Hello to all this midweek morning. I surely hope all are well and safe today.
It is again wet this morning! Yesterday we got a bucketload of rain in the afternoon and evening - and NOW I do have a lake out back. Ugh!
They are predicting rain almost every day for the next week. Including over the holiday weekend (Memorial Day) and even on the 500 Mile race day! That is not good, as about 300,000 show up for that!
This year the race will be on TV live as it happens. That happened last year too - but never did before. It has to be a sold-out event to be aired live. So, locals usually don't see it until it is over (unless you go). I am not a huge race fan, but I do love all the pomp and circumstance leading up to it. Of course I will be on my porch before the race, waiting to see the military flyover - that is my favorite thing! They always manage to come over my house as they leave the area.
Everyone gets excited about a long weekend - I used to as well. Now it is another day. Every day is a holiday once you retire!
Life has finally leveled out and there is no rush on anything. I pretty much do what I want - when I feel like it. The above seems appropriate for me. I eat differently during the summer - a lot lighter and fresher. I walk so much more. I really don't need a thing, so not a lot of need to shop. I always try to laugh, love and feel blessed. Every morning when I go out to feed all the animals - I stop and take time in nature to say my morning prayers and to thank God for all things.
I porch sit a lot. It is a great time for reflection.
My house never gets messy, as I put things up as I use them (upstairs). The basement is a different story!!! Now that it is rainy, and I can't get out to work as much, I am again going to tackle that area. I really want it cleaned and straightened and I want stuff GONE! It is time to get back to de-cluttering. So much down there, that hasn't been used or touched in years. WHY???????
I need nothing, so why not!
I love the lazy, hazy days of summer. Sure there is garden work (I love), yardwork (I like), and heat (meh) - but it a time of growth, abundance and thriving. Everything is gorgeous out and God shows us all the beauty of nature is so many ways. I will have things to do - but I also will JUST ENJOY.
We need to do that more. Take in all the special moments.
So, I am ready to get back to getting rid of my overabundance of stuff and I plan to eat well, and I plan to stay healthy.
This weekend is the 'un'official start to summer around here. Graduations are happening, pools will be opening, lots of outdoor events will be happening, many summer celebrations starting, and just lots of outdoor activities.
What do you plan for your summer (gosh, winter for some)?
Take time and get rid of stuff you no longer need or use and enjoy each and every day to the fullest.
Have a great day - help the light shine!!!
Like you, I enjoy a simple life. Decluttering is an ongoing process; it's not one-and-done. I'm anticipating a move from my rural property in the next 5-6 yrs. That time will go quickly so I've been doing the Swedish death cleaning. It's not as morbid as it sounds. It's decluttering so my family won't have to do it if I become incapacitated or die. I'm currently decluttering in the shop. Why did I wait so long? To every thing there is a season.
ReplyDelete"why did I wait so long?" that is the question. I stop at times, then get back into it. So much stuff here - 40 years accumulated. You are smart to start now.
DeleteSo much to be said about a simple life -aaaaahhhh good!
I declutter so much and am still overwhelmed by the amount of stuff. Where did all these toys come from??? I get rid and it just seems to grow. The husband is a hoarder and occasionally I can get him to get rid of a bunch of stuff, but it's very difficult so I just have to focus on me and the kids.
ReplyDeleteMy summer is currently up in the air. I'm supposed to be having a spinal fusion done. My youngest is going to have to be put to sleep for a lot of dental work to be done. Otherwise if able, it will be a lot of pool time and water play.
It seems to multiply and grow doesn't it? I have even thought about G's stuff in the garage. All these years and it is all there, and he loved his tools and stuff.
DeleteI hope it all works out for you to enjoy the pool - that sounds lovely.
Decluttering can be sobering, as you realize how much was spent. I am in the same boat as you, regarding buying preloved as opposed to brand new from a store. The prices in stores have been outrageous for years and even more so now. I used to shop in Kohls and the last time I was in there, the quality of the clothing was cheap and definitely not worth what they were asking.
ReplyDeleteI can hear the rain starting up again. Very gentle, which is lovely to listen to, but we really have enough for now, thank you so much.
Do you remember the year the rain stopped the race several times and then on the day it finally ran, a man was killed by a service truck going the wrong way in the pits. Looks like this race will be rained out. Can you imagine the condition of the Coke lot where people park and camp? A lady a couple of doors down from Erin rents out her front lawn for parking.
We are having a stir fry today for lunch. Simple and it can be adjusted to what ingredients we have. Maybe the rain will let up so I can pick strawberries. Have another batch ready to do into the freezer. Nothing like picking fresh strawberries and eating them straight from the vine.
I will be your cheerleader as you declutter your basement! Go, Cheryl, go! Today is too wet to work outside so the winter things will be swapped out for warm weather clothing. Probably some will either go to the rag box or charity. Need to do the same decluttering in the kitchen cabinets.
You and Bits enjoy your day. Does he go into the basement to snoop around?
I know decluttering is sure eye opening. Why I thought I needed all those things, amazes me. Guess it struck a cord at the time.
DeleteI am pretty much over rain. It has been non-stop here today - just a soft rain, but rain none the less. Just so messy outside.
Gosh, it doesn't seem possible that it is strawberry time in IN already. Love fresh picked. I love simple meals. Today will be a simple meal day here. Just not in the mood to cook.
Thanks, I need a cheer 'squad'!!!!
Bitsy has never been downstairs - too many places to hide! That little bugger is curled up in his blankie sleeping - all morning so far!
I have on socks and a cardigan today - it is downright chilly.
Oh dear. Yes, I need to declutter again. There are things I don't use at all. There are things I don't need. There are even still a few things I don't like!
ReplyDeleteDS fixed my front deck today, there was a rotten board and he replaced it. Bless him for being so helpful on his few days off. He doesn't know how much I appreciate it, but when he becomes old he'll understand. :) My thanks seem so small compared to all he does to help me.
MaryB
It sure is amazing at what we keep. So much to get rid of.
DeleteHow sweet to fix the deck. I bet your thank you and hugs mean a ton!!!! He knows! Sounds like a good boy.
We've gotten a little rain each day this week and I am so glad because we really need it. Plus, it is nice not to have to water anything.
ReplyDeleteNow that your garden is in you can use the rainy days or scorching hot afternoons this summer to tackle the basement.
Our garage is my headache. It's pretty well organized and not a lot in it but it needs a good scrub after the winter. I want to get that done in the next week or two.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the week!
I wish we had just gotten a little - it has been a lot here. Haven't watered a thing yet - since planting!
DeleteGarages sure can be catch all's. Nice that you have yours organized.
Finally last night we got a very heavy rain. Along with small showers on Sunday and Monday there was 1 1/2” in the rain gauge this morning. More rain is expected this week. I trimmed the hedge and some other bushes in the front yard this morning after they dried out a bit.
ReplyDeleteI’ve never been a shopper but mom LOVED church rummage sales and got me into them, too. I got a lot of good stuff but also dragged home items I didn’t need. I mostly decluttered when I moved. But like you with Glen’s tools, I still have tools from my dad in the garage and utility building. Most of the tools are rusted. The trash company doesn’t want metal items (huh!) But I’ve found a metal recycling place a few miles away and I’ve been there once and will go there again. Barbara M.
Glad you got a nice and heavy rain - I know your area needs it.
DeleteI used to love yard sales and so did Glen. Too much.
Too bad you can't find someone that could clean up the tools and use them. we have a scrap guy who is out everyday and will take anything metal. I super overwhelmed when thinking about the garage - not just the amount of things, but it was all his. Good luck getting rid of those things.
We have had a really nice extended summer down here, and I loved the simple things like gardening, getting out and walking every day. Now that winter is here I am more house focused and am reading books a lot more, something I also enjoy but don't seem to do as much in summer.
ReplyDeleteLiving alone I have a neat and tidy small house now, everything in its place as I have decluttered massively over the past few years, particularly before I moved here. But I have a small storeroom in the corner of the house and it is too full. I plan to attack it over the next few weeks. Some things I have been keeping like lots of bubble wrap as one of my family might move house, so they've been saying for the past few years!
Glad the weather has stayed nice. The simple pleasures in life are sure lovely. Reading is something that gets put aside here as well.
DeleteSame here - I try to keep my home nice and tidy, but storage area in basement is a mess. Too much stuff.
Good luck on getting the stuff under control. I hope your good weather holds on for a bit longer.
I was going to go out today and work in the perennial beds, but the day kind of got away from me. Now we are going to be getting more rain, so I will stay in and perhaps work on it when I go to do my planting on the weekend. In fact I hear thunder so we might be in for a storm.
ReplyDeleteI always seem to be decluttering. The first few years at least 1000 things a year were gotten rid of and donated to those who needed them. The next couple of years it was 500 items a year. Now I hope to reach at least 400, but that could be pushing it.
God bless.
WOW - that is a lot of decluttering. Good for you. maybe I should set a number in a goal. Good idea.
DeleteRain can do a number on yard work! Hope you are able to get a lot done this weekend. Happy planting!
We don't use the word de-cluttering at our house, we prefer the word de-accumulating. As Mona said above, to everything there is a season", I think it's all about recognising that that season of your life has passed and you need to let items go. For example, when I had four children at home I needed "kid stuff" now they have grown, I no longer need kid stuff so I pass it on to someone who does. When I had four young adults at home, I needed three chest freezers to feed a family of six. Now there is only three adults at home, I have cut down to one freezer, selling one and gave away another.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, whatever word you choose to use, it can be an emotional job, letting go of things that hold memories is difficult, so my thoughts are with you.
Linda and I have a had a tuna pattie making morning. Yesterday I picked up a bag of dehydrated potato for 20 cents (out of date at the end of the month). We made 50 patties, which are all sitting nicely in the freezer now. After we got to about number 30, we decided to make log shaped patties instead of round ones, as for lunches I prefer to serve on a hot dog bun. We thought we were quite brilliant, so it will be interesting to see how that genius idea turns out. ( Disclaimer, I often have ideas I think are genius but often don't work well in practicality)
Take care, Louise.
I have stopped the accumulation, so that is a plus! You are right, it meant something at one point, now it doesn't. It needs to go.
DeleteGood for you on lessening the freezers - it saves energy too.
Thank you - it IS an emotional job. I guess maybe that is why I have a problem with it.
wow, how nice on making up all the tuna patties. Great deal on the potato flakes. Neat idea to be able to serve on a hotdog bun! I saw someone making 'logs' with ground beef on a video for the same reason. I think the idea is genius! Let us know.
Glad to hear that Linda is doing good with her wrist.