Thank you for the support, Tillie. I moved on to a different project--although I cleared out my kitchen cabinets and the counters, I still hadn't dealt with the lower cabinet (pots and pans) and was able to clear out two bags of extra cake and pie pans. Unbelievable little collection I'd gathered. That gave me room to put the crock pot away and it gave a home to my iron and clothes steamer.

I had a juice before starting that project. I then went to my brother's where I helped with his laundry and we ate a late lunch/early dinner. So thank you for the advice to move on and eat well.

As to the item causing me anxiety, it takes up six square inches of my life. It's staying. I've gotten rid of so many things lately and on the whole have been able to do without too much upset. If this little trinket is upsetting me, then I'll keep it for now.

I am using my silver, vintage dishes and beautiful crystal glasses and am pleased as punch. Thank you everyone for being there for me.

Karl, congratulations on your success today!

And Tillie, you are wonderful. Keep up the good work, everyone!!!

Internet just came back, which means I won't have to make another trip to the library to get things done online before I leave for tonight's event. Yay.

I recently decided to do some work on the stack of papers labeled "transcribe and toss". The top one contained a 2x6x6 table of some calculations I'd done by hand a few years ago as part of a personal software project. As is common with "transcribe" tasks, I ended up doing additional work on the original project in addition to the raw transcription (and error fixing). But the original page is now tossed, as planned.

Good Morning Everybody! 🙂

TTYL 😀

Feeling extreme anxiety. Started to dust and clean library area and realized I need to get rid if more stuff in order to keep what I want to keep. Made another bag of stuff but going back and forth on some other stuff. Might need to move on to something else but I feel very anxious I need my desire to live in a beautiful place to be stronger than my need to keep stuff.

Hello everyone! Glad to hear about everyone's progress. Sorry to hear of health problems -- I hope your son is doing better, Bitsy. I'm sure this is a scary and anxiety-filled time for you. Good work, Diane! On the progress on the freezer room, on not going to garage sales, etc. keep strong Tillie. And to everyone else, I wish you a wonderful, peaceful day. I did no work on house yesterday but on Wednesday I cleared off dresser completely, and washed all laundry that was piled up on it. Dresser looks really pretty. Now all I have to do is dust the other furniture and vacuum, and my bedroom is done. No clutter, no piles of books. (I had worked on bedroom and kept it up --except for dresser--about nine months before finding this group)

Hope LR and Vio and Karl are doing well. Glad to be part of your group--thank you for your support and inspiration. I hope I haven't left anyone out--unintentional. You are all important to me!

Thanks for your post Tillie, sounds like you know the best place to put the trap, wish you luck catching that critter. Your post made me think I should set some new mouse traps, could head inside when have thunder storms.
As I was peeling off the foam from my fingers today, skin went with it, just didn't want to use paint thinner, now can't with skin breaks, silly. So now I have bag balm and gloves on, good excuse to not do dishes. Ok, can wear rubber gloves.
Just no energy today, doing without sugar is a good plan for me, first day is hard, then after a day of chicken and vegetables, don't crave sugar, tomorrow will be better.
Today I got on craigs list and wrote addresses of garage sales around here. I all of a sudden had big urge to go, instead got on here and wrote previous post. Walked down to get mail, registered letter not there yet. By then, the urgency to shop was much less, stayed home all day, which was way better than shopping, since I still have too much crap. I did fill one grocery bag with things to toss, just because I need the practice, it felt liberating to toss a few things that could be donated. Also worked on donation bag. The difficult thing is I have reasons for much of stuff. I will just keep on keeping on.
I know life goes in cycles, and soon I will be eager to fill my trunk and donate. Actually I did fill a box with art and books yesterday that can be put in trunk. I threw an old vacuum that I had duct tape on hose, really old and did not shut off , had to plug and unplug to start stop. Still 92 degrees just so dang miserable, if I lived in the South I would expect heat, but not in Oregon for this many days in a row.

Hello Everybody 😀

Been busy today doing stuff and visiting with my neighbor.

Hi Karl 🙂
Good luck getting in for your DL.
You will be missed in chat. 🙂

Hi Bitsy 🙂
Sorry to hear this 🙁
Wishing your son a speedy recovery (((HUGS)))

Hi Violet 🙂
WAY TO GO!!! 😀
Fantastic job you are doing there!
Happy you are "back" here with us. 🙂

Hi Diane 🙂
Sorry Max won't be there. 🙁
Guess ice cream should only be in the freezer once in a while. I snack too when I am sleepy/tired and tend to grab the easy junk foods.
Happy the leaks are not in the garage & freezer room! 😀
Saw new evidence of recent pack rat activity this morning, so this is not over with yet.
He placed the trap right where the first rat died and I think the other rat could smell death and that's why it didn't take the bait.
Told him he has to move the trap to a different location, the under the house crawl space entrance out back.

I have the evening all to myself tonight.
He is off working security at the rodeo tonight and tomorrow night.
Looking forward to the peace & quiet. 😀

Missing all you who haven't posted lately.
Appreciate all you who have been posting.

Was wondering how the move went Vi, happy to hear new place is organized, way to go.
Tillie, that was one big boy in the trap, sure hope you are done with all pack rats!!!! (SS too)
This morning at 2:30am the thunder, lightning and heavy downpour woke me up. Started fretting about leaks so got up and checked everywhere, no leaks in freezer room or garage that I could see. My make shift roof over big deck was pretty entertaining. The leak between the trailer and add on big bedroom has started filling container I have in there, so will have to rethink roof patch in that area of roof. Weather man did not warn me of rain, so was surprised, finally got to sleep at 4:30-6:30. Decided to be nice to myself and just work in yard this morning, cut off all dead raspberry vines, cut start up trees with rotten leaves, pulled some weeds. Boss called and we talked for over 1/2 hour. Max is not coming now. Husband had an ER visit and hospital admission similar to your son bitsy, so will not be able to go on trip with her, so Max will stay with dad.
It was good to just sit and listen and be supportive, she has been so good to me.
Then organized some stuff, just so tired not sure how much I will get done today.
Tillie the continuous heat is not what we signed up for this summer. Hope you get rain, it really was nice even though it was in middle of the night.
Yesterday I overate, overate and overate. Big mistake I went to grocery outlet and bought some fruit and ice cream. When I have ice cream here, that is all I want to eat. Whats left is in freezer in freezer room, if it was inside, I would have already started on it. Sugar is so addictive to me. All the good food I have, and I just want ice cream. When I don't get enough sleep I seem to be anxious and think food will calm my nerves and medicate me, which it does for a short time, then remorse sets in, and here I am fogged over.
I sure appreciate this message board.
Roxie-----------you ok?

Bitsy, I really hope your son will be okay, I know how important you are to each other.

Hullo Everyone! and Hullo Tatoulia! I'm sorry I've been gone for so long, but I am back.
took me until yesterday to get my computer set back up after the move, mostly because I refused to touch my computer until after I had everything else unpacked and put in the right place. We only brought a third of our furniture, so many things are sorted and boxed still because I don't have places for them yet. Storage boxes and shelves are in the plan however, but they will have to wait until the more important furniture has been purchased
atm, I have all the rooms in the apartment clean and mostly organised, and have been working to keep them that way. Mister has been very supportive of my new habits, even if he grumbles that I am nearly constantly vacuuming. He did get me a brand new garbage can with pretty smelling trash bags, and a brand new swiffer wet jet which is great because most of the floors in the house are hardwood laminate of some sort. He's also been taking out the trash for me, which is super awesome, considering we pretty much have to take out the trash immediately or things get gross quick. Having a dishwasher is definitely a boon. It's so great to be able to stick the dishes in the dishwasher and then walk away for the day. I do still handwash things if the dishwasher is full and cleaning, or for the few things I have that can't be put in the dw. I'm trying to make sure that every day I have the laundry and dishes clean, and then I take care of unpacking and putting the rest of everything away
today I'm cleaning our bedroom and our bathroom. I'm also in the chat room all day if anyone wants to talk.

I'm glad most of you are still here and I can't wait to see you all on Sunday! I hope I get to see some of you before then 🙂

Drove my son to ER last nite. He had severe abdominal pain. We were in ER from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. They finally gave him something for pain and admitted him to the hospital. He has diverticulitis and they don't know yet if he will have to have surgery. I am so tired and worn out. He was my legs and I was his wheels. I will have to get back up there somehow this afternoon.

I've been away from the message board for a while, though still a regular chat participant. I returned to it last week and posted to some older threads. Now I'm finally "caught up", but for much of it (and in this topic in particular) I skimmed it very quickly, so there's probably a lot of news that didn't register.

I have plans for Saturday and Sunday; you'll have to do without me for the chat.

how to get rid of pack rats

This is the best online article about these rats that I have found. Very interesting reading.
Eventhough it is written for Arizona residents the information applies to Nevada too except that here the pack rats eat different native plants.
I never use poison for rodents because I always worry about poisoning other creatures, always snap traps or humane traps for rodents.
The rat here was almost 20 inches from his nose to the end of his tail. Very healthy looking young male.
He would not have fit in my humane mouse trap.

LOL 😀
I picture a dumpster with a spring loaded lid that snaps down. ;D

Yes, the never ending heat and high humidity day after endless day is really wearing us down.
Just wish all those rain clouds would bless me with a nice cleansing rain instead of just flying over me.

I hope there is only one pack rat (the one in trap), actually Steven is a pack rat, are there traps that big?
Never had this many days in a row of over 90 degrees. It is still over 90 at 6:30pm. Enough already, but forecast is for high 90's.

Hi 🙂

Tillie, I missed you yesterday and feared you were ill, but add in the rats----double trouble. What are your options? Since it is truly a health hazard, could you hire someone to move all his crap if he does not move it tonight? Are you feeling well enough to do some of it yourself? I am so sorry to hear you are so stressed. I had a fantacy you were on a bus on ;your way up here to help me finish organizing, and driving your RV home so you would have a safe place. You are in my prayers daily, so much gratitude for all you do to help us.
The heat is really getting to me, yesterday was a lost cause after I spoke with the government man on phone, just sat and stared. I will receive a registered letter soon, and find out the $$ damage, just have to let it go and deal with it when letter comes.
This morning I woke up at 5am and decided to stay up so I could get watering done and the foam filler done before too hot. Was nervous and excited to use foam, had my gloves and everything ready to go. Shook foam for 1 minute then started to use it, well forgot to put gloves on and my hands are basically foam hands now. I have peeled some off but have to use paint thinner on some, really don't like nasty stuff on my hands, and gloves were right there. I made a royal mess out of the foam, did not realize it continued to expand for as long as it does, oh my, what a mess I made.
time flew by and by 11 was tired and hungry so here I sit with my smoothie reading about rats
!! I have been called a rat many times, but to think of real pack rats on your property must be so frightening.
RV is sitting here waiting for you, actually I should go start it and make sure all is ok before you get here!! Hugs to you Tillie

Good morning, everybody. Good to read your posts; I found a lot of good food for thought in so many of them.

Tillie, I'm so sorry to hear about this latest "discovery." I don't know anything about those critters, but obviously you do. You deserve a better situation than this. As for those physical problems, I hope you are feeling much, much better soon.

I spent most of my work time yesterday on one important paperwork project that needs to be finished (by today, if possible). I also got some laundry washed and did a tiny bit of cooking. Today I need to finish and deliver that paperwork project. I also plan to add to my gratitude list. I might or might not get much cleaning/decluttering done, depending on how long it takes me to finish my project.

Tillie, fun is already on my schedule. My out-of-state friends that I mentioned on chat earlier in the week are planning to be in town this evening. I am scheduled to get together with them and their kids for dinner tonight at a yummy nearby restaurant. Definitely something fun!

Hugs to everyone (and special hugs to you this morning, Tillie)!

Stay strong, Tillie. You are right, he is not. Stay strong. This must be very difficult.

Hi Everybody 🙂

Was quite sick for a while. Think it was an allergic reaction to the wildfire smoke and heat exhaustion.
Much better today 🙂
Also, I am very upset & on a rampage.
Been begging him for years to get all that "stuff" he has piled up against the house on the carport side and back yard side moved away from the house.
Well, now we have an infestation of DESERT PACK RATS living under the house! 🙁
I am NOT happy 🙁
He of course is reacting in his usual surly, angry with me, nasty, slamming doors way
and I am fighting right back.
When I informed him of this serious matter I used a calm, steady, not accusing tone of voice. Just stated the facts. He is the one who chose to make this ugly.
I will NOT back down.
These rats can do a LOT of damage, carry disease & fleas plus burrowing rodents in the High Sierra are known to carry Bubonic plague and the rule here is to keep away from them and their nesting areas.

Please wish me luck. (((HUGS)))

Quick note to say goodnight. I hope Tillie and Roxie are in good health. Hope everyone is well and keep up the good work! We are all in the right path!

Hi Ladies,
Tat so happy you are staying focused, that is still hard for me. You inspire me with your enthusiasm.
I will call the little room next to the garage, that is tacky but well insulated, "the freezer room" from now on. Went out to freezer room first thing, and all is frozen and happy in new freezer. Tillie you were so right, puts out enough heat to keep that room warmer than I thought. Could feel it when I opened door, gave me confidence pipes won't freeze out there this winter
So I shook the foam up yesterday to fill the cracks, holes etc. Then recleaned all areas, then could not find the foam. after looking for 15 minutes, decided to go costco, thinking I would find it on my return, nope. Truth is, I have never used the spray foam before, know it expands and hardens, and I am terrified to make a mistake, have it clog too soon, while trying to figure out next place to use it.
Realized, first time I do anything, I am anxious and fearful, so just procrastinate, thinking I will be more sure of myself when I gather more information. Well I have gathered information, time to act, maybe just needed to tell you that is why many things do not get done promptly, afraid to try.
Ok, there you have it. It did not cool down enough last night so had ac on first thing this morning, really have trouble with so many days in high 90's.
Hooray for smoothies, I ran out of supplies so used some chocolate protein drinks I bought months ago, and did not like, but so expensive kept, so used those, not enjoyable, will throw in garbage today. Cart is already pretty full, found lots to toss already.
I spent a couple hours in the freezer room putting up a paper towel holder, cleaning out 2 bins of stuff I had not gone through, rearranging shelves, and figuring out what I want in cupboards out there. I am so blessed to have dehoarded that room as far as I have so I can access everything, and just need to finsh labeling cabinets, shelves, so know where things are, I am making progress.
I have ac on in big bedroom that qualifies as hoarders paradise, piles everywhere, plan to do some major work in there after my current and only break so far today, I just realized, and have a smoothie first, then use timer to make it tolerable to work in there. So grateful for all of my fellow hoarders and Tillie.

Working from home today. Finding time to take breaks. Folding and sorting pile of clothes on dresser. Thanks to the inspiration I receive from all of you, have been able to put my mother's mink pillbox hat in the donation pile. I have fond memories of her wearing it and I wore it at Christmastime once. Now, it's time to let it go. It's received a lot of love from my family; time to move on.

Glad to hear of everyone's progress. Very impressed! Love reading your posts, love hearing about the different animals and pets and birds and wildlife.

Take care, and thank you. You really keep me going. I am focused and I feel terrific. And even when I feel bad, I take comfort in having friends here.

Yea for the loaded freezer, diane! Whoo-hoo!

Hi, everybody! I've been reading your posts, although I haven't posted much myself lately. I haven't been doing a great deal of decluttering the past few days, but I have made some good progress on some paperwork. That has felt good. I have joined in on the buddy-system chat/challenges the last couple of days and have gotten some things done through that.

Looking forward to reading more of everybody's updates! Hugs!

Hi all
Today I went to Costco and bought bags of frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as protein. Was fun to put in my new freezer.
It was 98 yesterday and 97 degrees today. Anything over 80 is too hot for me, so not so great today. Did have thunderstorm, but only a few drops of rain. Lightning did start more fires.
I found out yesterday that I owe a lump of money to goverment, not fun, but grateful I have the money to pay them. Got tarp out to put rotten roof in as I toss it off roof. Too hot so far, and chance of rain daily.
Tomorrow I will stay home all, with ac on, should be able to get some work done in here. Did clean toilet inside and outside and floor this morning. All the fires around here coated everything with smoke dust, as i clean I can see how much has landed on everything in a short time since last cleaned/dusted.

Hi all,
I didn't get much done today except go to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, stock up at the grocery store, and get gas. It rained again this afternoon, so I wasn't able to do anything outside.
Tillie: yes, Frank came home yesterday. He was so happy running around the house, playing in a paper sack and jumping out to surprise the dogs. I think he found the boarding place too confining and boring. The dogs were glad to see him, too and didn't mind his ambushes. They missed him.
I love hearing about your quail. At our old house, there was a huge evergreen in the yard behind ours. At dusk, many bats would fly out and catch moths and mosquitos that were attracted to the street lights. I would sit on the back porch and watch their silent ballet.
Daisy: the money you will spend getting your house cleaned up is an investment, both in the home and in your way of life. If you need to take out a loan and can pay it back on a schedule that will work for you, I say "go for it." I wish you all the best as you move forward.

Hi Daisy 🙂
Yes, that figure sounds right to me.
It all depends on the size of the home, how much stuff is needing to be removed and what the stuff consists of.
I do not know anything about the company you named so I can't comment on them.
But I do know that 5,000.00 for two days of professional clean out is a very good rate.

Good Luck and best wishes 🙂

called to have a company come help me.... Originally quoted me almost $11,000 to come for 4 days. I was able to arrange for them to come for 2 days and it will be $5,000. This is still way beyond what I can afford. Are these figures accurate? Has anyone had experience with these companies that are listed on the site? The one I called is Address Our Mess. Is it really worth the money? I am considering taking out a loan if it is. Thank you all for input.

Good Morning 🙂

Everybody, try your best to enjoy these last few days of July! 😀

Good to read your posts. All dishes are done finally, and put away, sinks have been scrubbed and sanitized. Counters mostly clean. Laundry caught up. cleaned up the stuff from painting.
It is too hot out, I can relate Tillie.
Ranner will go home at 5pm, will miss having him here. Then plan to spray ants with ant killer (outside only)
Plan to clean floors after he is gone, tonight or tomorrow am.
Still have not gone to store, will plan on going first thing tomorrow.
Plan to pay bills after this message.
Looked on pintrest for an hour for my fun today.
Looking at creative things people come up with brings me joy.
Speaking of----this morning I got out the tar paper, roll roofing, boards for repairing the roof that I stepped through. I saw the positive in hoarding--all supplies are here that I need to fix roof, and the positive of organizing, all were in the same place.
Tillie, yes I do plan to work in hoard rooms this week. I really want things where I can find them, and the ability to walk on floors in those rooms so I can get to items! Thanks for chat, great so many people are working on our hoarding issues.

Thanks Tillie for always being here for us all, and yes the fog will clear soon.

HI Everybody! 🙂

Been up & busy since the roosters were still crowing about the sunrise.
Just taking a lunch break now.
Did some reading about what may be causing my "brain fog" and it seems to be from withdrawl from all the sugar I usually consume but have been trying to be good about it lately.
So, this too shall pass, some day. 🙂

Wonderful to read all your posts! 😀
It is hot, muggy/humid and overcast here today. Makes it hard to get motivated to do much of anything.

Oh well, I better get back to doing stuff around here.

TTYL 🙂