.

Thank you LR for the suggestion. Last night I stopped by mom's and was there til about 11. We talked about all sorts of things including reducing her items. It is so shocking to realize she has one little area on her dining table where she can eat her breakfast. And the chair is jammed against a bookshelf that is piled beyond its capacity. It is uncomfortable and packed and poised to fall. We talked about reducing books and what it's going to take for her to agree to get rid of some of them. I mentioned sample titles to get a feel for the level of difficulty in getting rid of books. I also made the suggestion that we get her 3 stuffed bookshelves down to one, meaning she can keep one third of her book hoard. I will go over Tuesday or Wednesday night and start the process

I could tell she has opened her eyes a sliver because she did say if she ends up in a wheelchair, it would never fit.

We have made a deal that if she lets me take out six boxes of stuff, I will take her to a specific place she wants to go.

This will not go easy but i will be starting this week. Digging Out looks like a particularly good book because it appears to be addressing exactly what I am addressing, an elderly hoarder who has safety/fall/balance issues.

Oh and I told her last night that she's done it 'her way' got the last 10 years in her place and we are doing the next 10 my way--goodbye clutter.

Thank you for your support. This is going to be a toughie. When I cleaned out the trash hoarder's place, it was emotionally easy because he just let me do it without a fight. Of course it took a terrible toll on me, seeing how he lived. But it brought me here to deal with all my stuff.

Diane, I'm sorry about that wreck that was near you. It really upsets me when those sorts of things happen. Yea for laundry, dishes, and for having some fun. (I also relate to things getting cleaned up after spills, such as the inside of my refrigerator.)

Tillie, yea for the rain!

Tatoulia, many hugs as you deal with the situation with your mom and your feelings about it. If you don't have the book called Digging Out, I would encourage you to get it. It will help you as you try to work with your mom on this issue.

Me: For part of my goals for the day, I plan to spend 30 minutes looking for items I can sell. I've already set aside a few give-away and recycle items.

Hugs to everybody!

Nice to hear from everyone. Have a lot going on but wanted to take a minute to say hello. Diane, enjoyed the fact that you reacted to your spills with humor. Good to keep moving forward! As to having a job and dealing with hoard, I'm not sure that anything makes dealing with a hoard any easier OR any harder, it's just hard no matter what. I don't think my situation would've been any different if I only worked part time.

Ok, I realized something about two weeks ago and I've been upset ever since. My mother, who lives in assisted living and is walking distance from my house, is a hoarder. I knew she had messy issues and I recall how difficult it was to get her to let go of stuff when she sold her place(10 years ago). I just hadn't realized she's a hoarder until about two weeks ago and I was upset. There is stuff piled everywhere. Now, I see my mother all the time but I guess I never really noticed it. We had a very difficult discussion that night and mainly she's in denial. I have now convinced her to let me come over and clear out her place. She has worked through her anger at me and I've agreed to hold things up one at a time and let her decide without a fight from me. We will hopefully start Tuesday night since it promises to be cooler and I really need cool weather to be in her sticky, packed place. I also will have access to boxes on Tuesday night.

This has been very, very upsetting for me to open my eyes. I am very upset that I never noticed. I just thought she was a slob. She cannot open her closets, there is stuff everywhere.

I know I don't have to ask for strength. I know I will find it here.

Hi T&T, nice hearing how life is for you. Rain is so great to clear the smoke, happy for you T.
I worked until 6pm last night then to Costco, then on way home, had to slam on breaks, fatal accident in front of me, took a long time to get home. So today I washed dishes then painted some stuff for my relaxation. Then decided to take deck umbrella down, knocked over paint on deck, what a mess, fun cleaning it up, slapping it on a board. It was can of red hi gloss enamel, so was funny on my newly painted deck (from this summer) I also knocked over the cup of water with paint brush from earlier this morning. It was on kitchen counter. Seems I have to knock something over on counter to motivate me to clean it. I made a fire in wood stove, cool day. One load of laundry, still on line.
Today I was thinking how much harder it is to work on hoard while working, thinking of people on here with real jobs, not easy, happy my job is only 2 months.
Tomorrow I plan to cook some soup, vacuum.

Thank you Tatoulia and my cats thank you too. :)

Still raining here! :D
Went into town, shopping, and almost everybody is in a GREAT mood because of all this wonderful rain.
Sun has not shone at all today and that makes it cold, 40s to 50s but that's just fine too. :)
Splurged on some mini candy bars, Snickers.
They will come in handy when the chocolate cravings strike.
When we came home Scooter ran out the door and then ran right back in. LOL
He hates getting wet. :D

So, what have you all been up to?
Missing reading about your days.

Tillie I've been praying for better weather/clearer air for you! And of course my cat has been praying for Marty and Scooter!

Much love--I must say that everyone's Autumn clean up plans and winter preparations are very inspiring! Thank you all for your stories!

So happy to have time his morning to catch up on everyone's posts. You are all doing great! Busy week for me but kept up with basics--all dishes done and our away, kitchen counters clear and clean, all laundry done and put away.

Will write more later. Stay well, keep up the good work, and I'm so glad you are all here!

LOL!!!
The garage is stuffed floor to rafters, with a narrow goat path down the center.
No way I could possibly maneuver through everything to find it.
He would be furious when the credit card bill came and he saw that I bought insulation, when he already has insulation in the hoard, somewhere.

My chili turned out fantastic!
I have 3 days worth in the fridge to eat now and 3 one gallon ziplock baggies 2/3 filled of it in the freezer to eat later.
I love having home cooked meals in the freezer all ready to eat.
Keeps me from nibbling on nonsense when I am hungry and no time or inclination to cook.

I also made a big double batch of corn bread and wrapped & froze a lot of that too.
Goes so well with the chili. :)

Hi :)

Got a good night's sleep last night so woke up with energy and motivation.
Temperatures have dipped over night into the low 40s.
Winter comes early at the higher elevations.

Started a huge pot of chili soon as I got up.
Special chili, made with ground bison! :D
Smells so wonderful simmering on the burner.

Just did an inventory of my cold/flu supplies.
Have everything I would need except fresh lemons which should be easy enough to get should/when I need them.

Have my & the cat's winter bed linens all ready.
Quilts, comforters, flannel sheets, afghans, blankets.

Have enough winter clothes all ready.
Jeans, warm tops, socks, flannel night gowns, shoes/boots, coats, gloves, hats.

I need window & door insulation.
Scooter (the cat) has removed what I already had in place on the two doors and one window.
My hoarder won't let me buy any because he says he already has lots of it, somewhere.
He can not find it in his hoarded garage.
This is so frustrating and always happens.

WAY TO GO!!! everybody for all your accomplishments! :D
Even if you have just been doing the mental work of processing through all your emotions and thoughts.
This process is very important to getting you to where you want to be and keeping you on the right tract.

Dianne: I'm so sorry you're feeling ill. I do hope you feel much better soon!

Mel99: I hope you find the source of the odor. It's great that you got rid of a lot of things in there while trying to find it! Way to go!

On the Sunday night chat, I mentioned that the next area I want to work on (with more concentrated effort) is my living room. Well, yesterday in the middle of the day (when I was present), my "main" TV set (the one in the living room) died. Perfect timing! Now I can take it (and a few other things) to be recycled. Getting it out of the way will allow me to more easily access other things in that living room that I need to deal with. I don't plan to buy a replacement TV right now. Have a very small one that I can use if I "need one."

Hugs to everybody.

Dianne, I hope you're feeling better soon. There seems to be a lot of sickness going around so hopefully you're at the tail end of it.

It's so exciting reading about everyone prepping for winter. We'll have decent weather for a couple more weeks but I have lots on my to-do list to get ready.

I came home on Sunday night after being away for the weekend to a strong mold odor in my bedroom. There are no pipes on that side of the house so it wouldn't be a pipe, but I've searched and haven't been able to find anything that's wet that would be contributing to it. i've had the air filter and fans running but it does't seem to be making any difference. This weekend I'll check the gutters.

This morning before leaving for work, in searching for something that might be causing the smell, I filled a grocery bag with trash, pulled out a couple of clothing items for donation, and filled a large tote bag with books. I noticed a book drop box near my boyfriend's house so I got excited at the thought of being able to get them out of my house and have them be potentially used by someone else.

Have a great day everyone!

Taking a break from afternoon tasks and reading posts. Dianne and Tillie, your plans/prepping for winter is impressive. Yea for you! I'm in an area where winter is not as "challenging," but there will still be faucets to insulate and a few other such tasks. That thought of "fall cleaning" (to have the home pleasant for the winter months) sounds like a great part of the plan. I hope you get the needed rain, Tillie. Have a good day, everyone.

Thanks Tillie, best hug I had all day, actually the only hug!!!!!! Work was good. Still raining, rained all day which is unusual here. Hope you get some rain Tillie.
Plan to cook soup tonight, need some healthy food to feel better. Too bad I threw the mouse away, good protein Tillie.
Sure hope everyone is getting lots done. I am planning to finish washing a few dishes, cook soup and watch tv and give myself a break tonight. Tomorrow morning hope energy is up so I can do maintenance in here.

Hi Tatoulia :)

Hi Diane :)
WAY TO GO!!!! for tossing that flood soaked fabric! :D
Does sound like a lot of fun organizing all the other items.
Happy Dancing about no leaks between the areas! :D
YEA!!! for tossing the mouse too! ;) lololol
Enjoy the clinic time. (((hugs)))

Just stopped in for a split second. Hello to everyone. Diane isn't that the best feeling, to throw something out?

Hello and keep up the good work everyone. Will write more later.

Hi gals, it is raining here, hope it comes your way Tillie, really cleaning the air. Past 2 days worked on the roof, still have leak between walls. Did stop one leak. Tillie only you can understand how exciting it is to no longer have a leak in walkway between trailer and freezer room. This morning I worked in room off garage, found some stuff to toss including a mouse in mouse trap. I organized some stuff that was so much fun. Found some fabric that had been soaked when had flood, which I planned to wash, today I said why, just put in garbage, such a better plan. Some of the craft stuff out there was so much fun to organize.
Off to work now.

Thanks for the update, Bitsy. I am happy to hear that your making some progress and that you are maintaining the hotel room. I am sure that this is very, very stressful and am sending you strength and love.

Thank you for the Bitsy Bright story.

thanks Tatoulia, Tillie, Dianne, and LR2014.

still in motel. maybe will post some goals later. One day at a time.
we did get completely full garbage can and recycle can to street again this week for pick up.
Took son to NAMI support group last nite and to art therapy this A.M. First time he has been since hospital. He needs these. we are both a bit too introverted which can slip into reclusive. and deeper depression.
Got some bills paid. Keeping up with laundry, dishes, clutter etc at motel.
Have not felt well last few days. (spring and fall when weather changes so suddenly I get kinda sick. maybe allergies.)
Bitsy Brite was a "character" created for the grandkids when they were little. She was a woods fairy (a spirit of nature) who lived in the little woods next to their house. She would bring flowers and leaves etc and leave little notes signed Bitsy Brite was here.

Tillie I am so sorry. Sending you and the kitties much love and many hopes and wishes for clearer air NOW.

bitsy: Since I got very behind in reading posts, I started trying to catch up the other day by reading the latest ones and working backwards. (Still am behind, but I'm working on it.) One thing that I noticed in your Sept. 15 post was your comment about the joys of being with that group of very young (ages 3 to 6) children. I've come to believe that my life is missing something if I don't have at least one 5-year-old in my life. I can so relate to what you were saying! When my nieces and nephews were young, I almost always did have at least one 5-year-old in my life. Their sense of awe about the world, their inquisitive minds, their ability to have creative fun, their ability to enjoy simple things, their energy . . . it's all so inspiring. Being around them helps me put so many things in life into perspective. (I hope you found those gifts you were looking for in the "patio door" room, by the way.)

just learning the site

Hey,

The wild fire smoke is the worst yet today. :(
Laying low all closed up inside, still hard to breathe.
Marty (the cat) is having coughing fits. Scooter (the cat)'s eyes are hurting him badly.

Oh Well,

Hi, I'm still slowly chipping away at my "hidden hoards", and just wanted to update my IN/OUT list for 2014:

Items IN: 48
Items OUT: 73

(Note: I do not count consumables or paper, unless it's a book or magazine).

Goal:
To have the OUTS double the INS.

Biggest weaknesses:
- all the stuff that "might come in handy one day"
- anything vintage
- and JARS (of course, LOL)

Just remembered the correct wording:

Life starts anew when it gets crisp in the Fall.

Much love

You are 100% right, Diane. Sounds like you did a lot today! Congratulations! But I'm happiest with your internal work. You most certainly deserve a capital D. As does Bitsy--time for a capital B Bitsy?

Forgive me all for not putting one and one together--I sure would've put a stop to it! You both deserve the respect of a capitalized name!

Keep up the good work, everyone. I continue to work on my place. Maintenance is going great and I'm finding fewer and fewer things that I'd like to keep. It's hard. It can be tough. But only when I stop and reflect.

Yes, Hello Autumn!!! I read a quote once that said, life starts anew when it gets cool in the Fall.

I am changing my name to Diane. I realize diane is low self esteem, like I do not deserve respect not even a capital letter! Tillie when you wrote Diane, thought you were talking to Dianne, when I realized you were talking to me, I felt better with capitol letter.
I have felt left out, not being in chat, was such a part of my week for 1&1/2 years. Thanks Tillie for including me in your post. I have finally done the dishes, watered all shrubs and trees, worked more on entrance, I really like it, still want to change a few things.
Did 2 loads of laundry today.
Finally threw away all the food I left in refrigerator too long, really dislike throwing so much good food away because I let it go bad.
Washed sheets today so must take overdue shower now. Good tv on tonight so have to go get in shower now. Feels good to write on here again.

Great work, Bitsy! I know how hard this is and you are doing great! Please be careful not to overdo. I hope your son is doing better. Are you back in your house yet or still in a hotel?

Baby steps
By a baby. feel so needy. I need maybe just one WTG.

posted 9/9/2014 . this was a major big deal for us.
"we went to the SE house and got five bags of trash and four bags of recycling out to the street for pick-up"

Posted: 9/15/2014.. Thought I made some progress. eliminating some computer clutter and finding rather than buying more presents and getting a bit sorted and a little trash out of that room. and being able to spend a couple hours doing one of my favorite things. One of the few things that relieve my stress and anxiety, (besides reading posts here.)
"Frustrating. my computer running slow. I don't know how I could go back to snail mail for paying bills! I did finally get a couple important ones paid. Um.. After I closed "a few" windows I had open and "a few" documents I had been working on. Yes, even clutter in my computer.

I worked in the "patio door" room yesterday. My motivation was that I needed birthday presents for my great grandson and I knew there were some in there somewhere that didn't get to him last Christmas. Strained relations between my daughter and my grand-daughter, my hoarding situation, and my grand-daughter's very crowded living conditions pretty much made last Christmas a bust. Things are going better this year for daughter, grand-daughter and of course the great grand kids. Such a relief for me. I of course had to try to help everybody instead of focusing on my PROBLEM.

Anyway, I got to be with, talk with, and observe a group of 3 to 6 year old children. I so enjoy seeing their minds working and expanding. It was a very nice change to just enjoy myself and not worry or feel overwhelmed with everything."

Thank you, Tillie, for helping me see my way to forgive myself. Very helpful. As I posted on the other page, today I am evaluating what I will be keeping, rather than what I'll be giving away. Feels more positive for me right now. Have the ten dresses I'll be keeping, not an issue saying goodbye to the others.

Good morning

Hi Diane :)
What a LOT of work you have done! WTG!!! :)
Nice that you can now enter that area.
Having the wood closer to the house will also make it easier on you this winter.
Have you been doing art/craft things?
Would love to see your rock sculptures. :D
If you get a shelter dog they usually have had a complete physical and temperament evaluation. Come fully vaccinated, micro chipped and spayed or neutered.
Do some research on physical issues associated with different breeds too to know what you may face in the future.
Many fine, good quality puppies and older dogs can be found at animal shelters.
(((hugs))) :)

Hi LR2014 :)
Nice to "see" you last night in chat.
Keep up all your fantastic progress! WTG!!!

Hi Tatoulia :)
Your insight into the "why" do I have these things is FANTASTIC!
Once we realize what made us buy or keep items, it becomes easier to make better decisions as to what we actually need & want to keep for ourselves.
You weren't bad or knowingly being wasteful when you acquired. You were thinking with your emotions and the emotions told you that this was the way to do things.
Now you're brain is in charge of the thinking and you are able to make better decisions as to what you need and want for your life.
(((hugs)))

The smoke has blown back in, was nice to have that little relief.
My plans for today are to do cat related stuff, some laundry and kitchen tidying up.
Need to try to wash Scooter's eyes. They are troubling him and have become crusty.
He really hates having the wash cloth on his face and fights it tooth and nail, but only if I can catch him in the first place. lol
Catch ya later.

I just finished it. What an uplifting movie!

LOL Tatoulia :D
I watched that too!

Tillie, that was a lot of outdoor work today--I hope the winds at least brought fresher air with them. Oh, and you are a saint. Today I watched part of a Netflix movie and thought about you...a documentary about someone building his own Tiny House and I thought, I bet this would suit Tillie.

Dianne, it was Tillie who gave me the mental image of building up my mental muscles. And the image is resonating with me, too.

LR, I enjoy your posts immensely. I gain a lot of strength from you.

Will write more later. My day continues to show progress, and I give each of you credit for that.

We had terrible winds last night, lots of tree branches down.
I got up before the sun and started cleaning up all that mess.
Since I was already out there anyways, I watered everything and burned a lot of old branches and other stuff.
Pruned tree branches I could reach that were too near the house.
Tried killing the red ants, again.
Discovered hoards of wasps and sprayed them.
I am tired.
"He" sat at his computer playing games.

Heard a Dove making an unusual squawking sound and went around to the side yard to see what was up.
My Great Horned Owl was having breakfast. :)