Hey there? Hello to all! Im pleased to have cleaned up the front yard! It didnt take that much effort to make a huge difference in how it looks! I dont know what my problem was with just doing it....i wish itd been like this when my ex was last here..it was all a mess cuza the water being hooked up for the washer...i gotta remember how easy it is to improve areas... Mantra for my mess: ~Clear~Clean~Color~
Yall sound like youre getting lots done, but enjoying life, too! ~☆~Awesome!!!~☆~

Hi Everybody 🙂

LOL Tatoulia 😀
Thank you for commiserating with me. (((HUGS)))
I am used to reading between the lines and figure out most times what people meant to type. ;D
WAY TO GO!!!
You have really been doing so much to keep your home homey. 🙂
It is important to get your car serviced, I don't ever want you to be stranded out on some lonely road at night during a storm or even in town on a bright sunny day.

Hi Anonymoniker 🙂
Thank you (((HUGS)))
That is frustrating that he uses old worn out parts to "fix" your vehicle. 🙁
Maybe you could have him drive you to the auto parts store next time he needs to replace something so you can make sure the parts are new?

Thinking tomorrow about going to the bank and getting some cash.
Then maybe to Dollar Tree for some cleaning supplies.
Has not been near as hot as it was the other weeks, thank goodness.
Need to get out for a little while, maybe even talk to some humans instead of just the cats and all the critters in the yard.

Sweet dreams Ya'll 😉

Ugh--I never read my posts before entering the magic code. Took car for service/dropped it off with keys.

Also, my friends in the cemetery--they were the ones who left me the coffee tables--and I have kept the coffee table clean and clear since I finally dealt with it a few weeks back.

I will do better about proofing my posts. Til then (and this is for Diane), I'll just let a few things enjoy a sh&"@$ in.

Hi everyone!

Oh gosh Tillie. I do understand what it's like to be with someone who is volatile and nasty and doesn't think things through, and I can imagine what a nightmare the "new" router/modem/whatever was. Oh boy. Tough to catch a break.
I had to take care for service yesterday--dropped it off with jets Sunday. I had gone to cemetery to see my friends and water their ivy (very dry summer) and on way out of cemetery my car started to make a noise. I'm a better safe than sorry so I took to dealership. It stopped making the noise (probably just ran over a branch or something) but it motivates me to get an oil change and tune up. Picked it up this afternoon.

Indoor challenge:

Polished some silver
Laundry incl'g cat bedding
Did dishes
Bag of recycling together
Dusted dining room table
Garbage out/includes cat box
Swept hallway

Not as much as I would have liked but still pleased. Working to develop new habits and I feel positive about it!

CM I so appreciated your analogy. Many thanks!

So as I went to bed last night, I felt too tired to deal with remaining dishes. But I did. I put the dishes in the dishwasher.

Thinking of you all.

Tillie, im sorry for your frustration. It is certainly understandable! Ive been experiencing something similar this week, especially, with my car being broken down. My handyman is very 'creative' at fixing things, but will frequently use old worn out parts or an old wire, instead of the proper, replacement part, even when i will gladly pay for the new parts! I get very upset having to repeatedly insist he fix stuff right. I have no interest in being broken down somewhere in my car, or having a fire in my home, or a water pipe break....unfortunately i cant just call in licensed workers...i just have no hover over him & grill him about how it was fixed...i cant imagine how frustrating it must be for you! I like your safety rules...that is very wise! I will be a relentless nag before i risk something dangerous over a $5. part!

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

Hi CriticalMass 🙂
Fantastic amount of sorting out and organizing you've been doing! WTG! 😀

Hi Diane 🙂
Hope you are doing a lot better by now. (((HUGS)))
Good luck with your new doctor, hope he's a good one for you.
WTG! for tackling that garden shed! 😀
Things always look a lot worse before they get better when we empty a cluttered area to sort it all out.

Hi Tess 🙂
WTG! for ALL you have done! 😀
One thing your friend is doing is that they are not at home much of the day and when they are she is doing maintenance.
So much easier to keep a clean house clean when the family is at school and work all day. 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Tea "clinks"
Yes, so many over the years here that I fondly remember almost daily. (((hugs)))
WAY TO GO!!! for maintenance and now better weather! 😀
Better, easier, clearer, cleaner are wonderful and achievable goals. 🙂

Yesterday was a very frustrating and nerve racking day here.
So glad it's over.
He totally messed up our internet connection by trying to install second hand, thrift shop malfunctioning electronics to our systems.
No computer web surfing, no Netflix, no Youtube.
And him getting nastier and nastier by the minute.
Planning to do the usual tidying up here today even though I should do more, the house needs a good proper cleaning.
But I am exhausted mentally today and need the down time.
Maybe tomorrow I will get back to it.

TTYS 🙂

Remember, too, that there are levels in this process. I'll make an analogy with losing weight. Say you need to lose 80 pounds to get to your Ultimate Ideal Weight. Say you're able to lose 60 pounds and life's not bad - you have a nice new wardrobe, more energy, doctor's proud of how well you've done, you get to go off blood pressure medicine, etc., etc., etc.

Well, so you'd still like to lose those other 20 pounds. And maybe that's even harder and you're not sure you can get there. But you can take some time to rejoice in your success losing the 60, and decide if the other 20 are worth the effort, and make plans if you do want to go for it. And there's no deadline! If you lose them, they'll still be gone, even if it takes a little longer. Or you may decide life's pretty darn good just having lost the 60, and that's okay too.

That's how it is with our clutter once we've reached a sustainable level of living (I'm not there yet but oh, how I want to be!). We then have the freedom to decide what level of tidiness or even Martha Stewart-ness we want to strive for, and what the cost-benefit analysis in terms of time and effort comes out to.

So, be at peace and rejoice in how far you've come. Even those of us who are still in the thick of it can find small victories. Onward and upward!

Coffee clinks!

Thinking about Roxie and Bitsy and LR today.

Over the weekend I kept up with dishes and laundry and other maintenance. Need to step it up today. Weather has been better so I will need to act.

Will keep a list and report later.

Write when you can!

Ps good to hear from you Tess! Keep up the good work! And yes, I wish I lived in an immaculate house. everything is easier when I'm not mired In junk. I will use this as my motivator today-- not shooting for immaculate, shooting for better, easier, clearer, cleaner.

Tess, that is fantastic that youve gotten everything under control! I am so envious! As far as your friend, she may well be sacrificing anything relaxing or enjoyable to keep that up. Many people will readily give up special moments with their kids, moments of important reflection, creative endeavors, all kinds of stuff to keep up appearances & the things our society expects of them. It is not necessarily a good trade off. It honestly sounds to me like you have achieved an ideal pace & balance and are at a great new stage in your efforts! Be proud of yourself! You done good! ;D

Hi friends! Happy Sunday! It's been awhile, but I'm keeping up. I love the idea of adding on a dreaded task. That's where I am. I have general maintenance down for my clear areas, but I need to kick it up a notch. The good news is that my hoard is almost under control. I have it confined to an small unused room and a spare closet. I'm slowly sorting through everything because I'm limited as to how much trash I can take out in a week. So, no need to rush. I'm going to space it out over another month or so. Now I have some deep cleaning to do in my open areas. This weekend I went to a friend's house. It was immaculate!! She has 2 active kids and a husband. Works full time, cooks every night, and still has a magazine ready home. How do people do that? I don't think my home will ever be on that level, even if I hired a maid service. I'll always have floor boards that need scrubbed or a faucets that need a toothbrush taken to it. I'm ok with that, but it makes me feel uncomfortable ever inviting her over. Does that make sense?

I miss you guys! Even when I don't have time to post, you guys are in my thoughts.

Diane, do not worry yourself about any slippage re maintenance. You need to take care of yourself. Glad you will be seeing your new dr this week. I'm also glad that your sense of humor is intact.

Missing you and glad to hear from you.

Will write more later. Just wanted to check in on everybody.

Hello gals, thanks for the warm thoughts. It has been a difficult week. Only 3 hours of sleep last night. Did get dishes washed. One load of laundry washed and hung out. I am slipping behind in every area it seems. Antibiotics are finally getting the swelling in face to go down some. Pain is less too, which gives me hope. I know I will be better soon and start having the energy to do maintenance. Did water yard this morning. It is obvious I have to get rid of lots of stuff, especially since I have not kept up on maintenance. Lots of junk in yard. Worked on cleaning out garden shed this week and ran out of energy, so it looks like the shed threw up on my yard. New doctor appointment on Wednesday, my doctor moved months ago, difficult to find doctor that takes medicare old ladies. Look forward to his opinion on cheek swelling, since I hit face with hammer, not positive it is just the root canal problem, or something else. (like a hammer to the face) It will be cooler next few days, so hopefully will get some clutter cleaned up.

Hey all!

I didn't mean to be away, I got busy sorting and deciding to destash a bunch of my yarn! And just had a busy week in general. I'm pleased with having gotten six tubs plus two popcorn tins of yarn down to three tubs. Plus a few stray skeins that are part of current projects. And if I feel I need to cull more, I will.

The tubs the yarn was in will help me organize the 18" dolls I'm keeping for models for the doll clothes I sew - and I'm only going to keep a small number of good dolls. I gave a bald one to the DAV along with some other items the other day!

The yarn that is going I just need to call a local ministry that wants yarn that I had heard about, and pack it and take it to them, maybe this coming week.

Then I sort my Steampunk craft items (I've already downsized some larger and junky stuff last year, so it's mostly jewelry and my hat that I wear to Steampunk events, etc.). One small 3-drawer craft drawer set and a small tub should hold "keeper" Steampunk items, I'm hoping.

And then onto sewing and cleaning the van; it has gotten so trashed, but that's just from pulling things out in a hurry, and I think I can both neaten it and eliminate more stuff from it fairly quickly. The boxes with sewing projects aren't that full - a few good sewing sessions should make for less bulk there.

August is a full month for me with a big event the 21st, but the latter part of the month - I hope - will include cat sitting, and I can take my sewing machine and work on those things while the cats doze. And earn a little money from the cat sitting. 🙂

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

Hi Joan 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂

Hey Diane (((HUGS)))

The cats were not as cooperative this morning, especially Marty.
Another cool morning 😀
Other than tidying up I have no plans yet.
He has plans to go out to thrift shops and yard sales, again. 🙁
Me? I have everything that I need to function and don't feel the need for any more.

Happy Saturday everybody 🙂

Thanks Tatoulia.

This board has been really helpful for me, even though I don't post often. Unlike Tillie, I live in a densely populated area.
However, since I have to maintain my own situation, I have nothing left over to cultivate friendships.

It is nice to just be able to drop in and out here when I can manage it.

Hello everyone--just home from work.

Joan, allergies are so miserable and I find I go through phases in life where they are better and other times they are worse. Sometimes my allergies get sobad that I swear they trigger other allergies. Although I cannot relate to just how sick you are, I am in awe of your determination and resourcefulness as you seek solutions and some relief.

Tillie, glad you slept in! Cannot believe that Marty, Scooter, et al were so cooperative.

Hello to everyone and sending special thoughts to Diane.

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

Slept in this morning. 🙂
Last few days the high temperature has only been in the mid 90s with lows in the 60s.
So much easier now.
I've been slowly catching up on general cleaning, taking my time with it, resting enough.
Looking forward to getting out and doing yardwork soon. 😀

Ya'll have a good day 🙂

There is no simple answer to my allergy issues. Dust may be exacerbating the allergies, but it is not the main cause. Primarily the cause is food allergies and pollen allergies. That is why I have scheduled an appt. with the allergy group.

I am not well enough to clean house, or to have someone come in to clean for me. I just get by every day. Usually I am not well enough to post. My medical situation is too complex to even talk about. I just keep myself going. Just thought some of you could relate to the allergy problems.

This is still a very toxic environment on the planet. It is hard for me to live here.

OH! Diane 🙁
So sorry (((HUGS)))

Hi Joan 🙂
Maybe it's something in your bedroom causing the night time allergy problem. ?

Hi Anonymoniker 🙂
YEA!!! WTG!!! for the gardening! 😀
Whenever I have a bee problem I call a local bee keeper and he will come and take them away and add them to his bee keeping business.

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
FANTASTIC! for keeping the laundry in line! 😀
I like how easy it is when I keep up with it too.
Never becomes an overwhelmingly dreadful chore. 😀

I got all caught up with the watering here and at the house I am baby sitting.
That's about it.
Cats and I had fun this morning playing outside. 😀

I added one more thing in my quest to build new habits:

I scrubbed the kitchen counter where the coffee maker is. The other counters still have two much stuff on them. But I wiped up the coffee stains.

Hoping everyone is feeling better and wishing you all a good night's sleep.

Oh Diane, I am so sorry. You poor thing. Please know that the root canal was the right thing--can't have too many teeth pulled too early. My dear Diane, wish I could mix up a smoothie for you!

Indoor challenge:
Dishes
Cat's eating area
Dusted desk and things on it
Shredded mail
Garbage ready to go out
All laundry done & folded

I cannot believe that I used to have laundry piling up on chair and dresser. It would get mixed up with old stuff. It would fall on floor, get all over the place, and before I knew it, I'd wash the big heaping mess and start the cycle anew. It takes no time to fold and put away, esp since I only have the small capacity washer and dryer. I now take off my clothes and put in washer or if work clothes, I hang up. I do have to sort things in the washer before running it, but at least I don't have dirty clothes littering my floor, dresser, bedroom chair.

Hi everyone. Took car in for air bag replacement yesterday, went to a friends house to wait all day until done. I fell down friends steps and of course bruised knee, elbow and cheek on side of pain. Since then, face has swollen up again just like when I hit it with rock hammer, pain is bad. I started on antibiotics again last night for the swollen cheek. I am frustrated, wish I would not have had root canal, now what? Sorry Tat and Tillie for your unwell time, hope all is well with you now. I have not been doing much. Sure will be nice to catch up to you on indoor challenge plus. I really wish I would have just had the tooth pulled, but then there would be a big gap because bridge would lose another tooth. Sorry I am no fun at all right now.

Hello to all my hoarder-homies! ha ha Tillie & Tatoulia, im so glad youre both feeling better?! I have a bee hive in my dumpster, which im gonna have to empty the trash from to take to the dump soon...im not sure how to approach that...ive even considered turning it into a honey house for them, except i dont know what kind of bees they are?
Joan, have you looked into creating healthy gut bacterias? That is a bit of an epidemic problem for our society these days, and the symptoms youre having indicate that could be a factor? Fermented foods can help with that?
Yesterday i decided to try clearing some of the new growth that had come in in the backyard that my ex had beautified. Id been dreading it & expected it to be really hard to clear, but it came out SOOO EASILY?!! IT WAS SUCH A JOY?! WHAT AN AWESOME SURPRISE!!!
Also, i moved a mirror over the catwalk shelf over my bed and it completely change the room & not only looks amazing, reflects the image of my gorgeous clean dresser top, but also is angled perfectly for doing my arm weights in front of!!!
Today im going to get some dvds from the library of home ideas and hopefully one on wooden yurts! That is what i need to get soon! The rain is quickly eroding my current 'home' to a critical point.
Happy clearing & cleaning & improving to all of you!!! ~♡~

Hi everyone.

Allergies came up again, I notice. The medication I was using for my allergies has been giving me bad side effects lately. I have taken enough medication in my life to kill several healthy elephants, so in most cases, I am out of medication options.

Too scary and exhausting to keep waking up st night with coughing fits and my throat closing up, choking off air.

Since yesterday I have finally begun to stick to a diet that includes only foods that do not produce bad reactions in my system. This pretty much limits me to dairy (excluding milk), fish, chocolate, and fruits. Non-starchy veggies would be OK, but I can only do salad right now because I'm not well enough to cook for myself.

My stomach is doing a bit of a double-take this morning, so I gave him some nice pickled baby fiddleheads. My throat is MUCH, MUCH better. Yesterday I found a good allergy group that is taking new patients, so I made an appt. for early September. At least if I find out the foods I'm allergic to, I may be able to expand my repetoire.

Hope you are all well. Tillie, sending good thoughts your way.

Good Morning Everyone 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Feel better (((HUGS)))
You are lucky if you don't have to do battle with wasps/yellow jackets.
It is nerve wracking business when you have to do battle with them.
Bet there are things where you are that are just as terrifying that we don't have in ours.
Good luck getting back into your daily routines. 🙂

Moving slowly today but feeling better.
I need to get back into my regular routine too.
At least I was able to keep up with feeding & watering the cats and scooping the litter boxes. 😀
The trees, bushes and plants have suffered without their routine watering.
I did apologize to them. 🙁
Quarter to 10am. Going to get dressed now and finish watering outside.

Everybody have a great day! 😀

*rested a lot last night, not created.

Hello everyone!

I drank lots of water and created a lot last night and am feeling much better today--tired but better! Do I'm going to chalk it all up to allergies.

I need to get my maintenance back on a routine and start going for the Plus!

Hope Tillie and Diane are on the mend. You know I read your posts re wasps' nests and was so amazed and yet never commented on them. Our living situations are so different and yet, here we are, striving together to live a happier, easier life and making valuable friendships in the process.

Good morning to everyone! Post when you can, even if (like me) you haven't made any progress.

Coffee clinks!

I've certainly noticed your absence Tillie and I hope you are feeling better. I've been sick today and mainly sleeping. I thought it was allergies but I can't be sure. Am drinking more than my usual lots of water. Have not done a thing house-wise/just feeding cat, doing work-work, and trying to rest.

Will write more later. Feel better, Tillie!

Hello Everybody 🙂

Hi Diane 🙂
Hope you're feeling better. (((HUGS)))
No reason for you to do anything until you are better, except take care of yourself. ;D

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Sometimes when I have tasks written down I start to dread doing it and procrastinate even more than if I just do it when I do it.
Sort of like quickly ripping of a bandage. ;P

Hi Anonymoniker 🙂
To prevent double posting I post and if it does not appear, I refresh the page and most times my post then appears.
If I refresh the page three times and my post still is not there, I then repost it. 😀

Sorry about my absence. Been sick. Again. 🙁
Then I get depressed because there are things I would rather be doing than being sick and tired.
Tomorrow I need to play "catch up" on keeping the house tidy.
My plus + will be to remove the drain cover in the bath tub and clean out all the nasty yuck so the tub will drain properly again.
Then I will do the baking soda & vinegar science experiment to make sure it's good and clear!
Spent this morning sitting out in the garden with all the cats. It was very peaceful and cool. 🙂

TTYS 🙂

Diane, i cant believe youve had such tooth pain for this long?! Im so sorry? Tooth aches are aweful! I hope it eases up soon? If it were periodontal, id have some suggestions, since my Dad was an oral surgeon. Im glad youre able to see a dentist for help!
Part of me knows i can not even pursue dating again till i get this mess presentable...not just for a prospective guy, but for me?!!! Once im ok with it, then id be comfortable letting others come over here. Then i started wondering...why isnt there a hoarders.match.com? ha ha What would happen if there was? Could 2 hoarders help each other? Would either be willing to let the other see their place? It might actually work well...hmmm...