Clutter

Utility Shelves in a Small Closet

/ Jo / Leave a comment

We have a small, strange closet in the back bedroom that I thought would be way more useful if it had a few shelves.

Shelves would improve the function of this closet.

This does not have to be a pretty closet as the inside isn’t finished and we’re not sure about the electric switch and capped lines that just end there.

Charlie took up the project for me since it involved huffing lumber around, using his circular saw, and being very particular about fit.

The shelves are not destined to hold a lot of weight.

Maximizing a piece of plywood that had been used in the built in king-sized bed that I took apart, he cut 3 shelves.

Charlie was careful to level the shelves in every direction.

Then he screwed 2 by 4s onto the side walls as supports.

The shelves were put in bottom to top.

The shelves were simply laid on the supports.

The middle shelf cannot be seen on the other side of the wall — the bright area is actually a vent.

Voila!

Shoe boxes, sewing supplies, and off-season bedding among other things will be stored in this closet.

More storage.

Jo

March, 2025: Aims

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February was brutal! Bad weather, bad injury, and lots of waiting.  I’m looking forward to March’s milder weather to begin some of the tasks I put on the back burner now that we have fully moved into the house on the Chesapeake Bay.

In February we had a wet snow in the middle of the month on both sides of the bay.

Here are some tasks that must be attended to in March when the weather may finally be warm enough to work on projects that must take place, at least partially, outdoors.

  1. Take a road trip.

    The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

  2.  Set up the primary bedroom.

    We are a little further along than this.

  3. Have contractor begin work on downstairs bathroom.

    Need to get started.

  4. Research local theatre, activities, dance, and tai chi.

    We live in a remote spot with fewer nearby services than we’re accustomed to.

  5.  Start attending Bible study.

    Lots of small churches in our new neighborhood.

  6.  Begin Lenten devotions and fasting.
  7.  Work on fireplace tiles.

    This project has been hanging over my head all winter.

  8. Put shelves in back bedroom small closet.

    Shelves would improve the function of this closet.

  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: BREATHE
  10.   Write a goal list for April, 2025.

Jo

February, 2025: Score

/ Jo / 4 Comments

February began with a lot of snowy/sleety frigid days which continued throughout the month.  The Glade was covered with mud most of the month while prospective buyers examined the house and the yard.

This original ceramic mug was one of my inspiration pieces for the colors at the Bay House — sand, sea, and sky.

Sadly I broke my favorite morning coffee mug on the first day of the month.

We had a wet snow in the middle of the month on both sides of the bay.

We made some progress on non-list items in February.

  • I visited my new dentist.  I went to my former dentist for 40 years.  Since we moved I knew I’d need a new one — he’s young enough to treat me until I no longer need a dentist.  Woo hoo!
  • I got a radical haircut.

    I was tired of fooling with hair below my shoulders.

  • I got a dog license for Dash in our new county.
  • We celebrated Dash’s 7th birthday with his buddy Rory.

    Rory was basking in the sun when I shot this photo of the boys.

  • I made arrangements for a springtime visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

    We’ll travel by car.

  • We celebrated my birthday.
  • I updated files at the cemetery where my family has been buried since the 1930s.

    My family’s graves are in a historic cemetery.

    I wanted to make sure nothing went away after 100 years — good news, everything remains status quo by Maryland law.

I got started on these tasks early in the short month and happily completed them all:

  1.  Upgrade the outdoor flood lights at the bay house.  I bought new fixtures and fell from the ladder while wiring them.

    Charlie was careful to chock the ladder.

    Charlie had to finish the job.

  2. Get 2024 tax information to our accountant.  I filled out the annual questionnaire and collected all pertinent paperwork for our tax return — 2024 was a busy year.
  3. Contact contractor for bathroom reno.

    Need to get started.

    We contacted a well-recommended contractor who took measurements and started putting our design in his computer.

  4.  Order bathroom fixtures.  I started from the bottom up with tile first, then furniture, then fixtures.

    Angora Geometric 12″ x 12″ Polished Marble Mosaic Floor and Wall Tile has been ordered for the bathroom floor. It will help determine the wall color.

  5.  Get a mani/pedi with a Christmas gift certificate from Charlie.

    2 and a half hours of nails.

  6.  Have furniture delivered to the new house.  Scheduled with Von Paris Moving and Storage who were efficient and reliable.

    Still lots to arrange but we have furniture.

    Not the cheapest but I would use them again.

  7.  Work on choosing exterior color for Bay House so we can start painting/staining in early spring.

    Something like this.

    I have decided on a dark blue stain.

  8.  Clear off kitchen counter.

    Before

    After

    This was the true challenge of the month but I have freed much of the kitchen counter that had been housing all sorts of disparate items.

  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: APPRECIATE
  10.   Write a goal list for March, 2025.

Jo

February, 2025: Aims

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February has a wonderful “love” potential.  I’m not the kind who sets aside special days just for certain activities — holidays, birthdays, special days — I celebrate my love for many things on an ongoing basis.  It’s never too soon and it’s never too late with me.

I don’t need cake — just a little fun.

I appreciate someone emptying the compost and taking out the trash as much as a bouquet on Valentine’s Day.

We’ll celebrate Dashie’s 7th birthday this month.

Here are some tasks that must be attended to in February no matter how much I would prefer to put them off:

  1.  Upgrade the outdoor flood lights at the bay house.

    We can’t figure out exactly how the outdoor lights work.

  2. Get 2024 tax information to our accountant.

    Never know the outcome so I try to submit early.

  3. Contact contractor for bathroom reno.

    Need to get started.

  4.  Order bathroom fixtures.

    Delta’s Saylor Champagne bronze wide spaced faucet has matching shower fixtures.

  5.  Get a mani/pedi with a Christmas gift certificate from Charlie.

    I usually get French tips but am going to try an American this time.

  6.  Have furniture delivered to the new house.

    Just need furniture.

  7.  Work on choosing exterior color for Bay House so we can start painting/staining in early spring.

    The brown roof will stay but the camel siding must change.

  8.  Clear off kitchen counter.

    I’ve been piling up mail, candlesticks, bits of art, etc. in this corner of the kitchen.

  9.  Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: APPRECIATE
  10.   Write a goal list for March, 2025.

Jo

101 in 1001 #6: 2 Years In

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I posted my new 101 in 1001 list on November 4, 2022. I try to include something from this list on my monthly list. My first check-in is here with some details I have omitted in this post. Here is my progress to date — November 4, 2024 — 2 years (731 days) since beginning.

The pyramids and sphinx at Giza viewed from the roof terrace at our hotel.

I have been making 101 tasks in 1001 days lists since 2009.  I have never totally finished one but I have made more progress than I might have done without the list as a guide. This new list began November 4, 2022 and runs until August 1, 2025. My 5th list began February 6, 2020. It ended on November 3, 2022. Fourth list started May 10, 2017 (first list ended 11/13/2011, second list 8/11/2014, third list 5/9/2017) Completed items are in blue, black is the color for original post.  Pink items are plans.  Red items are cautions due to the situations out of my control.

  1. Retire from work. Complete! 1/31/2023  
  2. Start looking for house on the water. Requirements:  First floor bedroom and bathroom, 2 or 3 bedrooms, outbuildings, waterfront, dock, utility room. 

    How ’bout this view from the bedroom balcony??!!

  3.   Get new Global Entry. Complete! 6/6/2023  
  4. Get new passport.  I renewed my passport as soon as we returned from Egypt last November.  It took less than 4 weeks to receive my new document from the date I mailed the application.  Complete! 12/4/2023

    My new biometric passport.

  5. Find a new Primary Care Physician.  I’ve had the same PCP for about 40 years and he has recently retired.  Complete! 1/425/2024
  6. Find a new dentist.  I’ve had the same dentist for about 40 years.  When I move out of the area I’ll need to replace him as well.  I think I found him.
  7.  Find a new dermatologist. Complete! 9/26/2023
  8. Visit St. Louis, Nashville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Charlie and I visited Saint Louis and Nashville on our quest to see another solar eclipse.  Complete! 4/10/2024

    Charlie and I went to the top of the Gateway Arch in Saint Luis, MO.

  9. Solar eclipse in North America between Saint Louis, Mo and Nashville, TN.  Apparently we are umbraphiles.  Who knew? Complete! 4/8/2024

    The moon covers all but the sun’s corona in a total eclipse. (Taken with my iPhone.)

  10. Lead a Bible study or Book Club at home.  Led a Bible study in July, 2023.  Hosted a Book Club in July, 2024.  Complete! 8/1/2023

    We read and discussed The Alchemist in mixed company.

  11. Tour Bureau of Engraving and Printing  Recently reopened for visitors.
  12. Visit the National Archives  Closed except for timed tickets to the Rotunda.  Should be planned as an add-on to another DC activity.
  13. Visit Greece. Charlie and I cruised from Istanbul to Athens then made a 5-day tour of Greece in a rental car. Complete! October 1, 2024

    Charlie and Jo near the Parthenon on the Acropolis is Athens.

  14. Get rid of 50 books. Complete! 6/22/2024
  15. Host a swap meet. This will be challenging since we have moved houses.
  16. Host a dinner party for 6. Complete! 2/25/2023
  17. Learn to copyright (watermark) photos. Complete! 1/31/2024 

    I think I figured it out.

  18. Make a photo album of Mommie .

    Mother (left) and grandmother (right) in the 1940s.

  19. Increase net worth by 25%.
  20.  Adjust automatic reinvestments. Complete! 11/25/2022
  21. Paint landscapes/seascapes on canvas/wood.
  22. Make a household inventory with photos.  Since moving houses we are profoundly aware of everything we own/moved.  Still a visual list would be helpful.
  23. Design Etsy boutique packaging.
  24. Get rid of 5 big items from the house:  Cedar chest, Gold mirror, Saddle/horse gear, Dollhouse, Bird file cabinet,  Skittles game, Easel, Chandelier, Sleds  Complete! 7/7/2024

    This large (about 3′ by 5′) gilded wood mirror sold almost immediately on Facebook Marketplace.

  25. Design and print business cards.
  26. Attend 5 concerts.  Complete! 5/20/2023 

    Love the U.S. service bands.

  27. Paint all trim. Had to do it to sell the house Complete! 9/1/2024
  28. Repaint exterior parts of house that have weathered. Another project to sell the house. Complete! 9/1/2024

    Why is it always overhead and out of reach?

  29. Clean out car.  Complete! 5/13/2024 

    Vacuumed and ready for another trip with the pup. 

  30. Remove 10 boxes from the attic. Complete! 6/15/2024
  31. Build frame for full length mirror.
  32. Give 5 parties. Complete! 6/27/2023 

    At 2024 holiday party Both the Egyptian and non-Egyptian food were a hit.

  33. Paint green vanity.

    Clearing off the top was a good start.

  34. Refinish tall dresser.

    I use my grandmother’s dresser and might like to lighten it after we move.

  35. Clear out mudroom closet.  Complete! 9/2/2024  

    Always a challenge.

  36. Whiten my teeth. Complete! 8/16/2023
  37. Fast for 24 hours. Complete! 11/21/2022  This challenge has repeated multiple times.
  38. Work on side hustle.
  39. Teach Dash a new trick. Complete! 8/31/2023

    Dash lives up to his name when he obeys the “come” command.

  40. Zip line in tropical forest.
  41. See 50 movies. Conclave has been my favorite so far.  Complete! 4/10/2023  
  42. Read 50 books.  34 books so far.
  43. Parasail or hang-glide.
  44. Take a stargazer class or lesson.  Complete! 12/2/2022 

    The Big Dipper, part of Ursa Major Constellation (the Great Bear) was clearly visible outside the window of our Dune Shack in Massachusetts

  45. Learn to forage.  Complete! 11/12/2022

    Turkeytail mushroom on an oak log — just beautiful.

  46. Be part of a TV audience.
  47. Throw away/donate 30 things and do not replace them. Complete! 6/22/2024
  48. Drink 60 ounces of water each day for a week. Complete! 1/10/2023
  49. Try 5 new restaurants. Complete! 2/8/2023
  50. Build deck onto conservatory.
  51. Upgrade dollhouse castle.  Complete! 6/19/2024

    Ready for a new owner.

  52. Paver patio around fire pit.
  53. Clean up pond.
  54. Paint shore house sheds.

    The sheds at the shore house need a lick of paint.

  55. See 5 theatrical productions.  Complete! 5/3/2023
  56. Put outdoor shower at shore house.
  57. Install dual system — heating and air conditioning — in master bedroom in shore house.
  58. Get together with Sister.
  59. Maine whale watching.
  60. Visit Cylburn Arboretum. Complete! 5/17/2023

    We were inspired by the split bamboo structures in the garden.

  61. Egypt, pyramids, camel ride.  Complete! 11/6/2023

    Camels, pyramids and the Sahara Desert were included in our Egypt experience.

  62. Have large painting appraised.

    This painting should be valued by a pro.

  63. Visit Yellowstone.
  64. Visit Winterthur – Complete! 5/30/2023

    I was fascinated by the koi ponds — my favorite area of Winterthur gardens.

  65. Get rid of 101 item.  Complete! 8/4/2024

    Everything has been dispersed.

  66. Host a dinner party for 8 (actually 12). Complete! 7/14/2023

    When storms rolled through at party time we re-set up in the dining room.

  67. Visit Longwood Gardens.  Complete! 6/21/2023

    The conservatory was a haven.

  68. Go to the beach for a long weekend.  Complete! 6/1/2024 

    Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusett

  69. Wash all the windows in the house.  Complete! 9/2/2024

    We have lots of windows.

  70. Maintain my personal weight goal. Complete! 6/17/2024
  71. Build a structure for trash cans and recycle bins.
  72. Clear out the basement.  Complete! 7/31/2024

    I’m leaving the new owners tile that matches installed tile, paint for exterior of the house, and a short ladder to access valves and crawlspace.

  73. Visit Vieques to see the luminescent bay Complete! 3/19/2023 

    A large Adirondack chair on the Malecon in Esperanza, Vieques, PR.

  74. Take 3 Bible studies. Complete! 6/4/2023
  75.  Renovate Treetops bedroom.  Complete! 6/20/2023

    The Treetops room is ready for guests.

  76. Celebrate 15th wedding anniversary Complete! 9/12/2024 

    We celebrated in Turkiye.

  77.  Have a yard sale. Complete! 6/22/2024 

    Glad that’s over!

  78.  Sort out all frames.  Complete! 10/11/2023
  79.  Go to dermatologist. Complete! 9/26/2023
  80. Visit New England.
  81. Work on genealogy family tree.  Complete! 11/15/2022  This is one of those items I work on from time to time — it will never be fully finished.
  82. Ride in a dog sled.
  83.  Stay in a remote place with few services – Dune Shack Complete! 6/1/2024

    The dune shacks at Cape Cod National Seashore are meant to be private places.

  84.  Unplug completely for a full day (no phone, no TV, no internet, no camera) Complete! 12/3/2023
  85. Go on a road trip.  Complete! 7/26/2023 

    A beautiful entrance hall in the French chateau style at Nemours. Over the fireplace “Aimer et Connaître” (to love and to know).

  86.  Declutter shed.  Complete! 9/2/2024

    I’ve been waiting a long time to see this counter cleared off.

  87.  Celebrate milestone birthday.  Complete! 2/24/2023

    We celebrated with a coffee morning get together.

  88.  Re-landscape front yard.  Complete! 11/7/2022

    A few tweaks and the foundation planting looks better

  89. Try archery.  Complete! 4/4/2023

    We all tried.

  90. Take an art history class. Complete! 12/8/2022 

    I learned about the valuable antiquities of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. (I saw Narmer Palette in Cairo.)

  91. Visit friends who can’t get out.
  92. Try tai chi. Complete! 11/17/2022 

    We even tai chied on vacation.

  93. Clear up/organize photos. So far I have just moved them to the new house.
  94. Eat vegetarian for a week.  Complete! 4/8/2023
  95. Free up 10 hangersin my clothing closet. Complete! 5/12/2023

    10 hangers ready for action

  96. Send 10 handwritten cards for no special reason.  Complete! 8/20/2023 
  97. Have ring appraised.
  98. Get rid of 5 pairs of shoes.  Complete! 3/9/2023

    Now some of the shoes on the floor can be stored in a shoe cubby.

  99. Go to a Chincoteague pony penning.
  100. Shred old files. And shred. And shred.  Complete! 7/19/2024
  101. Private

As more items are completed the most challenging remain.

Jo

101 in 1001 #6: 18 Months In

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I posted my new 101 in 1001 list on November 4, 2022. I try to include something from this list on my monthly list. My first check-in is here with some details I have omitted in this post. Here is my progress to date — May 4, 2024 — 18 months since beginning.

The pyramids and sphinx at Giza viewed from the roof terrace at our hotel.

I have been making 101 tasks in 1001 days lists since 2009.  I have never totally finished one but I have made more progress than I might have done without the list as a guide. This new list began November 4, 2022 and runs until August 1, 2025. My 5th list began February 6, 2020. It ended on November 3, 2022. Fourth list started May 10, 2017 (first list ended 11/13/2011, second list 8/11/2014, third list 5/9/2017) Completed items are in blue, black is the color for original post.  Pink items are plans.  Red items are cautions due to the situations out of my control.

  1. Retire from work. Complete! 1/31/2023  
  2. Start looking for house on the water. Requirements:  First floor bedroom and bathroom, 2 or 3 bedrooms, outbuildings, waterfront, dock, utility room.  We have begun seriously looking. Complete! 1/13/2024  

    A view like this would please me very much.

  3.   Get new Global Entry. Complete! 6/6/2023  
  4. Get new passport.  I renewed my passport as soon as we returned from Egypt last November.  It took less than 4 weeks to receive my new document from the date I mailed the application.  Complete! 12/4/2023

    My new biometric passport.

  5. Find a new Primary Care Physician.  I’ve had the same PCP for about 40 years and he has recently retired.  Complete! 1/425/2024
  6. Find a new dentist.  I’ve also had the same dentist for about 40 years.  If I move out of the area I’ll need to replace him as well.
  7.  Find a new dermatologist. Complete! 9/26/2023
  8. Visit St. Louis, Nashville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Charlie and I visited Saint Louis and Nashville on our quest to see another solar eclipse.  Complete! 4/10/2024

    Charlie and I went to the top of the Gateway Arch in Saint Luis, MO.

  9. Solar eclipse in North America between Saint Louis, Mo and Nashville, TN.  Apparently we are umbraphiles.  Who knew? Complete! 4/8/2024 

    The moon covers all but the sun’s corona in a total eclipse. (Taken with my iPhone.)

  10. Lead a Bible study or Book Club at home.  Complete! 8/1/2023 Planning to host a Book Club in July, 2024.
  11. Tour Bureau of Engraving and Printing  Recently reopened for visitors.
  12. Visit the National Archives  Closed except for timed tickets to the Rotunda.  Should be planned as an add-on to another DC activity.
  13. Visit Greece. Charlie and I have plans to cruise from Istanbul to Athens then make a 5 day tour of Greece in 2024.

    Greece is on my bucket list.

  14. Get rid of 50 books. I’m down 34. 
  15. Host a swap meet.

    We have swapped books, soup, and holiday décor — let’s do it again.

  16. Host a dinner party for 6. Complete! 2/25/2023
  17. Learn to copyright (watermark) photos. Complete! 1/31/2024 

    I think I figured it out.

  18. Make a photo album of Mommie .

    Mother (left) and grandmother (right) in the 1940s.

  19. Increase net worth by 25%.
  20.  Adjust automatic reinvestments. Complete! 11/25/2022
  21. Paint landscapes/seascapes on canvas/wood.
  22. Make a household inventory with photos.
  23. Design Etsy boutique packaging.
  24. Get rid of 5 big items from the house:  Cedar chest, Saddle/horse gear, Dollhouse, Skittle game, Easel, Chandelier, Sleds 

    Cedar chest sold on Facebook by Charlie.

  25. Design and print business cards.
  26. Attend 5 concerts.  Complete! 5/20/2023

    Love the U.S. service bands.

  27. Paint all trim.

    Painting the trim is the worst part of any house painting project.

  28. Repaint exterior parts of house that have weathered.  Charlie has started scraping, caulking, and painting.  I’m working on the shutters one by one.
  29. Clean out car.

    I started with the glove box.

  30. Remove 10 boxes from the attic.  Down 8 so far.
  31. Build frame for full length mirror.
  32. Give 5 parties. White Christmas Screening 12/10/2022, Birthday Coffee 2/24/2023,  Morning Coffee 3/10/2023, Disciple 3 Mini Retreat 6/4/2023, Coffee and Croissants 6/27/2023, Dog Days of Summer 8/11/2023, Blintzes and Berries 9/15/2023, Coptic Christmas Eve 1/6/2024, Coffee Break 2/23/2024, Affogato Afternoon 3/15/2024 Complete! 6/27/2023

    Love, love, love a backyard party — especially when the weather cooperates.

  33. Paint green vanity.

    Clearing off the top was a good start.

  34. Refinish tall dresser.

    I use my grandmother’s dresser and might like to lighten it after we move.

  35. Clear out mudroom closet.

    Always a challenge.

  36. Whiten my teeth. Complete! 8/16/2023
  37. Fast for 24 hours. Complete! 11/21/2022  This challenge has repeated multiple times.
  38. Work on side hustle.
  39. Teach Dash a new trick. Complete! 8/31/2023

    Dash lives up to his name when he obeys the “come” command.

  40. Zip line in tropical forest.
  41. See 50 movies. Complete! 4/10/2023  
  42. Read 50 books.  25 books — halfway there.
  43. Parasail or hang-glide.
  44. Take a stargazer class or lesson.  Complete! 12/2/2022  
  45. Learn to forage.  Complete! 11/12/2022 

    Turkeytail mushroom on an oak log — just beautiful.

  46. Be part of a TV audience.
  47. Throw away/donate 30 things and do not replace them. Down 15 
  48. Drink 60 ounces of water each day for a week. Complete! 1/10/2023
  49. Try 5 new restaurants. Complete! 2/8/2023
  50. Build deck onto conservatory.
  51. Upgrade dollhouse castle.

    The dollhouse castle is ready to be refurbished.

  52. Paver patio around fire pit.
  53. Clean up pond.
  54. Paint shore house sheds.

    The sheds at the shore house need a lick of paint.

  55. See 5 theatrical productions.  Complete! 5/3/2023 
  56. Put outdoor shower at shore house.
  57. Install dual system — heating and air conditioning — in master bedroom in shore house.
  58. Get together with Sister.
  59. Maine whale watching.
  60. Visit Cylburn Arboretum. Complete! 5/17/2023 

    We were inspired by the split bamboo structures in the garden.

  61. Egypt, pyramids, camel ride.  Complete! 11/6/2023

    Camels, pyramids and the Sahara Desert were included in our Egypt experience.

  62. Have large painting appraised.

    This painting should be valued by a pro.

  63. Visit Yellowstone.
  64. Visit Winterthur.  Complete! 5/30/2023 

    I was fascinated by the koi ponds — my favorite area of Winterthur gardens.

  65. Get rid of 101 items.  48 down to date. 

    Gone!

  66. Host a dinner party for 8 (actually 12). French Pique-nique Complete! 7/14/2023 

    When storms rolled through at party time we re-set up in the dining room.

  67. Visit Longwood Gardens.  Complete! 6/21/2023 

    The conservatory was a haven.

  68. Go to the beach for a long weekend.
  69. Wash all the windows in the house.  14 down 

    We have lots of windows.

  70. Maintain my personal weight goal.
  71. Build a structure for trash cans and recycle bins.
  72. Clear out the basement.
  73. Visit Vieques to see luminescent bay.  Complete! 3/19/2023 
  74. Take 3 Bible studies. Complete! 6/4/2023
  75.  Renovate Treetops bedroom.  Complete! 6/20/2023 

    The Treetops room is ready for guests.

  76. Celebrate 15th wedding anniversary in 2024.
  77.  Have a yard sale. Planned for Summer, 2024
  78.  Sort out all frames.  Complete! 10/11/2023
  79.  Go to dermatologist. Complete! 9/26/2023
  80. Visit New England.
  81. Work on genealogy family tree.  Complete! 11/15/2022  This is one of those items I work on from time to time — it will never be fully finished.
  82. Ride in a dog sled.
  83.  Stay in a remote place with few services.

    Someplace beachy, I hope.

  84.  Unplug completely for a full day (no phone, no TV, no internet, no camera) Complete! 12/3/2023
  85. Go on a road trip.  Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum, Read House, Jousting Tournament, Monocacy National Battlefield  Complete! 7/26/2023 

    A beautiful entrance hall in the French chateau style at Nemours. Over the fireplace “Aimer et Connaître” (to love and to know).

  86.  Declutter shed.
  87.  Celebrate milestone birthday. Complete! 2/24/2023 

    We celebrated with a coffee morning get together.

  88.  Re-landscape front yard. Complete! 11/7/2022

    A few tweaks and the foundation planting looks better

  89. Try archery.  Complete! 4/4/2023 

    We all tried.

  90. Take an art history class. Complete! 12/8/2022 

    I learned about the valuable antiquities of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. (I saw Narmer Palette in Cairo.)

  91. Visit friends who can’t get out.
  92. Try tai chi. Complete! 11/17/2022 

    We even tai chied on vacation.

  93. Clear up/organize photos.
  94. Eat vegetarian for a week.  Complete! 4/8/2023
  95. Free up 10 hangers in my clothing closet.  Complete! 5/12/2023

    10 hangers ready for action

  96. Send 10 handwritten cards for no special reason.  Complete! 8/20/2023 
  97. Have ring appraised.
  98. Get rid of 5 pairs of shoes. Complete! 3/9/2023 

    Now some of the shoes on the floor can be stored in a shoe cubby.

  99. Go to a Chincoteague pony penning.
  100. Shred old files. And shred. And shred.
  101. Private

As more items are completed the most challenging remain.

Jo

17 to Begin: Almost Finished

/ Jo / 2 Comments

At the end of June, 2020 I made of list of 17 items to purge from my life.  This is not downsizing but rather managing to create a more serene environment.  Almost 4 years later I’m still working on it.

Here’s how it went:

  1. Old belts.  All old belts have been trashed or donated. The ones remaining I have worn recently.
  2. Never used handbags — I sold one and plan to get rid of a few more inherited items that I don’t use.  I haven’t purchased a handbag in years since my sister keeps me up-to-date with beautiful Coach bags.
  3. Old lingerie  —  I have been cleaning out my bureau but have been avoiding the lingerie drawer.  I finally got rid of the pale pink teddy that I haven’t worn for 35 years along with some other items.
  4. Old stockings — 2 drawers of old stockings with runs have been cleared out.

    My new solution for storing stockings.

    I ordered new ones and have found a good storage spot in my shoe tower in the master closet.

  5. Old eyeglasses  — 6 pairs gone to the eyeglass recycling bin at My Organic Market.

    Old prescription eyeglasses

    They are then donated to nonprofits that distribute them to people needing glasses.

  6. Curling irons  — 3 curling irons sold on Facebook Marketplace

    Curling irons

  7. Old hair products  —  Trashed old bottle and cans of products that I haven’t used over the past ten years.  Seriously, why was I keeping them?
  8. Extra plastic containers in the kitchen pantry –I revamped the pantry and in the process purged some plastic containers.  Suddenly the pantry is much neater.
  9. Food processors — I had 2 Cuisinart food processors that I rarely used due to the difficulty to take them apart after chopping, blending, mixing, etc.  I hoped I could make one good machine from all the parts I have.

    The Cuisinart components from the large machine are gone.

    Instead I decided to sell the various pieces and get a smaller chopper per advice from America’s Test Kitchen.

  10. Crocheted doilies  —  These are very difficult to give away.  Perhaps I can find a new use for them.
  11. Old toys  —  Given to my son’s extended family for doling out on rainy days.

    The premium toys have been sold.

    Others have been sold on Facebook Marketplace.

  12. Costumes — These have been categorized and were listed in September and October for Halloween sales for the past 3 years.  Sold one.

    This wizard costume even fits me. It’s wonderfully versatile.

    Unfortunately I’ll need another plan to distribute these costumes.

  13. Old calendars  — Ten years worth of calendar books have been burned in the fire pit.  Three small drawers freed up.
  14. Old computers —  Recycled at a local electronics store.

    The computers are gone; I retained the hard drives.

  15. Excess vases — 2 of my favorites broke, an old wedding gift was listed on Facebook Marketplace, everything else given away. Little by little I’m whittling down my cache of vases.
  16. Old musical instruments — 2 trumpets donated to Elville Center for the Creative Arts.

    Our second piano has been sold.

    My piano has been sold.

  17. Old x-rays — shredded

    Dozens of x-rays are history.

Now I can start another list to continue to remove the oppression of STUFF.

Jo

Framed

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I was framed!: I am innocent, but the situation was manipulated to make it look like I am guilty!

Picture frames are a major clutter factor in the back bedroom.

I had a room full of frames — some empty, some with photos.

Frames are carefully packed.

I’m fairly sure that I didn’t buy nor systematically collect all of them.

3 boxes of frames and glass panes.

Nonetheless,  they were cluttering up our spare bedroom so I just boxed them and put them in the attic.

The palm tree is now hanging in the Treetops room.

I used 4 to frame art I acquired while on vacation.

Looks like I might have a little craft project here.

I found a couple that will make nice Christmas gifts.

A signed print we picked up in Bermuda will enhance one of the guest bedrooms.

I have saved ones that are worthwhile and purged broken and non-useful models.  I had hoped to cut the hoard by half but that was wishful thinking.

Jo

101 in 1001 #6: First Update

/ Jo / 2 Comments

I posted my new 101 in 1001 list on November 4, 2022.  I got busy right out of the gate with items I could easily tick off the list.  Some items take more planning than others and some seem to fall right into place.  Here is my progress to date.

Calmness is a benefit of t’ai chi (#92).

I have been making 101 tasks in 1001 days lists since 2009.  I have never totally finished one but I have made more progress than I might have done without the list as a guide. This new list began November 4, 2022 and runs until August 1, 2025. My 5th list began February 6, 2020. It ended on November 3, 2022. Fourth list started May 10, 2017 (first list ended 11/13/2011, second list 8/11/2014, third list 5/9/2017) Completed items are in blue, black is the color for original post.  Pink items are plans.  Red items are cautions due to the situations out of my control.

  1. Retire from work.  I have retired but have offered to stay on part time until a project (which might take a couple more years) is concluded.  Complete! 1/31/2023  
  2. Start looking for house on the water. Requirements:  First floor bedroom and bathroom, 2 or 3 bedrooms, outbuilding with living accommodations, waterfront, dock, utility room.
  3.   Get new Global Entry. I applied and paid for another 5 years. Complete! 6/6/2023  

    Global Entry must be reapplied for every 5 years.

  4. Get new passport.

    A passport must be reapplied for every 10 years — a buffer of 6 months is generally advised for international travel.

  5. Find a new Primary Care Physician.  I’ve had the same PCP for about 40 years and now he wants to retire.
  6. Find a new dentist.  I’ve also had the same dentist for about 40 years.  If I move out of the area I’ll need to replace him as well.
  7.  Find a new dermatologist.
  8. Visit St. Louis, Nashville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park April, 2024 

    We have plans to stay downtown close to the Arch in St. Louis.

  9. Solar eclipse in North America between Saint Louis, Mo and Nashville, TN — April 8, 2024. 

    Our first solar eclipse was a great adventure.

    Charlie and I loved experiencing our first total solar eclipse in 2017 so much that we want to do it again.

  10. Lead a Bible study or Book Club at home.  Complete! 8/1/2023 Maybe I’ll host a Book Club next summer.
  11. Tour Bureau of Engraving and Printing  Closed to visitors.
  12. Visit the National Archives  Closed except for timed tickets to the Rotunda.  Should be planned as an add-on to another DC activity.
  13. Visit Greece. 2024
  14. Get rid of 50 books. I’m down 21. 

    Little by little I’m whittling down my pile of already-read books.

  15. Host a swap meet.
  16. Host a dinner party for 6. Complete! 2/25/2023

    Sparkly glassware looks nice in candlelight.

  17. Learn to copyright (watermark) photos.
  18. Make a photo album of Mommie .

    Mother (left) and grandmother (right) in the 1940s.

  19. Increase net worth by 25%.
  20.  Adjust automatic reinvestments. Complete! 11/25/2022
  21. Paint landscapes/seascapes on canvas/wood.
  22. Make a household inventory with photos.
  23. Design Etsy boutique packaging.
  24. Get rid of 5 big items from the house:  Cedar chest, Saddle/horse gear, Dollhouse, Skittle game, Easel, Chandelier, Sleds

    SOLD!

  25. Design and print business cards.
  26. Attend 5 concerts: Romeo and Juliet; Brahams, Strauss, and Simon; Mahler;  Bayside Big Band; Rhapsody in Blue; Second Hand News;

    I really enjoy outdoor summer concerts especially when they’re free and unticketed.

    Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra; The Switch; Josh Christina Band; Magical Mystery Girls; BellCurve; The Natty Beaux; Crush; Speakers of the House; Shades of Blue Complete! 5/20/2023

  27. Paint all trim.
  28. Repaint exterior parts of house that have weathered.  Charlie has started scraping, caulking, and painting.  I’m working on the shutters one by one.
  29. Clean out car.
  30. Remove 10 boxes from the attic.  Down 7 so far.
  31. Build frame for full length mirror.
  32. Give 5 parties. White Christmas Screening 12/10/2022, Birthday Coffee 2/24/2023,  Morning Coffee 3/10/2023, Disciple 3 Mini Retreat 6/4/2023, Coffee and Croissants 6/27/2023, Dog Days of Summer 8/11/2023  Complete! 6/27/2023

    Our menu for a coffee morning was simple — crème caramel, mini-croissant, glazed donuts, and avocado toast in the kitchen. And COFFEE!

  33. Paint green vanity.
  34. Refinish tall dresser.
  35. Clear out mudroom closet.
  36. Whiten my teeth. Complete! 8/16/2023
  37. Fast for 24 hours. Complete! 11/21/2022  This challenge has repeated multiple times.
  38. Work on side hustle.
  39. Teach Dash a new trick.
  40. Zip line in tropical forest.
  41. See 50 movies. Complete! 4/10/2023  
  42. Read 50 books.  17 books
  43. Parasail or hang-glide.
  44. Take a stargazer class or lesson.  Complete! 12/2/2022  
  45. Learn to forage.  Complete! 11/12/2022  
  46. Be part of a TV audience.
  47. Throw away/donate 30 things and do not replace them. Down 9
  48. Drink 60 ounces of water each day for a week. Complete! 1/10/2023
  49. Try 5 new restaurants. Complete! 2/8/2023
  50. Build deck onto conservatory.
  51. Upgrade dollhouse castle.

    The dollhouse castle is ready to be refurbished.

  52. Paver patio around fire pit.
  53. Clean up pond.
  54. Paint shore house sheds.

    The sheds at the shore house need a lick of paint.

  55. See 5 theatrical productions.  The Buddy Holly Story , Complete Shakespeare (Abridged), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Hamlet, As You Like It, C S Lewis On Stage, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee  Complete! 5/3/2023 

    As you Like It set for the Forest of Arden — we’ve seen a variety of shows.

  56. Put outdoor shower at shore house.
  57. Install dual system — heating and air conditioning — in master bedroom in shore house.
  58. Get together with Sister.

    I’m the sister on the right.

  59. Maine whale watching.
  60. Visit Cylburn Arboretum. Complete! 5/17/2023 

    The naturalistic but cultivated style of Cylburn Arboretum is a wonderful inspiration for The Glade.

  61. Egypt, pyramids, camel ride. Plans in motion for October, 2023
  62. Have large painting appraised.

    This painting should be valued by a pro.

  63. Visit Yellowstone.
  64. Visit Winterthur.  Complete! 5/30/2023 

    I was fascinated by the koi ponds — my favorite area of Winterthur gardens.

  65. Get rid of 101 items.  15 down to date.
  66. Host a dinner party for 8 (actually 12). French Pique-nique Complete! 7/14/2023  
  67. Visit Longwood Gardens.  Complete! 6/21/2023 

    The conservatory was a haven.

  68. Go to the beach for a long weekend.

    Love watching the waves.

  69. Wash all the windows in the house.
  70. Maintain my personal weight goal.
  71. Build a structure for trash cans and recycle bins.
  72. Clear out the basement.
  73. Visit Vieques to see luminescent bay.  Complete! 3/19/2023 

    Riding on the beach in Vieques.

  74. Take 3 Bible studies. The Relationship Principles of Jesus; Good and Beautiful God; Disciple 3;  Pete Greig Prayer Course; Mere Christianity – Book 4,  Complete! 6/4/2023
  75.  Renovate Treetops bedroom.

    Ready for reno

    Next: paint the baseboard.

  76. Celebrate 15th wedding anniversary in 2024.
  77.  Have a yard sale.
  78.  Sort out all frames.
  79.  Go to dermatologist.
  80. Visit New England.
  81. Work on genealogy family tree.  Complete! 11/15/2022  This is one of those items I work on from time to time — it will never be fully finished.
  82. Ride in a dog sled.
  83.  Stay in a remote place with few services.
  84.  Unplug completely for a full day (no phone, no TV, no internet, no camera)
  85. Go on a road trip.  Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum Complete! 7/26/2023
  86.  Declutter shed.
  87.  Celebrate milestone birthday. Complete! 2/24/2023 

    We celebrated with a coffee morning get together.

  88.  Re-landscape front yard. Complete! 11/7/2022

    A few tweaks and the foundation planting looks better

  89. Try archery.  Complete! 4/4/2023 

    We all tried.

  90. Take an art history class. Complete! 12/8/2022
  91. Visit friends who can’t get out.
  92. Try tai chi. Complete! 11/17/2022 

    We even tai chied on vacation.

  93. Clear up/organize photos.
  94. Eat vegetarian for a week.  Complete! 4/8/2023
  95. Free up 10 hangers in my clothing closet.  Complete! 5/12/2023

    10 hangers ready for action

  96. Send 10 handwritten cards for no special reason.  9 sent
  97. Have ring appraised.
  98. Get rid of 5 pairs of shoes. Complete! 3/9/2023 

    Now some of the shoes on the floor can be stored in a shoe cubby.

  99. Go to a Chincoteague pony penning.
  100. Shred old files. And shred. And shred.
  101. Private

I got started right away on these tasks (some are chores and some are just fun).  I have a good feeling that this might be the most successful list yet.

Jo

10 Easy Pieces

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Free up 10 hangers in my clothing closet (#95 on my 101 in 1001 list).

My clothes need a little breathing space.

That’s the assignment.  Now is a good time because May is the month I switch my warm weather clothes with my cold weather clothes.  Everything stays in the closet but the current season dressing becomes more accessible.

This was a more difficult task than it should have been.

These are ten items that have been selected for discard.  I was planning to wear each one one more time before sending it off to its new destination, but some pieces were just too far gone.

One of my favorite shirts too far gone to ever wear again.

  1.  Dark green trousers with holes in all the pockets.
  2.   Long heather navy blazer with moth holes throughout.
  3.  Herringbone tweed skirt with moth holes.
  4.  Pink blouse from the 1980s.
  5.   Gray and white cotton blouse totally ripped to shreds.
  6.  Long black coat jacket — old and stained with torn lining.

    I was saving this jacket incase I ever needed a Harpo Marx costume — insane.

  7.   White threadbare shirt.
  8.   Peach blouse that belonged to mother.
  9.   Yellow dress with stains.
  10.   White t-shirt with plaid applique.

10 hangers ready for action.

A little breathing space has been provided — provided I don’t buy something new!

Jo