I had prepped by bringing up anything breakable -- which meant set after set of china and dishes, all crammed into the family room on just about every surface -- mantel, hearth, chairs, table. When I scheduled the mold remediation, I decided it would be smarter for me to bring up all the china/pottery/serving pieces than to leave them there for the workers to move -- and possibly break. If something was to crash, I'd feel better if I broke it myself. So, I hauled it all upstairs.
I
realized (again) that I have too many dishes.
This haul basically amounts to at least 10 sets of dinnerware (not full sets, fortunately -- some serving eight or ten, others, just four), plus all those odds-and-ends pieces like trays, cake plates, teapots, pitchers, glassware.... you get the idea. And until I put the basement back together again, it's all here in the family room. I have GOT to sell some of this. Or find a good home for it.
They workers were great, though. Not a thing was broken despite the fact that they had to move more things than I can imagine. And some of it was downright disgusting with cobwebs, dirt and of course, mold. They left everything piled on one side of the basement, which was essential but trying to put things back together is a bit of a befuddlement.
So, I got contractors bags, rubber gloves, a bucket (I couldn't find my old one -- it's somewhere in what they stacked up!), and disinfecting wipes and donned my mask to sort, pitch, (all cardboard boxes, particle board or items with mold have to go), gather donations and put things back in a more organized way.
I'm filling up those contractors bags with clothing to take to the laundromat (because I don't want to do it in the home washing machine) and others with things that are broken and should have been pitched ages ago, along with things to go to charity. It will take quite awhile but bit by bit. It's a big job but the sooner I get it back together the sooner I can take all those dishes back downstairs!
Right now it's a mess -- everything is everywhere. But day by day, one step at a time! Although, I sometimes am derailed by finding things I either forgot I had -- or just want to read, like an old journal or (even worse) themes I wrote in Junior High. Discovering a box of old photos can set you back a half hour! I've finally started stacking those things up to go through later. Then, there are things you unearth that you realize need to be integrated back into your life. Cards you have saved. Theatre programs from my first trip to England. And then there are those things you hate to throw away, like all the award plaques I won back when I was working. Nobody will ever care about those but me -- and even I don't care that much anymore. But it's still hard to let go.
(I have learned that Staples will recycle your computers, monitors and small electronics like VCRs for no charge!)
It's interesting what being productive can do for you. One day a week or two ago, I was a bit depressed. It seemed as though everything felt so overwhelming. So much do do (and not fun stuff), and so many roadblocks that get thrown in, just when you think all systems are go! Nothing was completed -- surgery postponed, England postponed, the basement -- never ending. It seemed as though "Please Stand By" has been the reality.
But Rick reminded me of what I had accomplished and that made a big difference. My word of the year is Action and I've felt like it has been anything but. But he's right -- I've done a lot and I shouldn't forget it. The mold issue has been resolved, saggy sofa cushions were restuffed, and I'm waiting for the final proof from the printers on my book.There is still much to do in the Battle of the Pantry Moths, putting the basement back together, and more. But it's not as grim as it has seemed.
As I mentioned above, some of you know my cataract surgery was postponed due to a positive MRSA test. Keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully I'll be rescheduled soon after my next testing.
And, England trip has been officially postponed until October. Just too much stress to plan well -- and planning is half the fun. I'm both disappointed and relieved.
Meanwhile, when things are down and out, hug a cat. . .
She Who Must Be Obeyed is a fine therapist!
Sharing with: Talking About It Tuesday
61 comments:
OH my goodness! What an ordeal ! Your basement looks huge and filled with lots of wonderful things that needed to be salvaged. We had mold once in our Florida condo. We had to move out for 2 weeks and the mold people had a company come and pack up everything and take it out and get rid of the mold. You've had a lot going on in general. Hope you can address the cataracts soon.
Thank God I don't have a basement. I have a small attic, but nothing is stored there. You are the opposite of me. I am not a pack rat and I am always throwing stuff away. Sad you had to postpone your trip, but life happens. Take care and God bless.
Good for you for getting the mold situation done and the basement cleaned up. What a challenge and lot of work, but it will be so worth it. And then you can enjoy planning that trip. Oh, can I go in the suitcase?
My folks moved from the farm house into town, nice house with a basement. It looked like your when we moved things down there. Mom took care of it just in time, because there was a terrible rain and it got flooded. The Proserve people cleaned it up in no time. But, there was mold in some old books .
You're making headway Jeanie!!!
Can I borrow your cat?...
xo
Time to make lemonade! You've got the ideal opportunity to sort and downsize and with spring coming it's also an ideal time for a yard sale. It took a long time to accumulate all your "Pretties" and you can't downsize and organize what's left overnight. It's got to smell better without that mold and it's got to have a positive impact on your health.
The cat is so cute and adorable!
That’s a lot of stuff, Jeanie. We have stuff too but nowhere near as much as you. When Miriam and I joined households we got rid of lots of the duplicate stuff and are still continuing to do so. Our rule of thumb (not precise of course) is that if we haven’t used it in two years we don’t need it. Why did we ever need twelve Champagne flutes in the first place? We don’t celebrate all the holidays the way you do and we don’t have myriad dishes for every occasion, so it’s a little easier. The real test will come (one day far off in the future we hope) when we move to a smaller place and Miriam has to get rid of most of her fabric and some of her sewing machines, and will no longer have a cutting table and a design wall. Let’s not even think about that!
Hello Jeanie,
Seeing all your things to be moved looks stressful.
I know you are happy and feel safe now that the mold has been removed.
Hubby and I downsized big time back in 2016 when we thought we were going to move to Florida, that didn't last. So now we live a minimalistic life, I am happy with that. Take care, have a great day!
I think your year has been action, just a few bits of action on hold. Hurrah for getting the mold done. That is good news. And although it looks like a huge job, it must be good to get some cleaning done. I'm sure without the mold removal things would have stayed as they were. And unless you have to go through things you only do it in little fits and starts- or I should say that is what goes on in my house. Sorry about the MRSA, but England should be fabulous in in October. Fewer tourist too I would think. And you'll get to enjoy spring in Michigan. Have a super day. :) hugs-Erika
Oh, sweet Jeannie, one step at a time, one day at a time, and you will conquer the basement.
When we purchased the Lakehouse from my siblings, we had a basement to clean out from years of my parent’s things. It was daunting, but we did it along with redoing all the walls in the house. (Every room got new drywall.) Along with lots of tears from me, we got it done.
It’s hard, but you can do it. I am praying for you to feel better about it all. Great big hugs to you!
That's a big job done, or largely done anyway. And you have your furry personal therapist nearby.
I am amazed at all you have done! I feel your pain! I have too many dishes and accessories too! You are blessed to have a basement to store things. I hope all the sorting out and donating goes well and quickly for you.
I totaling understand how you can get involved reading old things you have saved. It is a challenge for me to get through my email each day!
Thinking of you!
Oh Wow what a huge huge job. This task would be overwhelming for any of us. Just have to take each day at a time. I miss our kitty Miss Calico very much still. Hugs
I hope you will put dishes and others in order again step by step.
So glad you got your mold taken care. That is a lot of stuff. Maybe time to let some go, especially if you haven’t used it in a few years. We all have stuff. George Carlin made a fun skit on stuff. Thank goodness, I don’t have a basement or attic. I have plenty of stuff in our garage.
Why do we keep so much stuff..Ive been married for 50 yrs..moved 4 times..every time..purged..only to begin again..I have to look at super tidy so things are tidy but too many and I do donate etc..No one will want most of my treasures lol.
Good for your for cracking up on it.When I go in the photo album cupboard..I go down a rabbit hole...It's nostalgia that sets in.
Bravo Jeanie you are getting it done:)
At one point in my life, I was drowning in a sea of dishes, so I understand that. Now, I'm down to a small antique/art pottery collection, a chamber set pieces collection, and two sets of dinnerware. It was such a relief to get things cleared out. I'm not one for keeping things like childhood drawings or early report cards, and I almost never look at what I've kept. When you mentioned reading a theme you wrote in junior high, I was astonished that you even had it. But I'm a thrower, and you're a keeper, so carry on! At least you decided to get rid of the mold!
Wow, what a huge project! You have such great space to store things, you just need some shelving to help organize. I know all too well about having more dishes than any one family needs, LOL!! Hang in there. As you pick things up to return to storage, just ask yourself if you love it, or would you miss it if it was gone? I still have dishes I could well afford to give away.
...what an ordeal! Is that Fiestaware that I see in your stacks of dishes. Last year we went on a decluttering campaign and still have work to do. I hope that you are enjoying your week.
Staples will recycle certain makes, I think Dell, free. Other makes incur a fee. Worth it though.
Lots of luck rehoming all those dishes! Hard to move nowadays. And great that you remediated for mold, so much better for your health.
I'm sorry you've had to postpone your surgery and your trip, but you have a lot on your plate! (Or plates, I should say...many, many plates!) It's great that this has given you an opportunity to go through everything and do some cleaning out, even if it isn't exactly fun. You'll feel much better when it's all done!
You remind me of all the things I should do, though my “archives” are more in the attic eaves closets where at least I guess mold is unlikely. I’m in awe of your managing to do so much when your health is dicey.
Good luck1
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Wow, you DO have much stuff! We have but a small cellar-block and I am glad for that!
I hope you find some gems to keep going!
I'm glad that you have the mold issue taken care of, Jeanie. Sounds like a long process, but you had some good workers helping out. You have much work ahead of you, but it sounds like you are taking it slow and steady, which can be the best thing. And it will give you a chance to donate some of your things that you don't want or need along the way. You look really cute in this picture, with a content smile that things are getting done. : )
~Sheri
So very glad the mold guys are done and gone! You can work on the purging and sorting little by little. When we don't feel well and not like ourselves we are getting less done than we would have liked to if we felt well. But you have gotten a lot done! Action is your word, for sure.
You will have a hard time purging all the dishes as you guys host parties and have regular company. You will get through it all, though. Be kind to yourself. You know that saying that my eyes were bigger than my stomach? Well, my mind is bigger than my body--lol! I've noticed my mind has much greater expectations/plans than what my body can actually handle/accomplish. Then I get disappointed. I am constantly having to reassess what I can actually do each day--lol! I need to be kinder to myself. Maybe put a reign on my natural optimism in this regard--lol! ;)
Anyways, yay! No mold!! :) :)
P.S.
Looks like you have a talker for a furbaby, too. ;)
Sorry about your eye surgery and trip to England. Wow! I can see why you are overwhelmed. That is a lot of work to get through. For me, I'm a purger. Every year I have a yard sale. I figure if I haven't seen it, used it, or have forgotten about it it is time to purge. However, I can't get Mr. M. to do that. Remember, one day at a time, and if you miss a day so what.
Glad it's all done, mold is not good. Take care of yourself, hugs, Valerie
It seems like a good time to get rid of some of those things. I think maybe your basement was trying to tell yourself. I tend to get rid of things that I haven't used for several years. Especially things like dishes glasses, coffee cups, mugs... Everybody has too many mugs.
It looks like the perfect time for a yard sale.
Good for you, Jeanie - you've gotten so much done. Mold is no good for your health. Bob and I are determined to clean out our small storage room in the garage as soon as the snow melts. It's hard to know what to keep and what to get rid of. So many photos and keepsakes from long ago, and I doubt any of my family is interested in them. We've already given some nice stuff that perhaps others can use to Habitat for Humanity. I just don't want our kids to have to sort through the stuff when we're gone. As we get older we want less clutter and more simplicity in our lives. Take care of yourself and take one day at a time.
That's a HUGE task checked off, Jeanie! Big action there. And your book!
Oh Jeanie, you have accomplished so much! I'm so glad Rick reminded you. We are kindred spirits in the dish category, my friend. You are so right when cleaning out our things we get side-tracked! It's wonderful your mold issue has been resolved and hopefully soon you can plan your trip to England! Now, that's a great thing to look forward to!
I’d say you've gotten a lot done! Glad you got the mold remediated. That had to be affecting your health! Good luck with the cataract surgery. Perhaps England was postponed for a good reason (unknown to as to why at this time).
I can’t imagine all the work you’ve done in prepping for the mold removal. As you put things back, this would be a great time to do a bit of downsizing. I remember you saying that you’ll eventually move to a smaller place. Even if it’s not for a number of years, this could give you a head start. We’ve taken lots of trips to our local Goodwill, and most of it has all been just from my art and craft area in our lower level. It feels good to be rid of it!
What a lot to deal with! The cancellations just add to the stress. But you've done so much, and you are right in saying that being productive and busy does make one feel a bit better.
Little by little, it will all get done!
I'm so sorry you had to go through the mold thing, what a job. Reminds me of moving and all the decisions of what to keep and what to let go. Glad this is behind you and you can get the basement organized now. Probably good you cancelled your trip and reschedule for fall. Fall is a beautiful time to travel. Take your time and enjoy using those dishes while you have them upstairs........
Jeanie, wow that was a huge project. I am so happy the mold is behind you. You have been very active with all of the stuff to move and to move back and organize. Yes, take it one day at a time. Hopefully, the cataract surgery will happen soon. It sure made a difference in my vision. October will be a great time to be back in England. Take care of yourself!
Downsizing, decluttering, recycling - are magic words to me. I'm attached to my stuff and it's hard to carry out the above vital tasks.
It seems you're going to do all that, due to the successful mold treatment.
wow. This is/was an act of determination. You were a brave lady. Someday this will be a memory.
I'm sure having this taken care of is a huge relief! Getting rid of things is difficult. Why do we get so attached?
I think every trip has three parts - the planning, the trip itself, and the recording afterwards. Now my blog is the recording afterwards, but I still save tickets and brochures and things. I love the planning part. It is much easier now that we have the internet. I used to go over travel books and make tons of notes. You'll be happier with more planning time.
That picture of you and Lizzie is gorgeous.
Glad the mold is gone. Woot. Woot.
I've got a widower friend that like you has a gazillion set of dishes. One he's collected has the same name as his wife and he's collected every piece he could find.
Good luck with the surgery when it rolls around.
Jeanie, I know you are glad that the work has been done, but now you will have a lot of work to find new homes for things no longer needed or wanted. But, knowing you, it will get done in time. Sorry to read about the trip postponement, but you do have so much going on now in your home and medically. Sending good wishes that you will be able to have the cataract surgery.
Such a cute photo of you and Lizzie.
Glad the mold is gone, I'm sure you'll get through all your stuff in no time.
I've been slowly, slowly giving away things on "Buy nothing", I've decided that every week I'll donate 3 or 4 things I no longer need or use. There's much to go, but I feel lighter when things to. Best of luck and I hope your health issues resolve soon.
That is a huge thing to check off your list! I would feel accomplished if I got such a big job done, and managed to finish a book and send it to the printers! Be proud. England will be there when you are ready. :)
Jeanie, hang in there! You have a lot to deal with but the way you are taking it will turn out well in the end. We always take so much on and then regret when it doesn't get done right now. Little jobs, each day, will accomplish everything you want without making yourself crazy. I'm so glad you got the mold issue taken care of. Take heart, spring is going to make everything better..xxoJudy
It is a big job but it will be so freeing when it is all said and done.
I have dish problem myself I have tried so hard to not bring any more dishes into this house.
Cathy
Even though you have a mess I know you are thrilled the mold is gone. I wish I had a basement though. I envy you for that. Janice
You and I are standing on the edge of this crazy time Jeanie! I just hate not being able to plan anything. And my mess hasn't even started yet. I too am a bit of a china hoarder. I think it's time to get sorting.
That is a lot of ACTION, Jeanie! I'm glad to hear it was encouraging and not just tiring. Your project reminds me of my garage. My daughter who has lived with and without basements says that if you don't have one, you need to keep things in the garage... and when I had help to get rid of a lot of stuff in mine, and get it organized, it was very heartening. I still have a lot to do, but now it's not nearly as depressing.
Good luck with everything! One step at a time....
I'm sorry that you have been disappointed recently by events that have had to be postponed. It does make us sad when we can't do the things we'd hoped to do.
All of the old memories that are enshrined in photos and awards and essays...these can be so much fun to go through...
Oh dear, I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all of this, but it sounds like they did an excellent job. What a pretty home you have with all those lovely collectibles, and I love the arch of your fireplace. Sorry to be so nosy, smiling here. All the prep work for this must have been grueling, but so glad you have it all behind you now. Rick is right, you’ve accomplished so much, which is something to be proud of and yes, I am keeping fingers crossed that your cataract surgery will be soon. Such a sweet picture of you and your therapy kitty. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that everything will be smooth sailing from here-on-in! Have a wonderful rest of the week and remember, day by day, that truly is great advice :)
I feel your pain as I sit in the small living area and look at a big stack of boxes for bath renovation. I've gotten a lot done and have so much more left. I still have some boxes on the balcony from the move. I don't know when I'll be done with it all.
Sending you good warmth and feelings thru the miles. I know you'll be able to slowly get it done.
So pleased you've got the mold sorted, that is good news.
I hope your cataract surgery can be done soon.
England in October sounds good, you can take time to relax and plan your trip.
Sending lots of good wishes to you.
All the best Jan
I really feel for you---it's crazy what you have to go through with the mess. I was so allergic I was at my son's from the 4th day onward and I had to stay there for over 3 weeks. We still have fans going 24/7 all the time downstairs, and hubby spot sterilized the furnace room again. Hope all goes well, and that you can actually find everything in a years' time. We are still struggling. Hugs, Sandi
Jeanie, you've had a lot on your plate and you've coped amazingly well. I agree with Rick that you have accomplished a lot, though I know it sometimes doesn't feel that way. I have to give myself a pep talk on a regular basis because of similar delays and unexpected things that eat up time. But I always remind myself that I'd rather be dealing with something than the alternative, lol. I'm glad you are seeing your way to decluttering some of what you have though I know it will be difficult. If you're anything like me, I don't like to throw things away or get rid of things too quickly. I must go through each and every item. Given that, it's going to take away to get through it all. I wish you well with the downsizing and getting your cataracts done and planning for the trip. By the way, do they actually get rid of MRSA? I thought it was resistant to treatment. I'm afraid I know very little about this but years ago one of the RNs that looked after my mom told me that virtually everyone has it but most don't realize it. In any case, I do hope it won't prevent you from getting the surgery done as soon as you can. I had both my eyes done 'early' and I'm very happy that is over and done with.
That is A LOT to deal with! And Rick is definitely right! You have gotten a lot done, and you don't need to forget or discount that.
I am seriously impressed that Lizzie doesn't knock over your dishes when they're stacked all over the place like that! I don't even like to think about what my herd would do in a situation like that! I'm pretty sure they would turn it all into glass confetti.
That is a lot of dishes. I have an aunt who can't walk into an antique shop without buying a set, so I understand how it can happen bit by bit! Once that basement is reorganized, you're going to be feeling so proud!
Oof that is a BIG JOB! It reminds me a big of when our basement flooded when I was in high school. We had a crawl space that was PACKED with stuff but it all had to be moved to our garage and then we had to figure out what needed to go. By we I mean primarily my mom. I know they had to throw a lot of stuff out, like my beloved collection of babysitter club books that were in a cardboard box so got ruined... You'll feel so accomplished when it is all behind you, though!
October sounds like a nice time to visit England, though! I know spring would be nice, too, but it's good to have more time to plan!
A nuisance while it is happening, but great once it is finished. Hopefully you will enjoy it more.
Oh Jeanie, you have been busy! I am impressed by all you have done! I could never handle all that! Pat yourself on the back girl, you are amazing! You will be much healthier with all that mold gone, it's dangerous stuff~
Jenna
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